The importance of engineering systems for a project cannot be overstated since their costs represent 30% to 50% of the costs of construction and they will occupy a significant amount of the space. Engineering systems represent significant continuing costs in both the cost of energy to operate them and the cost to maintain them.

Even though a building or project may have complex requirements we endeavor to achieve simplicity in our solutions. Simple systems provide an easily maintained and operated facility. We work in parallel with the architectural staff and the owner. Engineering must be very much involved right from the beginning of each project. We work with the architect as an integral team. This insures that critical areas such as floor-to-floor heights and space requirements can be accounted for and included in preliminary budgets instead of being "surprises" later in the design process.

SSC Engineering takes an interactive approach with each owner. This means we review our work with the owner as the design proceeds. There will be reviews at the end of each phase of schematics, design development, and construction documents as well as continuous involvement along the way through each phase.

Important issues are considered such as equipment which will have a long lead time. Code issues including ADA requirements, seismic requirements, and local zoning ordinances are part of our design. Energy use is an important part of any project. We think it goes without saying that energy efficiency is part of our normal course of design as well. We select lighting systems for optimal energy efficiency. We have analyzed heat recovery of various types including glycol run around, heat wheels, heat pipes and sheet metal heat recovery devices. We have studied and provided documents for both air and water side economizers for "free cooling". We have optimized controls and operation for the individual systems and central plants that we have designed.

SSC Engineering is a LEEDs accredited firm. Proper ventilation for code compliance and indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as comfort conditions are all considerations in our design.

Thus, even though engineering systems are comprised largely of the "things you can not see", they represent a major component of a project and must play a significant role in all design phases. The bottom line is that the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems must work and work to the Owner's satisfaction.