Proper Design Coordination Across Trades

The result of a project in the AEC industry can be attributed to many factors. Not only is great design needed for a successful project, but it is also important to exercise and maintain exceptional coordination between trades so that construction will go as smoothly as possible. Poor coordination can lead to inefficient space planning, project delays, or even system failures after construction is completed. There are many ways and methods MEP engineers put into practice to help keep track of all the moving parts of a project.  

Equipment Coordination 

Example of successful light fixtures, sprinklers, and ventilation grilles layout.

Most projects will require some level of coordination while smaller renovations might not. Oftentimes we will see light fixtures, occupancy sensors, fire alarm devices, sprinklers, ventilation grilles, and surveillance cameras on the ceiling. Multiple trades have a hand in that list, and these are only the things that you can see on the surface. Behind the scenes there are ducts, piping, and conduit which are key elements in construction that often compete for limited ceiling space. Below are a few practices that can be used to help coordinate. 

• Communicate with the other engineers on the team 

• Schedule coordination meetings both internally and externally 

• General experience and familiarity of code requirements 

• Coordination drawings, BIM modeling, and clash detection tools 

  
  

It can be easy to overlook proper coordination when we think only of our own trade. It is important to consider the impacts our own design might have on other trades or how another trade’s design might impact your team. Experience also plays a big role in knowing when and what needs to be brought up for discussion. It is common knowledge among electrical engineers that certain mechanical equipment needs power, and the mechanical engineer usually communicates the necessary information to the electrical engineer. In some scenarios, for example, the electrical engineer could be designing an electrical room which may or may not have transformers. The presence of transformers will require additional cooling due to the significant heat loss. Communication can better our designs and help the owner save on unnecessary costs. For example, you don’t want to add a mini split when they don’t have to, and alternatively, have to add one when construction is nearly complete.

Successful design in mechanical room

Busy warehouse showing MEP design end results

Electrical Room

Consequences of Poor Planning

Think of a few recent projects you might have worked on and imagine if coordination did not exist throughout the design process. It would likely be a nightmare during construction for everyone. Construction administration would probably look like this: 

• RFIs, project reworks, and delays 

• Cost impacts 

• Inefficient use of space 

• Jeopardize code compliance 

You would get endless RFIs about conflicting equipment and missing scopes of work, requiring significant redesigning to address these issues. Contractors might think it would be fine to slide a sprinkler head or fire alarm device just a tile over to keep the lighting layout symmetrical, but this small change could potentially affect sprinkler coverage or code compliance without even knowing. Ductwork or some other piece of equipment could have been shown directly above an electrical panelboard in the electrical room. The engineers would then have to move their equipment to give the panelboard the required overhead clearance. It might even be impossible to resolve without asking the architect to enlarge the electrical room which could eat up space from an adjacent room. This domino effect could cause drastic design changes. This outlines how easily something can spiral out of control when coordination is not done correctly. 

Conclusion  

Coordination is a two, three, or even four-way street between trades. It should be routine to set up coordination meetings at appropriate stages of the design phase to help flush out potential issues that may arise. Getting a second pair of eyes to review your drawings can be helpful in catching things you might miss yourself. Engineering is a collaborative effort after all.