Year: 2019

Navigating Uncharted Waters: Exploring the Similarities Between Early America and Solar Energy

Navigating Uncharted Waters: Exploring the Similarities Between Early America and Solar Energy Solar panels in a field at sunset.

Most of us are familiar with the story of the Pilgrims. In September 1620, nearly 100 people set sail from England on the Mayflower. They traveled on uncharted waters, determined to find religious freedom in the New World. Rough seas and storms impeded their journey, forcing them to change course and sail for present-day Massachusetts. After […]

Avoiding the Fright of High Utility Bills

Avoiding the Fright of High Utility Bills A woman is using a calculator while sitting at a table with papers.

During this time of year, being frightened is expected; at times, maybe even welcomed if the encounter results in a chocolate-covered treat. What isn’t welcomed, however, is the horror of opening your mailbox only to find unexpectedly high utility bills awaiting you. The question is how can you avoid this Halloween worthy fright-fest? The answer […]

Travels with VP: Exploring Greece from a MEP Perspective

Travels with VP: Exploring Greece from a MEP Perspective A mountain in the distance.

My parents immigrated to the United States from Greece in the 50’s and 60’s and made Charlotte, NC their new home. As a child, I travelled to the old country often, visiting the family and friends that still lived there. I continue that tradition today with own family — most recently travelling to Greece this […]

Popularity Surge: LED Lighting in Electrical Design

Popularity Surge: LED Lighting in Electrical Design A person holding up a cell phone in a room with colored lights.

The use of LED lights in electrical design has improved a lot over the decades. In 1879, Thomas Edison introduced the first commercially available incandescent bulb to the masses. In the decades that followed, lighting options remained fairly unchanged until 1962 when General Electric’s Nick Holonyak Jr. invented the first light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Today […]

Travels with VP: How a Recent Trip Inspired an Even Greater Appreciation for the Air Conditioner and its History

Travels with VP: How a Recent Trip Inspired an Even Greater Appreciation for the Air Conditioner and its History A man in a yellow jacket standing in a factory.

By Kosta Pappas Whether for work or family, we travel a lot here at VP, so much so we’ve created a blog series titled “Travels with VP” that reflect on our adventures — whether it’s as simple as a recommendation for a brewery with a great IPA on tap or the exploration of a MEP-related […]

The Power of “What If” In Designing Senior Living Facilities

The Power of “What If” In Designing Senior Living Facilities A nurse is helping an elderly woman at a dining table.

I’ve attended many conferences in my 15+ years in the MEP industry — the most recent being this year’s LeadingAge North Carolina annual conference and trade show in Myrtle Beach, SC. Of the hundreds I’ve attended, this conference was different.  Its theme — What If? — struck a chord with me.  They challenged attendees to […]

Right Brain, Left Brain: Explaining the MEP Engineer and Architect Relationship

Right Brain, Left Brain: Explaining the MEP Engineer and Architect Relationship A man in a hard hat is holding a blueprint in front of a construction site.

MEP engineers and architects often work hand-in-hand, frequently performing parallel functions that contribute to a building’s successful design. Despite the frequent overlap, these two groups often approach projects from vastly different perspectives. So, why do they ultimately work so well together? The theory of right brain vs. left brain can help explain this. In the […]

Hotel HVAC Design: Balancing Comfort and Efficiency

Hotel HVAC Design: Balancing Comfort and Efficiency A man holding a gauge in front of an air conditioning unit.

By Michael Grose When it comes to hotel HVAC design, we consider multiple factors to ensure a system that works for our clients.  These HVAC systems consist of an intricate network of components, all designed to deliver two very different, but equally important results: providing a comfortable environment for occupants and running it as efficiently […]

MEP Design Considerations Unique to Senior Living Facilities

MEP Design Considerations Unique to Senior Living Facilities A group of elderly people sitting around a coffee table in a wheelchair.

Since the last recession, the multifamily sector has contributed significantly to the boom in new construction.  The sector’s niche market — Senior Living — is a driving reason. As Baby Boomers age, the demand for senior living options has dramatically increased.  For those who don’t design Senior Living facilities, it’s easy to assume the design […]