Parking Design
See every asset
more clearly.
Parking isn't just about space. It's about how people move, interact, and experience your facility. Let's get it right from the start. When parking is overlooked, it can lead to costly redesigns, inefficient flow, safety concerns, and frustrated users.
Walker Parking Services
Local Insight.
National parking intelligence.
Our service lines work as connected ways of seeing the built environment: what is happening now, what is likely to happen next, and what owners should do before small unknowns become expensive problems.Parking decisions rarely break because of the obvious. They break because of what gets missed. Walker's parking consultants bring deep experience across markets, asset types, operations, planning, technology, and demand, helping clients make decisions that solve today's challenges without creating tomorrow's. Explore the map to connect with an expert in your region.
We’ll help you create safe, efficient, and easy-to-navigate parking that leaves a lasting impression. The earlier we’re involved, the more value we add—helping you avoid missteps and maximize performance.
Parking challenges rarely exist in just one place.
They show up at the entry, in circulation patterns, at the equipment, in pedestrian movement, in capacity, and in the day-to-day experience of using the facility. Walker helps clients see how each part of a garage affects the whole, so decisions solve the issue in front of them without creating new problems somewhere else. Roll over the hotspots to explore where our expertise makes the difference.
Parking Design That Works
At Walker Consultants, parking isn’t just a layout—it’s a critical part of your project’s success. For over 60 years, we’ve helped architects, developers, and engineers create parking solutions that improve safety, circulation, and user experience while adding long-term value.
We bring a holistic approach—combining design, engineering, and operations expertise—to deliver facilities that function seamlessly and look great. From new construction to restoration, we guide projects from concept through completion, avoiding costly redesigns and planning for future technologies.
The Walker Advantage:
- Full lifecycle services: consulting, design, engineering, restoration, operations
- Data-driven decisions and real-world insight
- Thousands of successful projects across every sector
Parking is often the first impression of your development. We make sure it’s a positive one.
Our Parking Consulting Services
Planning and Design
Parking Demand and Supply Analysis
Determining the appropriate amount of parking is a right-sized balance of capacity and finding available parking with ease. Excessive parking is not a responsible approach, while limited parking can create strain.
Structural, Drainage, and Durability Consulting
With our long-standing history of designing parking facilities, we\’ve learned ways to extend the life of parking facilities while incorporating as many inherent design considerations as possible. Many typical repairs for parking facilities are attributed to moisture, so how can that be addressed? We design and advise for long-term performance—protecting your investment from early deterioration and costly repairs. Proper drainage directs surface water to the floor drains while minimizing standing water. Specifying and appropriate sealants, sealers, and expansion joints also assist to lessen the possibility for water intrusion.
Entitlements and Zoning
One of the first steps for local approvals includes identifying and determining compliant parking design parameters. Where is parking permitted? Which setbacks apply? Are any alternatives to be considered? Should policies be revised? We guide projects through local code compliance, variances, and approvals to streamline the development process.
Functional Layout Design
There are many options for parking configurations to consider: One-way and two-way flow, parking space angles, ramp quantity/location/direction, coordination with structural members, and stair and elevator tower locations. But which one provides the most capacity while addressing level of service for the users? From drive aisle geometry to parking space design parameter to vehicular maneuverability to ADA stall placement, our functional layouts prioritize efficiency, safety, and accessibility for every user.
Lighting, MEP, and Fire Protection
The complimentary MEP/FP systems in parking facilities require coordination with parking spaces, required headroom, and pedestrian egress. Are ventilation shafts and exhaust fans placed properly? Are the light fixtures properly rated and located away from any joints? Are the appropriate vehicular rated floor drains specified? Is the proper occupancy fire hazard classification identified with the supporting fire suppression system? Thoughtful integration of these systems enhances safety, energy efficiency, and maintenance access throughout the facility.
User Experience & Technology
Pavement and Surface Design
Similar to structured parking, surface parking requires proper drainage slopes and coordinated placement of drainage structures with ADA parking stalls and pedestrian paths. Proper grading and drainage prevent ponding and structural damage while improving long-term performance.
Signage and Wayfinding
Clear signage and intuitive wayfinding are essential to a positive parking experience. A parking facility is often the first and last point of contact for visitors, so navigating it should feel effortless and stress-free. Walker Consultants provides comprehensive signage and wayfinding design services—from concept development through construction administration. Our team creates detailed design drawings and specifications and offers custom solutions tailored to your project, ensuring every user finds their way with confidence.
EV Charging and Sustainable Mobility
Walker Consultants provides comprehensive consulting services for EV charging infrastructure, bike parking, and integration with alternative mobility options. We help owners anticipate future needs and future-proof their facilities—ensuring compliance with evolving sustainability standards and green regulations.
PARCS (Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems)
Walker Consultants offers design services for Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems, from schematic design through construction administration. Our team prepares precise technical drawings and details, assists with product and system selection, and provides specifications and on-site assessments to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
Operations, Safety & Performance
Allocation and Security Planning
Our consultants define access zones, nested areas, and barrier systems that balance convenience, safety, and operational control for tenants and visitors alike.
Valet and Pick-Up/Drop-Off Areas
Walker Consultants offers comprehensive design services for valet and pick-up/drop-off areas in both new and existing parking facilities. Our approach considers operational efficiency, user convenience, and safety—creating layouts that streamline traffic flow and enhance the overall arrival and departure experience.
Automated and Stacked Parking Systems
We advise on system selection, capacity, performance, integrations, and spatial impacts to maximize density and ROI.
Loading Docks and Truck Turning
We balance service access with pedestrian safety and operational efficiency—especially important for urban and retail environments.
Lifecycle Services
Condition Assessments and Restoration Planning
Our team evaluates existing facilities for structural integrity, safety, and operational upgrades—extending their service life and value.
Operational Audits
Parking Operations touches all aspects of the Owner\’s parking asset and is the backbone of supporting the financial viability of the facility. Parking operations encompass parking technology, reporting, parking rate analysis and controls, event planning, proper staffing, facility maintenance, and ultimately, financial and revenue controls. Is the facility clean or filthy? Is graffiti left unresolved? Is the parking equipment functioning properly? Is the facility well-maintained and clean, or are there piles of leaves left from last year\’s fall? Are the financial reports accurate and produced on time? Is the facility charging the appropriate parking fees? Are the monthly expenses within industry standards? Is the operator performing these functions in accordance with the management contract? These are just some of the questions we help Owners answer.
With experience in over 10,000 parking projects across every sector, Walker Consultants brings unmatched technical expertise and a holistic understanding of how parking interacts with people, place, and purpose. Our mission is to make parking a seamless part of your project’s success—from first arrival to lasting performance.
