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Design considerations for MEP systems

Designing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for a building is a complex process that requires careful consideration of a wide range of factors. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key design considerations that MEP engineers must take into account when designing these systems.

One of the first things that MEP engineers must consider is the load and energy requirements of the building. This includes calculating the heating and cooling load, as well as the electrical load and water usage of the building. Accurate load calculations are essential for ensuring that the MEP systems are properly sized to meet the needs of the building, and for optimizing energy efficiency.

Another important design consideration is the integration of the MEP systems with the overall building design. This includes ensuring that the systems are properly located within the building and that they do not interfere with other building components. It also includes ensuring that the systems are properly connected to the building’s utilities and that there is adequate space for maintenance and repair.

In addition to these technical considerations, MEP engineers must also consider the sustainability and energy efficiency of the building. This includes selecting equipment and materials that are energy-efficient and that minimize the building’s carbon footprint. It may also involve the incorporation of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines.

Finally, MEP engineers must consider the safety and reliability of the systems they design. This includes ensuring that the systems meet all relevant codes and standards, and that they have adequate backup systems in place in case of failures or emergencies.

In summary, designing MEP systems for a building requires a careful balance of technical, aesthetic, and sustainability considerations. MEP engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that these systems are properly designed and integrated with the overall building design, and that they meet the needs of the building and its occupants while also being as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible.

EAST COAST TEAM LEADERSHIP

Garrison Elder

Principal Engineer
As Principal engineer for both mechanical and plumbing, Garrison has 20 years of consulting experience serving markets from the East to West Coast. First based in Atlanta, then Los Angeles, he returned to his native Chattanooga and established Elder Consulting in 2015. Licensed in eight states and skilled in the design of complex HVAC systems, he is responsible for HVAC design supervision and coordination, along with construction administration services, field surveys and building due diligence reporting. While continuing to serve the greater Chattanooga area and Southeastern region, Garrison decided to expand operations in 2023 and merge Elder Consulting with Lam+Tea Engineering of Los Angeles, owned and operated by mentor Jerry Lam and former colleague David Tea. With Lam+Tea Engineering he continues to build on his values of innovation, collaborative partnership, creative problem-solving, commitment to service, and community development. Garrison and his wife of 20 years, Robyn, have two children and reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Robyn Elder

Director of Marketing
With a background in journalism, marketing and advertising, Robyn has more than 20 years’ experience in the communications field. An award winning reporter and journalist, as well as former columnist and advertising/marketing consultant, her passion is connecting people through creative communication. After joining Garrison as co-owner in his established MEP engineering firm Elder Consulting in 2021, Robyn assumed the role of Director of Marketing at both parent company Lam+Tea Engineering and Elder Consulting after the companies’ merged in 2023. Married to Garrison for 20 years, the couple have two children and reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Dillon Grider

Engineer / Lead Project Manager
Dillon has accumulated nearly a decade of experience between his tenure at Elder Consulting and its parent company, Lam+Tea Engineering. As a lead project manager with extensive knowledge in mechanical and plumbing engineering, his design and construction administration oversight covers a variety of project types including commercial, industrial, high-end retail, hospitality, tenant improvement, health care, multi-use and restaurant spaces. Working with developers, architects and contractors, his leadership on mechanical construction projects extends from conception through implementation; this includes analysis, confirmation and modification of project scope, budget, and schedule, along with review of design plans, cost estimates, specifications, and schedules. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning both a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Dillon and wife Haley reside in Rossville, Georgia.

Kenny Pruett

Engineer / Lead Project Manager
With years of experience in the mechanical and plumbing engineering industry acquired at both Elder Consulting and Lam+Tea Engineering, Kenneth oversees the design and construction administration of many project types. These include commercial, tenant improvement, restaurant, hospitality, multi-use and industrial spaces as well as healthcare facilities. His mechanical construction project leadership working with developers, contractors and architects extends from conception to implementation; from analysis, confirmation and modification of project scope, budget and schedule, to design plan review, cost estimates, specifications, and schedules. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Kenneth is based near Nashville, Tennessee.