Areviderci, Aloha and Auld Lang Syne

Be it stricter energy and environmental codes, spikes in material and labor prices, alternative methods for designing and constructing buildings, industry consolidation or simply rapid advances in computer- and microprocessor-aided technology, change is inevitable. Over the near decade I've spent on this magazine, these are but a few of the forces that have altered the horizon of M/E/P engineer...

By Jim Crockett, Editor-in-Chief December 1, 2006

Be it stricter energy and environmental codes, spikes in material and labor prices, alternative methods for designing and constructing buildings, industry consolidation or simply rapid advances in computer- and microprocessor-aided technology, change is inevitable. Over the near decade I’ve spent on this magazine, these are but a few of the forces that have altered the horizon of M/E/P engineering for both good and bad. Again, the one constant is change. With that, and with mixed emotions, I must announce it’s time for change for this editor as I’m leaving CSE to pursue another opportunity.

It’s odd that my departure coincides with the announcement of our annual ARC Award winners—the honor we bestow on the firm that, through the triumvirate of Advancing, Reinvigorating and Cultivating excellence in M/E/P engineering, hopefully inspires engineering peers as to what can be done beyond the cookie-cutter approach. This year’s winner is Interface Engineering of Portland, Ore. for its LEED “Platinum on a Budget” design of the Health & Healing Center for Oregon Health & Science University. There’s a parallel between me and Jerry Yudelson, one of the major players on project, who recently departed Interface to start his own company. When I broke bread with Jerry at Greenbuild and gave him the news, he was very excited for his old firm and especially colleague Andy Frichtl.

I feel the same way. For many reasons, it’s time for me to move on. Yet CSE and the M/E/P engineering community will always have a very special place in my heart, and I wish both nothing but success. But I know both have arduous roads ahead. In my new venture, I’ll be dealing with products and systems relating to the architectural side of the equation, particularly lighting. But as I take with me the knowledge that the Center for Health & Healing attests, in order to achieve truly high-performance buildings, engineers need to play key roles in deciding window and glazing systems, lighting, shading and even the orientation of a building. It’s something I’ll gladly convey to my new readership.

And as Jerry was happy for one of his former comrades, I especially wish to hand out kudos to Scott Siddens, my long-time senior editor and manager of our Pure Power quarterly. Scott has certainly made my life a lot easier, and I wish him and all the staff I’m leaving behind the best of luck. I also hope to maintain relationships with many of you as your expertise and contributions to this magazine have been invaluable. Certainly pass along any thoughts to Scott at ssiddens@reedbusiness.com .

But change can be good, and I’m certain new blood will bring along new ideas and new ways to deliver information. But I’m asking you, the loyal CSE readership, to step up and freely offer your advice to the staff and new editor. In the meantime, I raise a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne.