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The 7 Most Important Things to Look for in MEPF Engineering Partners
By Susan Fisher Plotner
Altieri has been referred to as a firm of“ engineers with the souls of architects.” At the core of Altieri’ s design philosophy is a commitment to supporting client vision and preserving architectural integrity through innovative MEPF solutions that respond to the unique challenges of the architecture, integrate seamlessly into the design, minimize visual and acoustic impact, and balance aesthetic, budgetary, and programmatic requirements. The results of this commitment are the reason architects and building owners have sought Altieri’ s expertise for their projects for more than 65 years.
Clients tell Altieri that these are the most important things they look for in their MEPF engineering partners:
Collaboration
A project can be in development for years depending on design complexity. Having the same staff on the project through its entirety helps things run smoothly.“ A great firm will have consistent staff on the project from start to finish and still have that staff available when that client calls again for the next project,” says Kari A. Nystrom, principal at Altieri. The Altieri team values early engagement through to construction, provides consistent leadership and collaboration, and fosters strong working relationships with the design and construction teams. These relationships create a cohesive project environment where shared success remains the focus and challenges can be resolved quickly and collaboratively, keeping the project moving forward.
Project team responsiveness
Responsiveness is fundamental to Altieri’ s collaborative approach. Our project teams prioritize open communication, timely decision-making, and proactive problem-solving to keep projects moving forward. By remaining accessible, flexible, and attentive to evolving project needs, Altieri looks ahead to identify and resolve challenges before they grow in scope. This is especially critical for projects with aggressive aspirations like critical environmental controls or extreme energy conservation such as the recently opened Obama Presidential Center and the new mass timber Goel Center for Creativity and Performance at Harvard University. On these and other projects, Altieri’ s ability to address challenges efficiently, respond quickly to design changes, and maintain alignment with the architect’ s vision, program goals, and schedule is key to project success.
Individualized approach to each project
Each space presents unique challenges and programmatic requirements that must be understood early in the design process. From environmental conditions and acoustics to functionality and occupant comfort, these considerations inform the development of innovative, tailored MEPF solutions. Altieri works closely with architects and clients to address the distinct needs of each space, ensuring that building systems support their intended use while seamlessly integrating with the overall architectural vision and meeting project goals.
Specific sector experience
It is important for engineers to have expertise in a project’ s specific sector. Having the right expertise allows for more creative approaches and innovative solutions. Altieri specializes in spaces with stringent environmental requirements.“ We have deep experience in theatre and performing arts projects and the design challenges they present,” says Michael Freliech, Altieri’ s principal in charge for the Prior Performing Arts Center at College of Holy Cross project.“ For engineering building systems design, strong understanding of theatre design and acoustics is critical to the success of a bold and aspirational program such as Prior Performing Arts Center. It allowed us to anticipate the range of program requirements and deliver systems that met a wide variety of critical program requirements including low noise criteria, vibration isolation, and humidification and dehumidification sequences to maintain a healthy environment for performances, musical instruments, and artwork.”
Fee
Budget issues can make or break a project. Building owners want to know that teams have a proven track record of being sensitive to the budget requirements for a given program. Altieri continuously works to ensure that design decisions and evolving project requirements remain aligned with budgetary goals.
Ability to align with / anticipate client needs and goals
Understanding a client’ s vision is essential
to successful design.“ We are looking for consultants who are good with problem solving,” says Philip Chen, principal and president of Annum Architects. At Altieri, creative engineering solutions bring ambitious architectural concepts to life while keeping the goals of architects and their clients at the forefront. As Ken Wieber, managing director, explains,“ We find a way to make our clients’ bold visions work.”
Sustainable design
The Obama Presidential Center / Photo courtesy of Altieri
Hiring a firm that’ s committed to sustainable goals is not only invaluable but necessary in today’ s world. It is essential to seek firms that have a proven record of applying environmentally conscious practices. An early signatory of the MEP 2040 Commitment, Altieri advocates for clients and the environment by engineering innovative strategies to minimize the impact of building systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, designing the best solutions for each project, and helping clients evaluate building, campus, and off-site strategies including geothermal heat pump systems, electrification, off-site photovoltaic fields and / or solar farms, and more.
Susan Fisher Plotner is senior director of marketing and business development at Altieri.
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