Engineering

Engineering

Mechanical, Electrical + Plumbing (Mep) Engineering

According to Theodore Von Karmen, considered to be one of the great scientists of the twentieth century, “The scientist explores what is, the engineer creates what has not been.” At BBS we are committed to providing effective engineering solutions to dynamic engineering challenges that stand before us today and every day.

The engineering infrastructure is the “invisible” life-giving veins of a building. BBS is able to fully engage its in-house engineering staff to produce fully-integrated and technologically superior building applications. From engineering the first LEED- and CHPS-certified school building in New York State, to Energy Performance Contract (EPC) design, and to the design of highly sophisticated data, security and communications networks, BBS Engineers are fully capable of comprehensive, cutting-edge technical solutions for any type of a project.

Mechanical Engineering

  • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
  • Energy Recovery Systems
  • Ultra-High Efficiency Condensing Boilers
  • Variable-Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
  • Thermal Storage Systems 
  • Building Management Systems and Controls
  • Energy Performance Contract (EPC) Mechanical Engineering Services
  • Kitchen Hood Exhaust & Make-up Air Systems
  • Innovative & Sustainable Technologies (e.g., Geothermal Systems, Photovoltaics, Heat Recuperation Systems, etc.)

Electrical Engineering

  • Service and Distribution (High, Medium and Low Voltage)
  • Wired and Wireless Data Networks including Wide Area Networks (WAN)
  • Power Analyses, Measurement and Verification
  • Emergency and Standby Power Systems
  • Building Lockdown Systems
  • Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems
  • Smoke & Fire Detection Systems
  • Public Address (PA) / Intercom / IP Telephone Systems
  • Visitors Management Systems & Security Vestibules, Card Access
  • IP Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) Security & Monitoring Solutions
  • Lighting Design, including Daylighting, Automated Controls, Site and Sports Lighting Solutions
  • Energy Performance Contract (EPC) Electrical Engineering Services
  • Theatrical Lighting & Sound Systems
  • Lightning Protection & Structural Grounding

Plumbing Engineering

  • Potable and Non-Potable Water Systems
  • High Efficiency Condensing Hot Water Heaters
  • Lead-Free Piping Systems
  • Sanitary Waste and Vent Systems
  • Denitrification Sanitary Waste Systems
  • Low Flow & Waterless Fixtures
  • Hands-free Toilet Room Fixtures & Faucets
  • Wet & Dry Fire Suppression Systems Design
  • Emergency Gas Shut-off Systems
  • (Laboratory) Acid Waste Neutralization Systems
  • Storm Water Collection & Conveyance


Life Safety + Fire Protection

We at BBS know what impact a loss of life or property can have on our clients’ lives and the community at large. In our integrated “whole-building” approach, we pursue life safety building solutions and fire protection strategies that achieve a balanced design with respect to needs vs. costs. Our designs provide the desired levels of safety for our clients and address corresponding protective solutions that go beyond what’s required by building and fire codes.

  • Building Evacuation Route Mapping
  • Public Address (PA) & Voice Notification Systems
  • Compliance with ADA & Visual Notification
  • Smoke & Heat Detection
  • Carbon Monoxide Detection
  • Magnetic Door Release Systems (can be also used in lockdown situations)
  • Central Station Monitoring Connections
  • Wet & Dry Fire Suppression Systems

It System + Network Design

BBS is a well-established IT/technology design firm successfully accommodating clients’ IT and data infrastructure needs for over 30 years. We have highly qualified engineering professionals on-staff who are committed to providing designs and implementation plans for cutting-edge technology and communication solutions that best suit our clients’ needs. They can also address associated network and infrastructure needs to satisfy today’s “data-thirsty” systems, equipment and devices – across various media platforms, formats and operating systems.

  • Bring Your Own Device (BOYD) Support Systems & Connectivity
  • Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) & Point Connectivity
  • Wide Area Networks (WAN) – Fiber
  • Server Room Design including Cooling & Fire Suppression Systems
  • Computer Lab Design
  • Network Operation Center (NOC) Design
  • Fiber-Optic Backbones
  • Subsidiary Wire Closet Design
  • Cabling Delivery Systems
  • IP Telephone/Data Networks
  • Smart Schools Bond Act – Project Planning, Design & Development
  • Classroom & Conference Room Media Applications, and
  • an array of media solutions for smart displays, video conferencing, touch screens, media walls, 3D printers, etc.


Security System Design

In our experience, the best security solutions in buildings are those that you never see. We at BBS understand that any meaningful security system design is best achieved through measures that deter disaster and give the building’s staff enough time to respond – these engineering solutions may take up many physical forms:

  • Public Address (PA) Systems
  • Building Lockdown/Lockout Systems
  • Magnetic Door Release Systems (Lockdown Situations)
  • Audio/Video (A/V) Intercom Systems (Video Door Stations)
  • IP-based Security Systems and Online Software Solutions
  • Building Monitoring via Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
  • Door & Window Hardening Solutions
  • Secure Entry Vestibules
  • Visitor Management Systems & Access Control
  • Electric Door Strikes
  • Intrusion & Motion Detection Systems
  • Panic Stations
  • Integrating PA, Telephone, Fire Alarm, Security, Card Access, etc. Building & Site Solutions

Architecturally, our “defense” designs typically start with eliminating “blind spots” within buildings, providing long approaches and unobstructed lines of vision, locating public assembly spaces, program areas, and classrooms on building’s upper floors and/or further from main entrances, designing site elements and landscapes that create buffers from public roadways, and many other security features – that you never see.

Asbestos + Hazardous Material Abatement Design

Asbestos was in common use in construction up until the mid-1970s. As such, it should be expected that asbestos will be encountered in existing buildings constructed up until that time. One of the first tasks BBS Designers typically undertake is assisting the client in selecting a qualified sampling and testing vendor to authoritatively confirm or deny the presence of asbestos, and to identify its locations throughout the facility. With BBS staff holding New York State Asbestos Designers Licenses, we are especially adept at assisting our clients in this regard.

While lead-based paints and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) materials (or other hazardous substances typically found in older buildings) do not require the same level of containment or scrutiny during construction as asbestos, there is a health risk associated with their disturbance. As with asbestos, BBS can assist in selecting and contracting a qualified sampling and testing vendor to determine the presence of hazardous materials, so that the project may be designed accordingly. The project specifications may then require the necessary on-site health & safety measures and material disposal procedures, thus eliminating additional costs associated with hazardous material discovery and containment during construction.