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Fire and life safety design considerations for office buildings
Understand the unique design considerations within office buildings
Adaptability and sustainability important trends in office building design
Key trends in the design of office buildings encompasses environmental regulations, the “flight to quality” and the evolving nature of hybrid workspaces
Developing future-ready commercial buildings to be sustainable and efficient
Today’s commercial buildings must balance many needs from supporting an ever-growing number of connected devices, to minimizing their environmental impact, to creating an optimal and differentiated experience for tenants.
Project Profile: JEA Headquarters
With a focus on sustainability (LEED Gold certification pending), energy efficiency and resiliency, it is the most sustainable building in North Florida
Offices change, accommodating new work styles
To appeal to various clients and work styles, office building design is shifting
Offices change, accommodating electrical and power requirements
To appeal to various clients and work styles, office building electrical system design is shifting
Project Profile: 2112 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
The team of engineers and designers utilized their unique knowledge of the building to create this space.
Project Profile: DC37
This project involved the energy solutions group to create energy models and compare different HVAC systems on their energy efficiency for DC37.
Project profile: Lakeview Office Building
This new core-shell office building, in Kirkland across from Carillon Point, is set to be the first mass timber office development east of Greater Seattle.
Project Profile: 1735 N Lynn Street
The 1735 N Lynn Street project focused on HVAC systems being implemented to thermally condition the space and minimize air infiltration while maintaining energy efficiency.
Office building design has changed
COVID, employee well-being and indoor air quality issues have all changed the way office buildings are designed
Project profile: Minnesota Army National Guard, Arden Hills Readiness Center
The 149,735-SF National Guard Readiness Center complex serves as the new home for the 34th Infantry Division.
Project profile: Zeiss Michigan Quality Excellence Center
SmithGroup designed a building while balancing the environmental needs of people and machines
Project Profile: Humana Offices – Rosslyn
MEP engineering design services were provided for a high-rise Class A trophy office space in the vibrant Rosslyn neighborhood in Northern Virginia.
Project Profile: Ballston Exchange Office Building
The former headquarters of the National Science Foundation headquarters was redesigned and retrofitted into a mixed-use project to become a part of a growing community.
Expert Q&A: Tetra Tech’s Staci Atwater discusses the role adaptability plays in designing more equitable spaces
Discussion on how to address the gaps between sustainability, wellness, and equity.
Office buildings focus on air quality, energy efficiency
Designing office buildings in a post-COVID world is a challenging task with engineering variables
Best practices in science, technology office design
Within the constraints of the typical COVID-19 office protocols, lab users face additional challenges, which requires designers to adjust.
COVID-19 safety lessons to learn from Shanghai office workers
Glumac's Shanghai employees are returning to the office, but there are many adjustments they have to make getting to the office and while they are working due to COVID-19.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 13-19, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Preventing the coronavirus with preparation, portable coronavirus detection, balancing power quality and energy efficiency, NFPA 101 and building egress, and improved energy efficiency for businesses and vehicles.
NASA Central Campus Headquarters Replacement Office Building and Data Center
Transition to a multi-user 21st century spaceport.
Video: Benchmarking and Operational Achievements at Willis Tower
Rivion assisted Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) with achieving the ENERGY STAR certification, becoming the largest office building ever to do so.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: January 31 to February 6
Read the best articles from the past week. Office building design, NFPA 20 fire pumps, successful acoustic projects, electrical design for smoke control systems, and the top January CSE articles.
What’s so special about office buildings?
Office buildings are complex structures containing automated features, energy-saving designs, high-tech equipment and other components as advanced as you’d find in any other state-of-the-art project
Interior Design: Showtime HQ One of Most Creative Offices of 2019
The dynamic 50,000 sf, two-story workplace offers stunning views of the Hollywood Hills and is equipped with interactive meeting areas, a central social hub cafe, new workspaces for employees with cutting-edge technology, and a state-of-the-art screening room.
Project Showcase: Krispy Kreme Headquarters
Krispy Kreme is in the process of expanding its footprint in North Carolina and giving its corporate offices a modern makeover.
Project Showcase: Chicago Cruise Lines
The new headquarters, a 9,800-square-foot office, is conveniently located next to the cruise line’s docking area on the river.
DGS Natural Resources HQ, P Street
The property is designed to meet LEED Platinum and zero-net energy standards, with such features as radiant floor heating and chilled beams, as well as reclaimed water systems.
DGS O Street Office Building
The O Street property is designed to meet LEED Platinum and zero-net energy standards.
Up and running: The speedy recovery of Houston’s City Hall
Engineers Tom Smith, Hussein Moussa, and Steve Done from Arup’s Houston office responded to a request for help from officials at the City of Houston after Hurricane Harvey.
Designing flexible, complex office buildings
Mixed-use office buildings demand a great deal of expertise, flexibility, and complex technology, making them more challenging than one might expect. Engineers with experience handling office buildings share advice and a glimpse into the future.
Case study: Innovative lighting in an office headquarters
MilliporeSigma's new North American headquarters offices required creative lighting design.
