An integrated approach to engineering building infrastructure systems

By Wayne B. Howell, P.E., C.E.M., MG Engineering

WG Engineering’s method of project design is a complete delivery of coordinated, comprehensive design documents to our clients beyond that provided by typical engineering firms. Our firm not only provides design capabilities for building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, but we also offer our clients the expertise of our in-house teams delivering energy modeling, commissioning, and LEED project management. We also offer lighting design and comprehensive integrated technology, audio visual, and premise security design through MGE Lighting Design Collaborative and Unified Technologies Corporation. This approach allows us to provide work for all project types, market sectors, and specialty services with seamless coordination. Our expertise touches on the following markets: high riser commercial and residential, healthcare, life science, educational, retail, hospitality, mission critical, industrial, and central energy plants.

Our integrated design services approach includes:

Engineering mechanical systems, instrumentation and automation, renewable energy, heat recovery, ventilation and exhaust systems, and specialty systems for sensitive controlled environments. This includes industrial exhaust, smoke evacuation, stair pressurization, operating rooms, data centers, and specific environmental control for specialty manufacturing facilities.

Engineering plumbing systems, sanitary, grease and chemical waste and vent systems, storm drainage, domestic water, water filtration and polishing systems, natural gas distribution, medical and laboratory gases, grey water, compressed air and vacuum systems.

Engineering fire protection systems, automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems, automatic fire pumps, dry pipe systems for areas subject to freezing, preaction systems for sensitive controlled areas and aerosol fire suppression.

Engineering fire alarm/life safety systems, fire detection/alarm systems, smoke evacuation and control, emergency communication, and Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) systems.

Engineering electrical systems, power distribution, stand-by power plants, uninterruptible power supplies, special grounding, emergency and standby generators, switchgear, and paralleling gear for all building systems.

Building energy performance system operation, utility and energy audits, extensive commissioning capabilities, and certified inspection services for certain jurisdictions.

MGE is set apart from other engineering firms due to consistent executive leadership involvement, the passion for engineering, commitment to our clients and additional design services for building systems normally handled utilizing generic drawings and specifications. Our design professionals specialize in these systems to provide detailed selection, and construction criteria ensuring projects designed function correctly without the need for third-party consultants.

MGE LDC (Lighting Design Collaborative), routinely works with architects to develop, provide, and detail lighting fixtures, including specialty and custom light fixture specifications required to meet the visual architectural intent of spaces, artwork, and architectural features desired by the architect and project owners. MGE LDC is not limited to office spaces, having performed lighting design services in numerous sectors, including residential developments, healthcare facilities, laboratories, national and historic landmarks, iconic buildings, airports, bridges, transportation systems, and award-winning architectural projects. Performing computer calculations and renderings for lighting systems is a routine part of our process to ensure control and functionality.

MGE UTC (Unified Technologies Corporation), routinely provides detailed design services for building IT/AV/Security systems, including IT Consulting and services, integrated security systems, wireless technology systems, Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS), Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), and audiovisual systems.

Our unified, internal, coordinated approach to design for all projects allow us to provide fully coordinated, operational and functioning design for all project types in a multitude of sectors. We are a unified approach to engineering consultancy.

Wayne B. Howell, P.E., C.E.M., is managing director of MG Engineering’s Philadelphia office, where he brings more than 33 years of industry experience and national licensure to lead operations and support the firm’s strategic growth.