HVAC & Plumbing Design

Introduction

I provide mechanical engineering services tailored specifically for design‑build mechanical contractors operating in Kentucky and Indiana. My practice is structured to support fast‑moving design‑build workflows while maintaining full compliance with KRS 322 and Kentucky’s requirement that all engineering work be performed under the complete direction and control of a licensed Professional Engineer.  Meeting this requirement also meets Indiana’s requirements under IC 25-31-1-16.

My goal is to give contractors a responsive, technically sound, and code‑compliant engineering partner who understands the realities of design‑build delivery—tight schedules, evolving scopes, and the need for clear, buildable documents.

Scope of Services

HVAC Engineering Design

• Load calculations
• Equipment selection and sizing
• Ductwork design and layout
• Ventilation and outside air calculations
• Exhaust system design
• Hydronic system design (hot water, chilled water, condensing boilers, VRF support)
• Controls narratives and sequence of operations
• Energy code compliance documentation
• Coordination with architectural, electrical, and structural trades
• Construction‑ready drawings sealed for permit submission

Plumbing Engineering Design

• Domestic water distribution
• Sanitary and vent systems
• Natural gas piping design
• Medical gas (if applicable)
• Water heater sizing and selection
• Grease waste and oil separator requirements
• Coordination with civil for site utilities
• Plumbing code compliance review and sealed drawings

Design‑Build Support Services

• Early‑phase conceptual design and budgeting support
• Value engineering and system optimization
• Equipment substitution evaluations
• Field verification and site assessments
• Rapid‑turnaround revisions during construction
• As‑built documentation review and sealing

Engineering Oversight for Contractor In‑House Designers

Many mechanical contractors maintain internal design staff—drafters, BIM technicians, or junior designers—who can efficiently produce drawings but require a licensed Professional Engineer to provide technical direction, oversight, and sealing for permit submission. I offer a structured engineering‑oversight service that allows contractors to leverage their in‑house design capabilities while maintaining full compliance with KRS 322 and IC 25‑31‑1‑16.

Under this service, your internal team performs the drafting and preliminary layout work while I provide:

• Complete direction and control of the engineering work
• Design criteria, system parameters, and code‑required calculations
• Ongoing review of drawings and models at defined milestones
• Redlines, corrections, and technical guidance to ensure constructability and compliance
• Final engineering review and approval of all calculations and drawings
• Sealing of permit‑ready documents once all engineering requirements are met
• Documentation of engineering decisions to maintain a clear record of responsible charge
• Oversight of Revit/BIM workflows to ensure modeling accuracy and coordination quality

This service allows contractors to keep design production in‑house while ensuring every engineered component meets the standard of care, permitting requirements, and legal obligations for responsible charge.

Engineering Deliverables

Depending on project needs, deliverables may include:

• Sealed mechanical and plumbing drawings (PDF and Revit formats)
• Supporting engineering calculations
• Equipment schedules
• Controls sequences
• Specification sheets or performance criteria
• Code compliance summaries
• Review comments and coordination notes

All documents are produced under my direct supervision, with full engineering responsibility retained in accordance with Kentucky law.

Project Approach

My workflow is designed to integrate smoothly with design‑build contractors:

1. Kickoff & Scope Confirmation Review project requirements, constraints, and contractor preferences.
2. Conceptual Engineering Provide early layouts, equipment options, and budget‑aligned solutions.
3. Design Development Coordinate closely with the contractor to ensure constructability and procurement alignment.
4. Construction Documents Produce sealed drawings and calculations suitable for permit submission.
5. Construction Support Respond to RFIs, review submittals, and provide field support as needed.
6. Closeout Assist with final documentation and as‑built review.

This approach ensures fast turnaround, minimal rework, and a smooth path from design to installation.

Fee Structure

Fees can be structured in the way that best fits the contractor’s workflow:

Hourly Rates

• Mechanical Engineering (PE): $200/hr
• Field verification/site visits: Hourly + mileage

Lump‑Sum Project Fees

Available for:

• Tenant fit‑outs
• Rooftop unit replacements
• Small commercial buildings
• Light industrial projects
• Restaurant HVAC/plumbing packages

Fees are based on estimated engineering hours, project complexity, and liability exposure.

Minimum Fees

• Letters, small calcs, or code reviews: $1,000
• Single‑RTU replacement design: $2,000
• Small tenant fit‑out (HVAC only): $3,500

Contractor Benefits

Working with a solo PE gives design‑build contractors:

• Direct communication with the engineer doing the work
• Faster turnaround than multi‑layer firms
• Flexible scheduling and responsive revisions
• Practical, buildable designs grounded in field reality
• Clear documentation that satisfies Kentucky permitting authorities
• A partner who understands cost, procurement, and installation constraints

Compliance with Kentucky and Indiana Engineering Law

All engineering work is performed under my complete direction and control, including:

• Full review and approval of all calculations and drawings
• Documentation of all design decisions
• Retention of sealed reproducible documents
• Direct oversight of any drafting or modeling support

This ensures full compliance with KRS 322.340 and IC 25‑31‑1‑16, which protects both the contractor and the project owner.

Acceptance

If these services align with your needs, I can prepare a project‑specific scope and fee or establish a master services agreement for ongoing design‑build support.