2018 40 Under 40: Aaron Vanney, PE, LEED AP; 36
Vice President, JENSEN HUGHES, Dubai, United Arab Emirates BS mechanical engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MassachusettsMS fire protection engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute With more than 13 years of experience, Vanney is vice president of JENSEN HUGHES’ Middle East operations. He joined the firm in 2005 as an associate engineer in the Chicago office and was promoted to associate manager of the International Division prior to relocating to the Dubai, United Arab Emirates, office in 2009. While in Dubai, he took on the role of general manager of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices in 2014 and has since expanded his role to overseeing the Middle East Operations.
2018 40 Under 40: Robert Henderson, PE, CEng, LEED AP; 37
Associate, Arup, San Francisco MEng mechanical engineering, University of Edinburgh, Scotland Henderson is a mechanical engineer who works in Arup’s building engineering group in San Francisco. With more than 10 years at the firm, he has gained international experience in the design of prestigious tall buildings and other large-scale developments with acclaimed architects. Such projects include the Apple Campus 2, the Shard London Bridge Tower, Athens National Opera House and National Library, and the Parc 1 development in Seoul.
2018 40 Under 40: Samuel Haberman, PE, LEED AP BD+C, LC; 34
Associate Principal, Alvine Engineering, Oklahoma City BS architectural engineering, University of NebraskaMAE, University of NebraskaMBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha Haberman is an associate principal at Alvine Engineering in Oklahoma City, a family-owned consulting engineering firm with more than 50 years of expertise in MEP and fire protection (MEP/FP) engineering and technology systems engineering. Alvine has four offices across the Midwest. Haberman joined the firm in 2008 after spending a year at an engineering company in Colorado.
2018 40 Under 40: David Bhuta, PE; 39
Director, Raleigh Office, JENSEN HUGHES, N.C. BS fire protection engineering, University of Maryland, College ParkMBA, University of Redlands, Calif. After graduating from college, Bhuta accepted a job with the Southwest division of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in San Diego. After 3 years, he relocated to the Los Angeles area to pursue a career in the private sector. After a small stint working for the city of Pasadena, Calif., he accepted a position with a consulting firm in Los Angeles named Hughes Associates, which eventually became JENSEN HUGHES.
2018 40 Under 40: Melody Ablola, CMILT; 35
Associate Logistics Consultant, Arup, San Francisco BS and BA industrial and systems engineering, University of San DiegoMSc international transport and logistics,University of Glamorgan, Wales Ablola is an associate logistics consultant in the San Francisco office of Arup. She joined the firm’s New York City office in 2006 after working for a global pharmaceutical company in San Diego for 2 years. While in Arup’s New York office, she worked on large-capital distribution centers, such as a first-of-its-kind automation design for the Zappos.com distribution center, which was carried over when the company was purchased by Amazon.
Best practices for engineering firm licensing and management
Engineering firms may be required to obtain company licenses or complete other registrations. It’s vital to stay informed on best practices and how to properly manage your engineering firm before providing services.
Case study: Innovative lighting controls
A Chicago-based architectural engineering office integrated an Internet of Things (IoT)-based lighting control system.
2018 workplace trends: Refocusing on the strengths of a company
Focusing on human interaction, fulfilling employee needs, and meeting the demand for artificial intelligence top the workplace trends of 2018.
Hungry for information
Engineers and building professionals are curious and hungry for information—no matter what level of experience
New steps for sustainability: Living building challenge brought to Asia
Glumac's new office in Shanghai is a big step for sustainability and green building in Asia. The design team has overcome several obstacles for this living building challenge.
2017 40 Under 40: Zachary Schneider, PE, LEED AP, LC, CxA; 35
Partner, Electrical Engineer, CMTA Inc.
2017 40 Under 40: Amit Bhansali, PE, CEM, BEMP, 32
Associate, Senior Mechanical Engineer, WSP
What does the future hold?
What are the emerging trends in the building engineering field? Tell us what you're seeing.
Choose the right partner for your lighting application
Coordination among teams, the right design and product specifications, code compliance, and other factors all influence both schedule and budget, which is why choosing the right design partner is critical to success.
Self-powered wireless switches and sensors
The self-powered wireless sensors collect required data to operate large numbers of IoT devices efficently without any need of a battery.
The demands of mixed-use facilities: electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety
Mixed-use facilities require engineers to handle several complex components. Here, engineers with experience on such facilities offer advice on bringing successful execution into the mix with electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety.
2016 40 Under 40: Vance Nall, PE, 39
Division Manager, RMF Engineering Inc., Atlanta BS Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University
2016 40 Under 40: Alex Lofting, CEng, 38
Associate Principal, Arup, San Francisco BEng, Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, U.K.
5 ways to design for an intergenerational healthcare workforce
How to maximize intergenerational healthcare workforces.
Designing, enhancing office buildings: Electrical, power, and lighting
Office buildings might seem like relatively simple structures, but engineers with experience in the field know differently. Electrical, power, and lighting systems are discussed.
