Buildings are, in some ways, like our bodies:

• The skeletal system is like the structural elements of a building, supporting all that goes inside.
• Our skin provides a protective barrier from the elements, protecting what’s inside, just as a building’s curtainwall does. Of course, our bodies rely on systems of veins, arteries, nerves and more to handle critical functions. A building does, as well; the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems are the “guts” of a building.

Just like our bodies’ systems, MEP systems are extremely intricate. Technical expertise is required to keep them in optimal health once up-and-running. Unlike the human body, buildings don’t have the benefit of nature to install every inch of the systems automatically and precisely. It takes MEP professionals engaging at every stage of the project to make sure that the systems that power, cool, heat and provide water for buildings and installed correctly and work as expected. They’re not cardiologists and neurologists… or are they, in a sense?

The work MEP professionals do is vital and most building occupants never see what goes into it because much of their work is shielded by the walls, floors and ceilings of a building. But, if these walls could talk, they’d share a lot of stories of how MEP pros made great things happen.

In this series, DPR Construction shines a light on the work of MEP professionals, from how they get involved to make sure designs come to life to how their work can help support lower operating expenses for facility owners.

In this first installment, we look at how MEP pros are among the unsung heroes of any construction project.