We have a simple philosophy at SSC Engineering: do the job right the first time. This is accomplished by:

• Detailed reviews are performed by the project manager at each submission.
  
  
• At the 95% level a detailed check of all drawings is performed by our Quality Control (QC) team. The QC team is led by the Project Manager and consists of engineers, designers and/or drafters who make a final check for completeness, thoroughness and coordination using detailed checklists.
  
  
• All work, including heating and cooling load, duct, pipe, and energy calculations is done using proven computer programs. Load output files list check figures (CFM/SF, SF/ton, etc) for each room, zone and building. Sizing output files list average pressure drop per section of pipe or duct as well as per system. Numbers outside of normal or expected ranges are flagged, checked and re-calculated.
  
  
• Field visits are made during design to verify existing conditions and to review the quality of the final installation.
  
  
• Coordination meetings are held regularly between disciplines with meeting notes and follow up responsibilities distributed to meeting participants.
  
  
• Equipment submittals are logged in by the staff administrator. One copy is given to the project manager for timely review and final coordination. The staff administrator monitors review of submittals for timely response.
  
  
• Up to date tools such as air flow meters, digital thermometers, humidity sensors, clamp-on ammeters, recording meters, light meters and electrical multimeters are used to verify existing conditions and to verify that the installed design is operating correctly.
  
  
• SSC Engineering takes pride in a job well done.

SSC Engineering has computer programs that allow us to thoroughly analyze both individual components and entire systems. Computer programs are also used for cost estimating and life cycle costing analyses.

We use Autocad with our in-house computer-aided-design work stations and plotters to produce all of our drawings.

Computers are used by all of our engineers for HVAC load analysis, energy simulation, lighting and voltage drop calculations, ductwork and pipe sizing, equipment selections, hydraulic sprinkler calculations, short circuit analysis, project management and control.

CAD PRODUCTION

All of the full time CAD designer/drafters have at least two years of formal CAD training.

All computers are networked through Linux servers. The servers have daily tape back-ups and a UPS system.

SSC Engineering utilizes a high speed laser plotter, full size scanner, several laser printers and color printers, along with standard fax and copier equipment to produce a high quality product in an efficient manner.

Cost control is a very important part of the design effort by SSC Engineering.
Our estimating procedure enables us to present the client with an expected probable construction cost within a high and low range.

As part of a project we can:

• Minimize the "unknowns" but also weigh their importance with probable cost ranges.
• Provide lifecycle costing with simple or more complex payback and return
  on investment (ROI) calculations.
• Provide a "shopping list" for mechanical options with advantages and disadvantages of various systems.

The Building Owner can make informed decisions based on his priorities.
An example of a decision table for a specific project could be:

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, structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems must work and work to the Owner's satisfaction.