SSR believes in investing in the future generation of engineers. We are excited to announce our class of 2023 summer interns. During their time at SSR, they will expand their knowledge, build relationships, and have the opportunity to contribute to some great projects! Raymond Baker, Nashville, IT Intern, University of Southern Mississippi Kyle Beishir, Houston, […]
Franklin Road is a major thoroughfare connecting Davidson and Williamson Counties in middle Tennessee. While much of the roadway has been widened to four or five lanes over the years, a section in Williamson County was still two lanes. As a road that sees increased traffic during rush-hour, especially when there is congestion on parallel […]
National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 17-21) is an annual week focused on encouraging safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. Work zone safety needs your attention every time you get behind the wheel. Did you know that most people killed in work […]
On March 14, 2023, the USEPA proposed a National Drinking Water Regulation to establish legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in drinking water. EPA projects that regulation will be finalized in 2024. If finalized as planned, this rule will require drinking water utilities to comply within 3 years. SSR has been actively monitoring these developments […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in February, March, and April: Donald Birmingham, Senior Construction Administration, Dallas Brian Boles, CEI Technician, Nashville Juwan Buckner, Plumbing EIT, Atlanta Adam Butauski, Electrical Senior Designer, Cleveland Christopher […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted or are taking on new roles: Jeremy Aho, Technology DRM, Denver Amanda Ballenger, CADD Op/ Drafter I, Nashville Mike Burton, Senior Mechanical Engineer – Mechanical Technical Leader, Nashville […]
The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a new 7-page Categorical Waiver – Health Care Microgrid Systems (HCMSs) [Ref: QSO-23-11-LSC] on March 31, 2023. Although CMS continues to invoke the 2012 editions of NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), this new Categorical Waiver also invokes specific […]
SSR’s commissioning group likes to work on facilities that have complex mechanical and electrical systems – typically hospitals, stadiums, and labs. Sometimes a facility type will be outside our usual markets but still meet those criteria of having complex systems or unique challenges. In recent years, we’ve provided new building commissioning services to a private […]
In preparation for its 2023 All Star weekend, the NBA reached out to SSR to provide a structural peer review of a temporary structured cable bridge carrying television and audio cables into Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, UT. The bridge crossed a major, six-lane road that ran alongside the arena. The NBA sent our […]
In today’s fast paced world, sporting venues are being replaced at an increased frequency to provide a better experience for fans and athletes, incorporate the latest trends and technology, and keep up with the competition. What does that mean for the current home venue while the shiny new stadium or arena is in design and […]
On February 8, Vanderbilt University broke ground on the first Vandy United construction project. The event, for the new basketball operations center and north end zone project, was followed by a thrilling last second basketball victory by the Commodores over the University of Tennessee at Memorial Gym that reinforced the excitement for the future of […]
The soft opening for F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, TN occurred earlier this month and plans are being finalized for a grand opening later this summer. The community ice center is starting to host events and will open to the public in May and Austin Peay’s men’s and women’s basketball programs are enjoying their new […]
Entering its 55th year of operations focused on innovation, growth, enhanced collaboration with industry partners, and exceptional customer interaction and satisfaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce its 2023/24 board of directors. The expertise of these internal and independent directors will support SSR in achieving its near-term goals and enriching the sustainability […]
The healthcare field and others have been advised by the US government that the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. CMS has recently issued guidance (see the links below) for addressing the changes related to this process and its results. Many healthcare providers (hospitals and many others indicated in the […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Harry King has joined the firm as a Principal and Operations Director in the firm’s Denver office. He will be focused on guiding our strategic growth and successful project execution for our clients in […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in November, December, and January: Martin Benitez, Structural EIT, Memphis Corey Birch, Project Manager, Houston Molly Cooke, Structural EIT, Nashville Joe Griffey, Technical Leader – Civil, Nashville Calvin […]
In our 55th year of operations focused on innovation, growth, enhanced collaboration with industry partners, and exceptional customer interaction and satisfaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce that Joe Griffey, PE, has rejoined the firm as a Technical Leader for the Civil / Water team in Nashville. “We are excited to welcome […]
This project was the ACEC Tennessee Engineering Excellence Awards Grand Award, Structural Systems, Small Projects winner in 2022. Nestled underground, adjacent to the Memphis Light Gas Water (MLGW) administration building, sits a concrete parking structure. Originally constructed in the late 1960s, the garage is a cast-in-place, two-way concrete slab. In February of 2021, a significant […]
In Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, rock is at a high elevation underground and may be used to the benefit of the construction project. A popular solution to support heavy loading in the region is the use of micropiles. Read on for an introduction to micropiles. What is a micropile? A micropile is a small-diameter […]
During the second half of 2022, SSR intentionally restructured our horizontal services into three distinct business units: civil, structural, and transportation. This organizational move was done with both our colleagues and clients in mind. From an internal perspective, these distinct business units will leverage unique expertise and relationships to grow efficiently, provide more opportunities for […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted or are taking on new roles: Amanda Ackerman, Mechanical EIT II, Houston Tyler Boone, Transportation Engineer II, Memphis Pam Borsos, Regional Business Development Manager, Houston Andy Brophy, Building […]
When most individuals hop in their and travel long or short distances on any given interstate, I would venture to say that many do not know much about the roads they’re on. Here are some fun facts about the interstate system. History In 1956, President Eisenhower signed into law the National Interstate and Defense […]
The City of Bartlett, Tennessee, is widening a two-mile section of Old Brownsville Road in an area of town that has seen growth over the past decade. The existing two-lane urban facility overburdened with traffic and congestion is a vital link connecting two major north/south corridors on either end. The route is scattered with neighborhoods, […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in August, September, and October: Jacob Adcock, Mechanical Engineer, Texas Saif Alsaeed, Building Performance Engineer, Dallas Andrew Cheek, Retro Cx Project Manager, Austin Tanner Clark, Sustainability Analyst, Nashville […]
Description: During this course attendees will learn about current drivers for sustainable design and carbon reduction. The presenter will explore the factors used to evaluate sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings, and various approaches to achieve the project goals. As one method to commit and drive towards sustainability in architecture and engineering, the AIA 2030 […]
In recent years, SSR has retrofitted tube settler installations with plate settlers and designed new plate settlers for several local municipalities in the region. Utilities’ recent increase in interest of plates over tubes has primarily been charged to the need to increase settled water production without significant infrastructure changes. Compared to traditional settling and tubes, […]
The annual Kentucky Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (WPC) is one of my favorite weeks of the year. The conference is always event packed and a great opportunity to see clients and connect with industry friends. The SSR water team is often well represented with colleagues serving on various boards and planning committees as well as […]
There are many reasons why a community may find itself without potable water. Natural disasters, such as ice storms, heavy rains, flooding, drought, and other occurrences can temporarily cause issues with water distribution. Many water departments plan for these events and, while sometimes devastating and unavoidable, the water contamination or shortage is brief. Infrastructure issues […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted or are taking on new roles: John Furr, Project Manager, Nashville Kaushik Gudimetla, BIM Support Specialist, Fort Worth Jeff Otto to Principal, Oakdale Konstantinos Stergiou to BIM Support […]
On September 3, 2022, Snapdragon Stadium, the new home to San Diego State University’s (SDSU) football team, as well as the San Diego Wave FC, opened with much fanfare. The SDSU Aztecs hosted the Arizona Wildcats as a crowd of 35,000 kicked off the season and marked the beginning of a new era of growth […]
SSR is working on an expansion to Rain Rock Casino, a destination resort owned by the Karuk Tribe in Yreka, California. The expansion, designed to elevate Rain Rock to a must-see destination, includes a 43,000 SF hotel and 4,000 SF events center. The hotel will comprise 80 rooms, an additional eight cottages scattered across the […]
Project Highlights Designed an approximately 2,800 ton replacement chilled water plant for a 19,000-seat NHL Arena Employed a prefabricated modular chiller plant model to accommodate the tight construction window Completed in September 2022, ahead of the NHL season start, without interruption to building occupancy SSR has had the privilege of working at Amalie Arena, […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in May, June, and July: Amanda Ackerman, Mechanical EIT, Houston Yaser Basem, Project Manager, Houston Darrell Bryson, CEI Technician, Nashville Cody Choate, CEI Technician, Nashville Justin Covington, Medical […]
Description: The convergence of Building Controls and the Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) presents a fundamental shift in the abilities to operate and maintain high-performing, smart buildings. Building Controls are responsible for operating and facilitating the maintenance of the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and process equipment and systems. Well-designed deployed and tested Building Controls are essential for achieving high-performing […]
SSR believes in investing in the future generation of engineers. We are excited to announce our class of 2022 summer interns. During their time at SSR, they will expand their knowledge, build relationships, and have the opportunity to contribute to some great projects! William (Billy) Fredrick, Plumbing Intern, Nashville Alicia Grey, Electrical Intern, Houston Eli […]
