Design Process

The design process usually starts with a conversation with the client to determine their goals, expectations and challenges of the project.

This is usually followed by a visit to the project site, if existing, in order to witness the challenges of that particular location, any evident code violations, determine the size, characteristics and conditions of the existing electrical and fire alarm systems and determine if any of them will have to be upgraded as result of the proposed scope.

After obtaining information about the scope of work and the existing site conditions, we will provide a proposal fee contract to the client, in where we describe our understanding of the scope, schedule requirements, services that will be included, a list of optional services and description of our fees.

After receiving a signed proposal, We then proceed to perform a proper site survey in where we make notes of the approximate locations of the existing electrical equipment and devices which we will indicate on the electrical demolition plans. This process ends with a written report in where we describe our findings, code violations, limitations and our suggestions to the client. This allows the client to provide their input on the direction of the project.

As part of the next phase, we will contact the architect, the interior designer and other engineering trades in order to obtain the proposed architectural plans and information about equipment specified by them and coordinate their electrical requirements. This includes lighting fixtures selections, desired lighting controls, motorized doors, motorized gates, motorized projector screens, water features, water heaters, hand dryers, HVAC equipment, specialized equipment (i.e. kitchen equipment, server racks) etc..

With that information, we then prepare our initial set of electrical drawings indicating the locations of all the power connections and develop a preliminary one line diagram. The intent is to allow the design team to make comments about these locations as well as to have an open conversation about space constrains for electrical rooms, location of the path of egress, energy code requirements, etc.

With that feedback, we then proceed to finalize the construction documents. During this phase we will provide assistance to the owner to coordinate the request for a new electrical service or upgrade (if needed), we will contact the local fire department to get their input about specific fire alarm requirements that they may have, we will verify the lighting design meets the requirements of the energy code via a comcheck report, perform load calcs, voltage drop calculations, short circuit calculations, arc flash calculations (if needed), size up feeders, equipment, transformers, generators, etc..

After the construction documents are completed, we usually assist the owner with RFIs from the electrical contractors, review submittal packages and perform site visits at the intervals indicated on the proposal fee. After each site visit, we will provide a report with our observations about the construction progress as well as any corrective action.

We usually end the process by having a final conversation with the client about their experience working with us. The intent is to determine if we were able to meet their expectations and and obtain feedback on how we can improve our offerings.