Esther Formula – 4615 Work Circle
Project Overview
For Esther Formula in Lakeport, California, our team provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering for the conversion of an existing warehouse into a light industrial and manufacturing facility. The project includes approximately 135,000 SF of non-storage production and support space and 35,000 SF of warehouse/storage area, requiring a clear distinction between conditioned and unconditioned environments.
This project demonstrates our ability to support architects on large-format industrial renovations with coordinated, constructable, and permit-ready MEP design.
Project Scope
How We Support Architects
Industrial Infrastructure Planning
Manufacturing environments introduce system requirements far beyond typical commercial occupancies. We supported the architectural team by:
- Performing detailed building load calculations and new service application documentation
- Designing power distribution aligned with packaging, casting, storage, and office functions
- Coordinating lighting and controls to meet both energy code and operational demands
- Planning specialty utility distribution to support shop equipment
Our MEP coordination approach focused on identifying infrastructure requirements early to prevent costly redesign during construction.
Revit-Based Coordination
All engineering systems were developed in Revit, with defined levels of development:
- Mechanical – LOD 300
- Plumbing – LOD 300
- Electrical – LOD 200
This structured modeling approach improved interdisciplinary coordination, resolved spatial conflicts early, and supported clear contractor documentation.
Our MEP Design Approach
Electrical: Capacity and Reliability
Electrical engineering was centered on operational reliability and scalability:
- Building load analysis and new service application drawings
- Power distribution for equipment, packaging areas, and support spaces
- Code-required lighting controls and emergency egress photometrics
- Single-line diagrams with voltage drop and short-circuit (AIC) calculations
- State energy compliance documentation
Infrastructure was designed to accommodate future expansion and evolving production needs.
Mechanical: Zoned Performance for Industrial Use
Our mechanical electrical plumbing engineering strategy addressed the unique environmental needs of production spaces:
- HVAC systems for conditioned non-storage areas
- Dedicated ventilation strategies for open shop areas
- Zoning diagrams coordinated with architectural and operational planning
- New air distribution and diffuser layouts aligned with equipment placement
- State mechanical energy compliance calculations and forms
Systems were designed for durability, performance, and constructability in an industrial environment.
Plumbing: Specialty Utility Integration
Plumbing engineering extended beyond typical domestic systems, including:
- Water and filtered water distribution for shop equipment
- Compressed air and vacuum air systems
- Wastewater coordination for manufacturing processes
- Close coordination with the owner’s representative to capture operational requirements
This proactive integration reduced the risk of late-stage equipment conflicts.
Services
Highligths
Why Architects Choose Us as Their MEP Consultant
Architects partner with us on industrial and manufacturing projects because we understand how infrastructure decisions drive long-term building performance.
- Architect–Engineer Collaboration: Systems aligned with production flow and spatial planning
- Industrial Experience: Familiarity with high-load electrical and specialty utility systems
- Revit-Based Coordination: Early clash detection and improved constructability
- Permit-Ready Documentation: Clear drawings aligned with AHJ expectations
We act as a collaborative MEP consultant, helping architects translate operational requirements into buildable systems.
Project Types We Support
This project reflects our broader experience providing MEP engineering for architects on:
- Warehouse-to-manufacturing conversions
- Light industrial and production facilities
- Large-format commercial and industrial renovations
- Adaptive reuse of industrial buildings
- Facilities with specialty utility infrastructure
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 infrastructure demands of industrial and manufacturing environments—power density, ventilation, and specialty utilities—we’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
From early infrastructure planning through permitting and construction coordination, we support architects with MEP solutions that are technically sound and operationally aligned.
Let’s talk about your next industrial or adaptive reuse project.