In our 54th year of operations focused on innovation, growth, enhanced collaboration with industry partners, and exceptional customer interaction and satisfaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce that John Hunt has joined the firm as a Building Enclosure Regional Manager in the firm’s Tampa office. With 25 years leading building enclosure-related projects, […]
The intersections of Winchester Road with Plough Blvd and Airways Blvd, just west of the Memphis International Airport (MEM), is an inefficient stretch of road that sees nearly 35,000 cars daily. A vital intersection to MEM, FedEx, and the larger Memphis community, the Plough/Airways/Winchester intersection has long been identified as an area in need of […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in February, March, and April: Justin Abramson, Plumbing Designer, Nashville Mike Borgelt, Building Enclosure Regional Manager, Denver Tom Boyce, Mechanical Senior Designer, Denver Robert Boyd, Medical Equipment Planner, […]
If you’re in the water industry, you’ve likely heard that A LOT of money is about to be up for grabs over the next few years due to legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding opportunities are exciting… but the hundreds of pages of legislative […]
This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), observed April 11-15, was themed “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down”. NWZAW is an annual campaign held at the start of construction season that encourages safe driving through highway work zones. The public awareness campaign was launched 22 years ago to encourage drivers to use extra caution […]
In our 54th year of operations focused on innovation, growth, enhanced collaboration with industry partners, and exceptional customer interaction and satisfaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce that Michael “Mike” Borgelt has joined the firm as a Building Enclosure Regional Manager in the firm’s Denver office. With nearly 50 years leading all […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: Lindsay Bryant, Programs Operations Coordinator, Nashville Randall Dean, Commissioning EIT Supervisor, Nashville Patrick Hague, Mechanical Engineer, Nashville Kristen Haltom, Project Manager, Memphis Dan Horst, Commissioning Discipline Manager, Nashville […]
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the demand for charging stations is affecting many of the markets and projects that SSR serves. Eric Sheffer, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, ISSP-SA, Sustainability Principal, provided insight to how owners, developers, and industry leaders are embracing electric vehicles and charging stations. Widespread Adoption Interest in electric vehicle charging […]
In Part 2 of the series, Design Considerations for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, we explored key considerations for a potential electric vehicle charging project. Now, after the green light to include EV charging on a project, we will dive into the main infrastructure design components necessary for a successful installation. At this point in a […]
In the sporting world, many different events can be classified as “big events,” but there is none larger than the NFL’s Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is typically the world’s most watched annual sporting event. But what does it take to be Super Bowl or big event ready? In addition to the Super Bowl, […]
As a consultant to the NHL, SSR is often asked to perform assessments of venues ahead of their special events, including outdoor games, playoffs, and Stanley Cup Finals. This past fall and winter, SSR was engaged to perform an assessment at all three venues hosting outdoor NHL games: Target Field in Minneapolis: Hosted the 2022 […]
In January of this year, F&M Bank Arena, located in downtown Clarksville, TN, celebrated its topping out ceremony. The multi-purpose event center, owned by Montgomery County and operated by Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment (a division of the Nashville Predators), is working towards an opening in the first half of 2023. The multi-tenant venue will feature […]
Work. Play. Sleep. Repeat. That was how I recently spent a busy 48 hours in Las Vegas with two of SSR’s clients: the NHL and Las Vegas Raiders. The NHL was hosting All-Star Weekend at T-Mobile Arena as the Las Vegas Raiders hosted the NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Prior to the festivities, SSR […]
As progress continues at San Diego State University’s (SDSU) Snapdragon Stadium, the SSR team has continued to make regular site visits, with the most recent trip taking place in late January. Permanent power was brought online in November and our team has been on site assessing the electrical systems being installed, performing field verifications, and […]
Over the past 18 months, the SSR team has been engaged in numerous high-profile pursuits for the sports and entertainment market. Time after time, when an owner was asked what they valued most or what they really wanted the new venue to speak to, we consistently heard these areas of focus: fan experience, fan comfort, […]
In Part 1 of our series on electric vehicle charging stations, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 101, I set the foundation for the demand of electric vehicle charging stations. In this segment, I’ll explore five design considerations an owner or property manager should consider when installing charging stations on their site. These considerations apply to both […]
Entering its 54th year of operations focused on innovation, growth, enhanced collaboration with industry partners, and exceptional customer interaction and satisfaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce its 2022/23 board of directors. The expertise of these internal and independent directors will support SSR in achieving its near-term goals and enriching the sustainability […]
