Firms Dealing with IT

As telecommunication systems become a larger part of facility design—as well as construction budgets—many engineering firms are seeking out the best way to package telecom design services, a technical and professional designation that lies outside traditional M/E/P engineering.

One recently notable approach is breaking out telecom/IT services into a different business unit with ties to the larger firm.

For example, Lilker Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C., a New York City-based mechanical and electrical engineering firm, recently established a division called Technology Solutions Group (TSG), a division specializing in the design, engineering and project management of IT cabling infrastructure, audio/visual systems and security systems.

As Morais Miranda, RCDD, director of TSG, explains, "We believe the synergy created from the combination of traditional M/E/P services and TSG's technology infrastructure expertise provides clients with an enhanced level of professional services."

Bruce Lilker, president of Lilker Associates, adds, "It made perfect sense to add this critical service to our firm's core business."

Teng & Associates, an engineering firm based in Chicago, is also branching technology services into a separate division—Teng Solutions. But in addition to telecom and networking, they are also focusing on building integration and automation.

According to Teng vice president Tom Lohner, P.E., the division will create its own identity, but will still be able to rely on the A/E/C services of Teng to offer full, turnkey solutions.