MEP Engineering for Architects | Carlthorp School Expansion
Project Overview
MEP engineering for architects on a K–12 multi-purpose building—auditorium, gym, parking, and future-ready campus systems.
MEP Engineering for Architects: Carlthorp School
Designing a multi-purpose building on an active K–12 campus requires more than technical compliance—it demands foresight, adaptability, and disciplined coordination across diverse program uses. Architects leading these projects need an MEP consultant who understands how performance, constructability, and future flexibility shape successful campus facilities.
For the Carlthorp School in Santa Monica, our team provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage engineering for a new, ground-up multi-purpose building designed to support academic, athletic, and community functions. The project integrates large assembly spaces, structured parking, and outdoor improvements into a cohesive campus environment while maintaining clear pathways for permitting and construction.
This project highlights our role as a collaborative design partner, supporting architect-led campus design with technically sound, permit-ready MEP solutions.
Project Scope
How We Support Architects
Coordinating Complex, Multi-Use Program Spaces
The new building consolidates a wide range of occupancies under one roof, including:
- 300-seat auditorium
- Basketball court gymnasium
- Subterranean parking for 60+ vehicles
- Adult and child restrooms
- 80-person community meeting space
- Breakout rooms and private offices
- Expansion of the outdoor field
Each space carries distinct load, ventilation, acoustical, and operational requirements. Our MEP coordination approach ensured systems were aligned with architectural intent while remaining constructable and code-compliant.
Integrated Electrical and Low-Voltage Planning
Educational facilities increasingly depend on technology, flexibility, and future scalability. Our electrical and low-voltage coordination included:
- Building load calculations and new service application drawings
- Interior and exterior lighting, controls, and emergency egress photometrics
- Power distribution for assembly, athletic, and support spaces
- Coordination for solar photovoltaic systems and EV charging infrastructure
- Clear integration of IT and low-voltage pathways with architectural layouts
This early coordination reduced late-stage conflicts and protected long-term campus functionality.
Our MEP Design Approach
Process-Driven, Future-Ready Engineering
Our mechanical electrical plumbing engineering strategy emphasized clarity, flexibility, and long-term value:
- HVAC zoning tailored to large-volume and high-occupancy spaces
- Main air distribution systems coordinated with structure and acoustics
- Exhaust systems designed for current needs with provisions for future program changes
- Plumbing systems sized for assembly, athletic, and community uses
- Storm drainage and LID coordination aligned with civil design intent
Where future adaptability was anticipated—such as exhaust chases for potential tenant or program changes—we incorporated infrastructure early to minimize future disruption.
Energy Compliance and Sustainability Alignment
We prepared all required California Title 24 energy compliance documentation, including:
- Electrical and mechanical energy calculations
- Envelope modeling and compliance forms
- Coordination to support sustainability goals without over-complicating systems
This ensured a smooth plan-check process while positioning the building for long-term operational efficiency.
Services
Highligths
Why Architects Choose Us as Their MEP Consultant
Architects partner with us on education and institutional projects because we understand how engineering decisions impact campus usability, schedules, and risk.
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Architect–Engineer Collaboration: Systems designed around spatial and programmatic intent
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Education Experience: Familiarity with assembly, athletic, and campus environments
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Permit-Ready Documentation: Clear drawings aligned with AHJ expectations
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Future Flexibility: Infrastructure designed to accommodate evolving needs
We function as a collaborative MEP consultant, supporting architectural leadership from early design through permitting.
Project Types We Support
This project reflects our broader experience providing MEP engineering for architects on:
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K–12 and private school campuses
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Multi-purpose academic and community buildings
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Gymnasiums and auditoriums
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Structured parking and campus-integrated facilities
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Phased campus expansion projects
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 complexity of campus-based projects—where performance, flexibility, and long-term planning matter—we’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
From early coordination through permitting, we support architects with MEP solutions that strengthen design intent and support enduring campus environments.
Let’s talk about your next education or institutional project.