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The Basics of MEP Engineering

MEP engineering, or mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, is a crucial aspect of building design and construction. These systems are responsible for the heating, cooling, electricity, and water usage in a building, and must be carefully planned and implemented to ensure the safety and comfort of the building’s occupants.

One of the main responsibilities of MEP engineers is to design and oversee the installation of these systems. This includes selecting appropriate equipment and materials, calculating load and energy requirements, and ensuring that the systems are properly integrated with the overall design of the building.

In addition to design and installation, MEP engineers also play a key role in the maintenance and repair of these systems. This can involve troubleshooting problems, identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems, and performing routine maintenance to keep the systems running smoothly.

MEP engineering requires a strong foundation in a variety of subjects, including physics, mathematics, and computer science. It also requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well in a team.

Some examples of the types of systems that MEP engineers work on include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; electrical power distribution systems; and plumbing and water supply systems. In addition to these systems, MEP engineers may also work on building automation and control systems, fire protection systems, and renewable energy systems.

Overall, the role of MEP engineering is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a building. These systems are essential to the comfort and functionality of a building, and MEP engineers play a crucial role in their design, installation, and maintenance.

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.