Articles

Figure 1: AI model structures can be categorized by function and capability. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Building Automation and Controls

See how AI can transform MEP design decisions

Figure 1: A 1,000 hp, 460 V motor driven by a variable frequency drive. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Case study: Tips for replacing a motor or drive

2026 MEP Giants - sponsored by Eaton

Is your firm among the MEP Giants? Submit to find out

Figure 1: A graph displaying the harmonics caused by a variable frequency drive and the resulting waveform. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Motors and Drives

Know the common design considerations regarding motors and VFDs

Figure 3: Diagram detailing digital twins. Courtesy: Arup

Building Integration System

Identify how to achieve a smart building with planning

Figure 4: Example of single-ended secondary unit substation arrangement with secondary bus ties for partial redundancy. Courtesy: CannonDesign

Case study: Mission critical lab achieves power redundancy and resiliency

Figure 1: Example digital integration platform architecture with integrated systems. Courtesy: The Clarient Group/CannonDesign

Building Integration System

Smart buildings: The new integration platform

Figure 4: Facility uninterruptable power supply at Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission water consolidated laboratory. Courtesy of: CDM Smith

Case study: Expanding capacity, enhancing safety at a lab building retrofit

Figure 3: Example of paralleling switchgear with touchscreen interface and three generator control sections. Unseen are the hot-swappable, dual redundant programmable logic controllers. Courtesy: Kevin G. Reeves, CannonDesign

Emergency, Standby, Backup

Guidance on designing reliable mission critical power systems

Engineering trends to watch in 2026