Balmain – South Coast Plaza
Project Overview
MEP engineering for architects on a luxury retail renovation at South Coast Plaza—Title 24 compliant, discreet, and permit-ready.
MEP Engineering for Architects: Balmain – South Coast Plaza
Luxury retail renovations demand absolute precision. Architects working in environments like South Coast Plaza need an MEP consultant who understands that lighting quality, thermal comfort, and system discretion are inseparable from brand expression—while still navigating Title 24, mall standards, and expedited permitting.
For the Balmain boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, our team provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering for the interior renovation of a high-end, single-story retail space. The scope covered approximately 2,200 SF and required careful coordination with architectural detailing, display-driven lighting, and existing building infrastructure.
This project reflects our role as a collaborative design partner, supporting architect-led luxury retail environments with quiet, precise, and permit-ready MEP solutions.
Project Scope
How We Support Architects
Precision Coordination for Flagship Retail
High-end retail projects offer little tolerance for visible systems or late-stage conflicts. We supported the architect by:
- Reviewing available as-built drawings and validating existing conditions
- Evaluating electrical capacity to support revised lighting and display loads
- Coordinating power and lighting infrastructure to align with brand-driven layouts
- Integrating façade lighting and signage power where required
Our MEP coordination approach focuses on resolving constraints early—protecting design intent and minimizing RFIs during construction.
Title 24–Focused Documentation
Retail projects in California require exact alignment with energy code requirements. Our documentation included:
- Lighting control intent diagrams compliant with Title 24
- State lighting energy compliance calculations and forms
- Emergency egress lighting layouts and photometric calculations
This allowed the project to move smoothly through plan check with minimal revisions.
Our MEP Design Approach
Discreet, Constructable Systems
Luxury retail environments demand MEP systems that perform flawlessly while remaining visually unobtrusive. Our mechanical electrical plumbing engineering scope focused on:
- New HVAC equipment and zoning strategies coordinated with ceiling design
- Air distribution and diffuser placement aligned with architectural and merchandising goals
- Power and plumbing support for new restroom and breakroom fixtures
- Electrical infrastructure for mechanical systems and specialty equipment
Where existing conditions limited verification, assumptions were clearly documented to manage risk and contractor expectations.
Coordination Without Overreach
Lighting fixture layouts, low-voltage systems, and specialty retail equipment were designed by others. We coordinated connection requirements precisely—ensuring seamless integration without encroaching on architectural or brand responsibilities.
Services
Highligths
Why Architects Choose Us as Their MEP Consultant
Architects partner with us on luxury retail projects because we understand the balance between technical rigor and design sensitivity.
- Architect–Engineer Collaboration: Engineering decisions aligned with spatial and brand intent
- Luxury Retail Experience: Familiarity with flagship store expectations and mall environments
- Permit-Ready Documentation: Clear drawings aligned with AHJ and mall requirements
- Risk Reduction: Early identification of constraints and coordination challenges
We act as a trusted MEP consultant, supporting architects where execution quality matters most.
Project Types We Support
This project reflects our broader experience providing MEP engineering for architects on:
- Luxury retail and flagship boutiques
- High-end tenant improvements
- Shopping center and mall retail environments
- Hospitality and fashion-driven interiors
- Architecturally sensitive renovations
Across all project types, our focus remains the same: coordinated, constructable, and permit-ready MEP design.
Let’s Collaborate
If you’re looking for an MEP consultant who understands the expectations of luxury retail environments—precision, discretion, and seamless coordination—we’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
From early design coordination through permitting, we support architects with MEP solutions that protect design intent and elevate execution quality.
Let’s talk about your next retail or hospitality project.