Introduced more than 100 years ago, electric vehicles have seen a rise in popularity today for many of the same reasons they were first popular. Whether it’s a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric, the demand for electric drive vehicles has continued to climb as prices drop and consumers look for ways to save money at […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Hannah Mey, RN, has joined the firm as a Principal. She will focus on developing relationships and opportunities with new clients, maintaining existing client relationships, and leading technology design projects for healthcare clients. Hannah […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in November, December, and January: Karen Atilano, MEQ Project Coordinator, Houston Hyung Choi, Electrical Project Manager, Dallas Stephen Estep, Electrical Engineer, Atlanta David ‘Lee’ Fergus, CEI Technician, Nashville […]
We made it! Seven of SSR’s offices achieved WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). We achieved the minimum of 15 points required for certification for each of the project locations. Now, what did we learn? Don’t Recreate the Wheel Once the project(s) are registered in […]
Two stories that dominated the news cycle during the 2021 summer months were the Surfside condominium collapse and the crack discovered in the Hernando de Soto Bridge. Each of these events confirms the value and importance of structural assessments. A structural assessment is performed to ensure that a building or bridge meets all applicable codes […]
Geographic Information Science (GIS), or spatial data science, is the scientific discipline of using location intelligence to explore spatial patterns and relationships, answer questions, and solve problems relating to a variety of different topics. At SSR, we help our colleagues and clients harness the power of location intelligence to make better decisions using geographic information […]
PFAS are an emerging contaminant in the water industry, but there is still much debate on the severity of their presence and how to handle them. These chemicals come in thousands of forms but are all characterized by a highly durable fluoroalkyl chain. Some, such as PFAS, are dubbed “forever chemicals” for their longevity in the natural environment. The obvious culprits of PFAS water pollution are Teflon and firefighting foams, […]
Technology continues to impact how we live, work, and perform our jobs. Over the years, sustained advancements in technologies have dramatically increased efficiency and productivity in our daily lives. In the AEC industry specifically, these developments have resulted in additional demands on building projects by increasing the pressure to expedite and accelerate project timelines. One […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that we have achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management on seven of our offices by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The prestigious distinction was awarded through IWBI’s WELL Building Standard […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: Michael Bedell, BIM Project Coordinator, Memphis Paolo Fonda, Principal, Nashville Brent Fowler, Principal, Nashville
A recently published comprehensive ASHE Health Facilities Management article “Ensuring facility power quality – Problems and solutions for today’s high-tech hospitals” addresses the causes and results of healthcare facility infrastructure issues related to power quality, along with recommendations for mitigating power quality problems. The most common types of power quality problems are voltage deviations such […]
In the July November/December issue of ASHE’s Health Facilities Management, David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, writes about a reference created by the Information Technology Industry Council that can help prevent power quality issues in IT systems for hospitals.
In the November/December 2021 issue of ASHE’s Health Facilities Management, David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, writes about problems and solutions with ensuring power quality for today’s high-tech hospitals.
In October, several SSR colleagues attended a breakfast panel hosted by Turner Construction Company, The Nashville Sports Council, and ACEC Tennessee about “The Future of Sports Facilities.” This event was hosted in First Horizon Ballpark (an SSR-designed facility) and was a great forum to listen and discuss the trends shaping the future of our industry. […]
After the tragic Surfside condominium collapse outside of Miami earlier this year, SSR was engaged by the ownership team of FTX Arena to provide a structural assessment of the building with a major focus on the parking garage. Home to the NBA’s Miami Heat, the arena was required by local authorities to have an outside […]
It’s no secret that professional athletics is a booming business. The average worth of the 50 most valuable teams is $3.4 billion (as of May 2021). The top three teams — the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and New York Nicks — are each valued at more than $5 billion! As the value of professional […]
Work on San Diego State University (SDSU) Snapdragon Stadium is progressing nicely and on track to host the 2022 season opener on September 3rd against the Arizona Wildcats. Recently in July, the stadium construction team reached a major milestone with the topping out ceremony with the last steel beam installed. Since then, the stadium has […]
Grand Hotel is often referred to as “America’s Summer Place.” Located on Northern Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the historic hotel is truly one-of-a-kind, and not because it has received the AAA Four Diamond Rating for 26 consecutive years. What sets Grand Hotel apart is the quaintness that comes with being located on an island that is […]
