There are a lot of changes going on within the construction industry at the moment, and a lot of these changes are being driven by Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing (MEP) projects. This is because the integration of the mechanical and engineering components should influence the overall architectural concept and structural design. MEP projects are therefore beneficial for architects as they allow them to be more informed when using CAD drawing services to design the building layout, by providing them with all the information they need to foresee any potential problems before they actually reach the construction phase.

However, when it comes to dealing with MEP projects, many architects can overlook essential items which can result in problems down the line.  As MEP projects are different to other projects in that good design is critical, it is essential that architects are totally sure of what they need to achieve before the project starts. In this article, we will explore a little bit more about MEP projects to give architects a fuller understanding.

First Step

Typically the first step of an MEP project is concerned with gauging the scope of services. Traditionally, the MEP systems have fallen within the MEP category, but modern technological advances now mean that technology has to play a much larger role in the process. MEP integrations, therefore, have to consider other elements such as data communication lines, fire protection system controls and process piping.

What the scoping of services stage does is to help engineers to ensure that the architect’s CAD drawing of their design fits in with their requirements for construction. This step allows teams to identify any potential flaws in the design early on, which makes the whole process much more efficient and cost-effective.  If this step does not take place, then you run the risk of a delay in schedules due to revisions needing to take place.

Common Challenges

With the advanced technology, we have access to these days, it is now much easier for architects to have access to engineering dimensions and space requirements at the beginning of the project. Having this information at their fingertips from the start means that cost savings can be made early on in the project. Alterations can be made at the design stage, with no impact on safety or function.

Architects must be careful though, as even small changes can potentially turn into large issues. If equipment is placed in the wrong area, for example, then this can have real consequences when it comes to the structural design of the building: these can have a real impact on the budget, as corrections will involve man hours. Construction projects tend to be related to structural load capacities, and safety requirements and so ongoing communication between architects and engineers can help to avoid such issues.

You can see then that creating a design which keeps the MEP services in mind can be quite a complicated task to undertake. There are technical issues that need to be kept in mind, as well as industrial processes and practice.  The best way to ensure your next MEP project is a success is to have a clear line of communication all the way through the project.

If you want to be confident that your next MEP project will be a success, then you need to talk to us about our CAD Drawing Services. Call us today on 0161 427 0348 or alternatively, you can send an email to office@thecadroom.com