An Introduction to MEP Design and Integration Management

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems are vital to building construction. Whether public or privately owned, building systems are advancing to include more of the smart technologies we use every day.

A building’s MEP systems essentially act as its heart and brain. They control the heating, cooling, lighting and other systems that contribute to the overall environment of the building. As smart technologies integrate into MEP systems, they’re becoming programmable – giving owners control over the operations and efficiency of their assets.

MEP impacts on design and risk mitigation

MEP systems dictate how a building will operate. Although they’re largely unseen, they play an essential role in determining a facility’s energy efficiency, operational costs, environmental comfort and overall sustainability.

The integration of MEP systems into building projects is especially important. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for engineering and architectural disciplines to develop building system designs separately. However as smart building designs gain popularity, civil, structural, architectural, MEP and interior design disciplines are joining forces. This more collaborative approach enables design teams to coordinate the design and integration of smart building systems in a more efficient and sustainable way.

By taking a more integrated approach to MEP, architects and engineers can recognize potential problems in the early design stages; enabling them to reduce costly change orders or unexpected setbacks during construction. A collaborative approach to MEP integration also helps teams minimize conflicts and mitigate project risks including energy use, authority requirements, appropriateness of external services and more. To best manage these potential risks, project owners should consider engaging an experienced MEP Manager in the early planning phases of a project.

Benefits of BIM in MEP design

At this stage, you may be wondering when smart technologies come into play. Traditional MEP design development can be tedious and time consuming. MEP systems are huge and require a lot of coordination among disciplines. Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, however, assists teams by presenting visual models of how MEP systems are laid out in a building and how they’ll interact with each other. BIM enables architectural and engineering disciplines to combine their designs into a 3D model that clearly depicts how a building will come together prior to construction. BIM also enables teams to detect clashes or design discrepancies, giving them the opportunity to find solutions early enough in the design process to avoid complications with construction or future operations. Some of the added benefits of smart technology such as BIM include the ability to:

1. identify the footprint of MEP equipment, so design teams can find enough space or a location that doesn’t impact other services or disciplines.
2. locate MEP system clashes. BIM enables teams to see areas of congestion or clashes that may require structural design changes to accommodate each system.
3. implement the highest quality international MEP standards and avoid unnecessary expenses due to rework.

The role of an MEP manager

To ensure MEP systems are successfully designed, installed and delivered, owners can seek the support of an MEP manager. A skilled MEP manager recognizes that the effective integration of each discipline into MEP system design requires a multifaceted knowledge of MEP systems and interactive approach to communication and problem-solving. The MEP manager will facilitate the coordination of each discipline and guide teams through a collaborative and engaging design development process. They will also manage project constraints to ensure all project deliverables are executed successfully and align with the owner’s objectives and project goals.

The primary role of an MEP manager is to oversee the successful integration of all disciplines and to deliver a functional, operational and comfortable space. Over the course of my career, I’ve developed a guide to direct MEP teams toward successful collaboration during design, which includes:

1. coordinating and supporting the integration of project designs with those developed by MEP designers.
2. identifying the scope of work and coordinating tasks with the technical teams, designers and project owner.
3. defining a project’s concept design and identifying and testing various operational scenarios and use cases.
4. defining how each MEP system will contribute logically, functionally and operationally to the project.
5. providing support to project owners throughout design reviews and the value management process to ensure the project budget is met.
6. generating a project schedule and facilitating all forecasted MEP activity.
7. ensuring the project and all its deliverables satisfy the owner’s objectives and align with the highest MEP quality standards.

Technology and building systems are advancing and their integration into the construction process is becoming more complex. There was a time when construction consisted of bricks and mortar, but now buildings contain several complex technologies and operating systems. As the industry shifts its focus to smarter, more sustainable building systems, there is a growing need for effective MEP management. Each discipline is vital to a project’s delivery, but to work effectively, experts also need to work collaboratively.

MEP system design and implementation mirrors the necessary partnership that marries architects, design teams, stakeholders and project owners. An MEP manager can support your project by stepping into a leadership role and providing your MEP team with a neutral point of contact that will guide the design, integration, construction and delivery of your facility. If you or your team are experiencing challenges with MEP design, contact enquiries@colliersprojectleaders.com to explore how we can help you achieve your project goals.