2015 40 Under 40: Richard Hopkins, PE, LEED AP, 31
Associate, Mechanical Engineer, ccrd Partners, Denver BS Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University
2014 Lighting and Lighting Controls Study: Lighting in office buildings
Read about these five key findings from the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Lighting and Lighting Controls Study.
Wireless sensor unit for lighting
The wireless sensor unit provides full digital passive infrared, light level, and temperature sensing combined with a distributed intelligence control's architecture and wireless communication.
Project profile: Headquarters electrical improvement
System upgrades for a 16-story office building will help reduce electrical costs.
LED floodlight series
The FLL and FXL LED floodlights are designed for office buildings, safety/security, and other applications and are listed to UL1598 for use in wet locations and are DLC qualified.
2014 40 Under 40: Jeff Oke, PE, LEED AP, 36
Project Executive, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Naperville, Ill.
Simulating daylighting
Glumac implemented daylighting control to achieve energy savings for their Portland headquarters.
Creating efficient office lighting
An example of an office that used energy modeling for HVAC load analysis and a lighting optimization simulation analysis.
What I learn each year from the MEP Giants
The 100 consulting engineer firms that make the MEP Giants list each year can teach us all a few tricks of the trade.
Achieving daylighting credits for LEED
Learn the steps to achieve points for the U.S. Green Building Council LEED EQc8.1: Daylight and Views – Daylight credit.
Achieving daylighting credits for LEED: Glossary and definitions
Explaining precise meanings for terminology when analyzing daylighting in AGi32.
TLC Engineering for Architecture names three principals
TLC Engineering for Architecture named Aimee Weiner, Mark Murphy, and Cheryl A. Maze, three longtime associates with the firm, as principals.
ESD promotes four to VP
Environmental Systems Design has promoted industry veterans Efren Molina, Tony Kempa, Austin Bredow, and Richard Winters to vice president.
Buro Happold appoints director of technical engineering
John Pulley has been appointed by Buro Happold to lead the firm's U.S. offices in knowledge management and sharing the firm's intellectual assets.
Syska Hennessy hires Mike Rosenberg
Mike Rosenberg has been hired to lead Syska's regional commissioning practice from the Chicago office.
WSP Flack + Kurtz names senior associate
Nathan Wesselius, a mechanical and refrigeration engineer, has been named as a senior associate at WSP Flack + Kurtz in the firm's Seattle office.
NEBB appoints 2013 board of directors
The National Environmental Balancing Bureau appointed Stanley Fleischer to lead the board as its president for 2013. Robert Linder will serve as president-elect.
TLC announces new directors
TLC Engineering for Architecture has named Mark Gelfo the Director of Business Development and Sustainability; Rafi Wartan as the Director for the Jacksonville office; and Cheryl Maze as Corporate Marketing and Branding Manager.
Coffman Engineers names managing principal
Arvind Nerurkar has been named the managing principal for Coffman Engineers' Seattle office.
EwingCole expands leadership team
EwingCole has added Patrick Brunner as Managing Principal and Andrea Zeitman Adamson as Director of Business Development for the Washington, D.C., office.
Consulting firm hires three to Virginia office
Skelly and Loy has hired Rex A. Peppler, PE, Darryl L. White, and Paul J. Fischer to the firm's Wise, Va., office.
Girard Engineering names principals
Girard Engineering has named David Schaeffer and Susan Sheridan as principals with the firm.
2017 40 Under 40: Gayle Davis, PE, CxA, 32
Project Manager, Stanley Consultants
2017 40 Under 40: Jeffrey Landreth, PE, LEED AP, CEA, CEM, CPMP, BEAP, BEMP, ENV SP; 35
Principal, Director of Energy and Sustainability, tk1sc
2017 40 Under 40: Brian Coffield, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 36
Principal, Lead Mechanical Engineer, SmithGroupJJR, Washington
Training Lacking for Branch Managers
Even though the vast majority of firm leaders agree that satellite office managers need to have a more developed skill set than project managers, it is the latter group that is much more likely to receive leadership and management training, concludes the Natick, Mass.-based market research firm ZweigWhite.
Project News
Boston-based Vanderweil Engineers recently opened an office in downtown Baltimore. The new location will enable the firm to expand further into the mid-Atlantic region. Vanderweil also plans to recruit professional and administrative staff to the new office over the next several months. The Baltimore office is located at 231 E.
GSA Needs May Exceed D.C. Real Estate Offerings
Stricter security requirements for federal facilities combined with a growing need for office space may trigger a building boom in the Washington, D.C. area, according to a study recently completed by Delta Associates, Alexandria, Va., the research affiliate of real estate firm Transwestern Commercial Services.
FMI Predicts Some Economic Recovery This Year
Digging out from the recession, construction activity in the hotel, retail and industrial sectors is expected to emerge from growth slumps this year, although it will take until 2003 for the office sector to recover, predicts FMI in a recently released construction outlook report.
