Thorson Baker + Associates - Consulting Engineers
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Mechanical Engineering The Mechanical Engineering Group at TBA makes you Comfortable

Over 35 Mechanical Engineers and Technicians

Our mechanical leaders have over 73 years combined experience from many backgrounds. TBA has project experience encompassing 14 Markets and over 7,000 projects which has developed a knowledge base that results in successful projects time and time again. This diverse experience provides an expertise in the design of traditional mechanical systems to newly developed systems. We have been able to capture great design concepts from one market and transform and use those concepts in others.

We have designed buildings using a multitude of different HVAC and Plumbing systems that meet the owner’s requirements, the building function, and unique site conditions for each project. The size of our mechanical department also provides the diversity of experience and accumulated knowledge to design large complex projects or to manage national building programs with multiple locations, servicing our clients the TBA way.

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Mechanical Image

Registrations

49 States, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, 2 Canadian provinces.

Mechanical Registrations

Well Detailed & Coordinated Documents

Interdisciplinary coordination is a way of life at TBA. TBA has developed a structured design process initiated at the beginning of design, which incorporates Principal involvement throughout the design process. The result is a successful project utilizing cost effective and appropriate mechanical systems in conjunction with well coordinated documents.

We use master base details customized for each project in conjunction with all the unique details required to provide a consistency of design from project to project.

Custom design programs have been developed to assist our engineers in implementing efficient and accurate designs for your project. The utilization of design guidelines and checklists coupled with a thorough document review is completed on all projects. BIM is also a great design tool utilized enhance coordination within our disciplines and with the other design consultants. Communication is continually stressed as key to a successful project, from project inception through construction.

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Ability to Meet Schedules

TBA continues to meet aggressive schedules on projects. One example would include the 489,000 SF Watchtower OSB Building, where TBA worked directly for an owner who was also the contractor. The owner had a very aggressive schedule, due to having sold their existing facility prior to the start of construction. The project finished 5 months ahead of schedule.

Project schedules are tracked through a master spreadsheet, which is reviewed each week to ensure each project is staffed properly for the challenging schedules TBA meets on a daily basis. We monitor our design backlog weekly, estimating future projections so that we can grow our staff at a pace necessary to meet schedules with well designed and coordinated documents.

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Mechanical System Selection

Our engineers provide mechanical system options for projects at an early stage. A project may consider several viable mechanical systems that meet the project requirements, schedule and cost constraints that a client is attempting to meet. TBA presents these options to the client explaining the benefits and cost of each system, to assist the owner in the selection of the system best suited for their project.

From complex central boiler, tower, and chiller plants for a 200,000 SF 18-story high rise, to 5,000 SF retail tenant fit-outs, communication with the client is key. TBA has a wealth of experience to offer, and this experience provides the tools necessary to select a cost effective and energy efficient mechanical system for each unique project and client.

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Cost Savings & Economical Design

TBA investigates early in the project the cost of the various mechanical systems under consideration. We explore system options, like Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF), Geothermal, Water Source Heat Pumps, and Variable Air Volume (VAV), to compare cost and performance. Our experience with a multitude of different building types provides the basis for development and selection of an economical system for that specific project while meeting the owner’s requirements.

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Mechanical Image
Mechanical Image

Collaboration & Communication with Owners, Clients & Consultants

Communication is the key to a successful project. There are many questions to be asked and answered throughout the building design process. The engineers at TBA are proactive, asking insightful questions to obtain the information needed to identify the key design parameters to meet the owner’s requirements. Is capital cost or long-term operational costs a primary factor? Is sustainable design a goal and at what cost? What level of control and sophistication is desired? Who will operate and maintain the system? Is future expansion a consideration? Let us help you discover options and answer your questions on your journey towards a successful project.

Mechanical Services Offered

  • Building Design for New Construction
  • Renovation and Addition Design
  • Prototype Design
  • Historic Preservation/Restoration
  • HVAC Design
  • Plumbing Design
  • Fire Protection Design
  • Building Assessments and Evaluations
  • Life Cycle Analysis
  • Preliminary Mechanical Systems Evaluations
  • Preliminary Opinion of Cost
  • Bidding Phase Assistance
  • Assistance with selection of other Subconsultants