One of the firm’s divisions -- Bernstein / Althofer Financial Facilities Design --
provides comprehensive architectural services for financial institutions such as banks, brokerages
and investment firms, with a special emphasis on the design of trading operations and trading
furniture.

Combining Mr. Althofer’s over twenty years of experience designing and consulting exclusively for
financial firms, including over one hundred trading room projects for some of the nation’s leading
financial institutions, both here and abroad, with our own expertise in architectural services has
enabled us to create a full-service firm which can bridge the gap between the facilities and IT
communities.

Bernstein / Althofer will undertake, as the client requires, the full range of design and consulting
services or any part thereof, from design of the trading desk to design of the entire facility and
coordination of all consultants on the project. No matter what the scope of the assignment,
cost-effectiveness is one of our top priorities.

Programming: We speak the language of the trader, and we know how and when to interview traders
in order to obtain comprehensive planning requirements, and we know how to interpret them. We
always conduct joint interviews with IT personnel and/or IT consultants.

Strategic Space Allocation: We compute and analyze space requirements data to effect optimal
space allocations, in terms of changes and expansion, in terms of mechanical electrical systems,
and in terms of cable routing.

Planning: During the planning and design phases we work closely with client personnel and
consultants to arrive at the best possible layout: we understand the impact of HVAC distribution and
cable plant (sub floor) on ceiling height constraints and challenges for an effective lighting design.

Ergonomics: We take seriously the ergonomic challenges of an intense trading environment and
we address these in the layout: we aim to balance the need for trader proximity and accessibility
(both visual and acoustic) resulting in a lack of privacy, with a layout approach that improves sightlines
and working relationships while at the same time giving a sense of comfort to the individual.
Lighting design is an important part of this endeavor.

Desktop Equipment: We understand desktop requirements and the technologies that deliver voice
and data. We are familiar with the latest data display and voice communication technology, and
we integrate all equipment into an ergonomic desk design.

Desk Support Equipment: We are equally familiar with the complex interface requirements between
the desk top and the power and cable plant beneath the floor: CPU placement, patch panels, cable
routing and electrical distribution within the desk. We understand the absolute necessity for immediate
and unobstructed access to all equipment for maintenance and repair.

Future Trends: We constantly keep abreast of advances in trading technology and their impact
on working relationships between traders and, ultimately, the physical environment of the trading
room, and, anticipating these challenges rather than responding to them, we develop innovative
layouts and desk design solutions.