Blog

Over the past 25 years, I have been asked countless times by family, friends, and clients, “What do you do as a consulting engineer?” A consulting engineering by definition is:   “A professional service that provides independent expertise in engineering, science, and related areas to governments, industries, developers, and construction firms. Engineering consultants work with … Continue reading “Consulting Engineering – What Does That Mean?”

An experienced MEP firm understands the impacts that we have on a building and the building owner. This starts at design, continues throughout construction and the maintenance of the building. The Owner is putting a huge investment into a new or existing building. Being able to translate their needs into a design can be an … Continue reading “The Secret Sauce to a Satisfied Building Owner”

There is one chance in a building’s life to have all systems addressed at once; that is during its original design and construction. After that point, any renovation, replacement, or improvement will only alter a portion of the original building systems. The HVAC, plumbing, and lighting must agree with the existing structure and architecture. Each … Continue reading “Building Systems – Always Phased”

Why do I need a Project Manager in my consultant’s office? In today’s world, a Project Manager (PM) is a necessary member of your engineering team because of the evolving nature of the design marketplace. The PM fills a crucial role in our industry and in our company. They plan the work despite continuous changes … Continue reading “Why Do We Need Project Managers?”

One of the biggest risks when buying a building is unforeseen problems with the property. Of those unforeseen issues, the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems represent a significant risk. Power outages, cold/hot work spaces, and leaking pipes are just a few of the issues that you may experience with existing MEP systems, and the … Continue reading “Do you need a property condition assessment?”

How much energy should your building use? Is its usage comparable to similar buildings? How can you reduce it? These are relative questions and sometimes hard to quantify and assess, especially if you only own or occupy one building. However, the answers could identify potential savings for your business and reduce your building’s impact on … Continue reading “How much energy should your building use?”

Choosing the right HVAC system for your building may not be an easy task, complicated by the fact that there is no “right” answer. There are many types of HVAC systems and all have unique attributes. It is important to consider the application, use, and project’s goals to determine which characteristics, and ultimately which system, … Continue reading “What’s the right HVAC system for your building?”

In an engineering firm, professionalism is key to earning the trust of clients. Professional engineers are hired because of a distinct skillset earned through years of education and experience. Professional engineering firms provide skills and consulting services, and clients trust them for advice and guidance. Often, professional engineers are advising clients on decisions that cost … Continue reading “Standing Out as a Professional”

Understanding the costs of conducting business is critical to the profitability of that business. One aspect that is often overlooked is the maintenance and replacement of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. These systems are easy to overlook because the expenses to maintain them seem optional. If you skip a month or year you may … Continue reading “Planning for MEP System Capital and Operating Expenses”