The National Electrical Code (NEC) is updated every three years to reflect new technologies, safety standards, and industry practices. The upcoming 2026 NEC Code cycle includes major changes that impact not just electrical contractors and engineers, but also building owners, architects, and facility managers. Understanding these updates is critical because they can influence project costs,… Read More

Fire Prevention Week (October 5–11) is a timely reminder that fire safety goes beyond alarms and sprinklers—it’s about protecting people first and property second. For architects, building owners, and facility managers, ensuring that both fire protection systems and life safety strategies are in place is not only a code requirement, but also an important obligation…. Read More

In our Indoor Air Quality 101 blog, we explored the basics of IAQ—what it is, why it matters, and how poor indoor air quality affects health, comfort, and productivity in buildings. But as we head into flu season and continue facing other airborne infectious diseases like RSV and COVID-19, building owners are asking an even… Read More

In HVAC system design, hydronic fan coil units (FCUs) are a popular yet sometimes misunderstood component. Understanding how hydronic fan coil units work and where they function best may help architects and building owners make better early-stage decisions when assessing HVAC systems. In this blog, we will go over the fundamentals of hydronic fan coil… Read More

Retail rollouts are key for rapidly expanding a brand’s presence across multiple locations. However, managing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems for these projects can be complex, especially with tight deadlines, varying site conditions, and the need for consistency across all stores. Ensuring that each location is functional, energy-efficient, and cost-effective requires precision, collaboration, and… Read More

UPDATE: California’s Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Code The 2025 Title 24 Part 6 (Energy) code expands on the new construction baselines, for single-zone heat pumps, introduced in the 2022 code update. It encourages electric-ready buildings, for when owners are ready to invest in those technologies. It updates photovoltaic and battery energy storage system… Read More

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are vital to how a building performs, but over time, these systems age, lose efficiency, and struggle to meet modern performance, safety, and sustainability standards. Retrofitting MEP systems in existing buildings is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy use, lower operating costs, increase property value and… Read More

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is continually evolving, driven by innovation, efficiency, and technology. Architects face intense competition in delivering projects faster, more cost-effectively, and with fewer errors. Partnering with an AI-powered MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) firm is becoming an essential strategy for architects looking to maintain and enhance their competitive edge…. Read More

Hawaii is at the forefront of clean energy adoption, with a statewide goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. A key part of this vision includes expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the road. While progress is being made, developing a reliable and accessible EV charging… Read More

Sustainable building design is a growing priority in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry as organizations look to reduce environmental impact and operational costs. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification has become the benchmark for green building standards, offering clear benefits—lower energy use, healthier indoor environments, and reduced carbon footprints. With the… Read More

When designing a storm drainage system for a building, choosing between siphonic and gravity drainage systems is a crucial decision that impacts both performance and cost. Each system has its own unique advantages and limitations, making it essential for architects and project owners to understand how they work. In this blog, we’ll compare siphonic drainage… Read More

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry, enabling more efficient planning, design, and coordination. Among the many advantages of BIM, one of the most crucial is the ability to detect and resolve conflicts early in the process, well before construction begins. When it comes to MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and FP (Fire Protection)… Read More

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems play a crucial role in the functionality and efficiency of any building. These systems account for a significant portion of the total project costs, therefore the design process must be carefully managed to optimize performance, reduce waste, and stay within budget. In recent years, AI-powered MEP design has emerged as… Read More

Energy efficiency is a key focus in modern building systems, and one technology that plays a vital role in achieving it is the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). VFDs are used to control the speed of electric motors, decreasing energy use, enhancing system performance, and extending equipment life. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of… Read More

Coordinating designs across architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) disciplines is one of the most challenging components of any construction project. Communication breakdowns, late-stage disputes, and misaligned designs can cause delayed schedules and budget overruns. BIM coordination offers a solution to this by ensuring that all disciplines work from a single, centralized model…. Read More