In a recent article for Nurse Leader, Debbie Gregory, DNP, RN, and others discuss how nurse leaders influenced facility design decisions, quickly evaluated the outcomes, and rapidly adapted the environment based on their own observations, assessments, changing regulatory requirements, and the needs of patients, nurses, and the caring workforce. Nurses must validate their clinical voice […]
Description: ASHRAE recognizes that building energy simulation is most useful when it can inform the design process to reduce energy use. ASHRAE Standard 209 “Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings” describes a methodology to apply building energy modeling to the design process. The standard was created to advance the timely use of energy modeling to […]
In a recent article for Consulting Specifying Engineer, David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, outlines the evolution of NFPA 110 over the years in an effort to help electrical engineers understand the nuances. The article includes information on the evolution of major NFPA 110 changes over time, the major impacts to NFPA 110-2022 from the […]
Description: The one hour session will present the key electrical design aspects that can help architects, master planners, space planners, and designers better understand how electrical equipment, equipment layouts, Codes and Standards, and other requirements impact their designs and the success of their projects. Topics covered will be: key electrical terms and common equipment, space […]
We are in the home stretch! Projects can achieve up to three points total in the Innovation category to help round out their score under any of the following options: Option 1: Innovation Proposal A project can submit an innovation proposal that describes a feature that positively impacts project occupants by relating to acute […]
With great respect, honor, and gratitude, SSR would like to honor and thank all those that have served. Thank you, Veterans. Mark Arcenell, Medical Equipment Planner, Nashville Jerrye Barriger, CEI Technician, Crestview Jim Bice, Project Manager, Nashville Joshua Brown, CEI Technician, Nashville Rick Cook, CHFM, CxA, Commissioning Business Development Partner, Washington, DC William Deaton, CEI […]
The Summer/Fall issue of Straight from the Tap highlighted two SSR colleagues for their outstanding achievements. I’m proud of the contributions that our team makes to the water/wastewater profession and it’s important to recognize their commitment to the industry. Luke Williams, PE, was recognized as the 2021 Water for People Kenneth J. Miller Award […]
While very few states have regulatory requirements around electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), they are not ignoring the rise in popularity and the impact that fewer gas-powered cars on the road will have on transportation budgets. David Donoho, PE, Transportation Principal, provided insight to the future impact of electric vehicles on transportation planning and DOTs. […]
Communities (cities, utilities, authorities, etc.) across the US consistently utilize hydrant flushing methods to clear sediments from their water distribution system. Water system flushing has long been considered an effective method to remove unwanted tastes, odors, or discolorations of the water, and to improve chlorine residuals. When a community considers implementing a flushing plan into […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in August, September, and October: Rami Al-Twal, Commissioning Project Manager, Dallas Joseph Carpenter, CEI Technician, Memphis Debbie Costanza, Senior Medical Equipment Procurement Manager, Home Based Lauren Cresap, Plumbing […]
Concerns about safety within the workplace have arisen because of the coronavirus outbreak. Questions such as “What methods can owners take to keep a workplace safe?” and “Can heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems help reduce or eliminate the airborne spread of the virus throughout the building?” have been asked of the HVAC design industry. […]
As mentioned in several previous posts, the key to a successful WELL Health-Safety project is communication with building occupants. One of the main drivers for projects to pursue the rating is to prioritize and promote the health and safety of their buildings and spaces. The following category for Stakeholder Engagement and Communication awards projects for […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals have recently been promoted to Discipline Resource Manager / Principal. These positions will enable SSR’s MEP team to more efficiently optimize resources across geographic locations. Matt Clark, Plumbing, Nashville Mike Elliott, […]
What would a day be like without water? Thursday, October 21st was the seventh annual Imagine a Day Without Water, a national education campaign that highlights how essential water is. SSR celebrated the week by highlighting the lesser known impact of water on projects across our many markets and service lines. SPORTS VENUES AND […]
While modern plumbing systems are comparatively advanced in design, the pipes and equipment that make up water infrastructure were not meant to last forever. Richard Chappell, PE, BCEE is an environmental and civil engineer in SSR’s Infrastructure Program. He says many of the pipes that carry water and wastewater have been in the ground for […]
As engineers, architects, and designers consider how to manage water usage for building development, there are several industry-wide rating systems in place that encourage water conservation. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is one rating system that places a high priority on water use reduction and conservation. Hannah Walter, […]
In addition to the obvious usage of water in the food manufacturing industry — as an ingredient, cleanser, etc. — water serves as a fundamental tool to transport and protect products throughout the manufacturing process. SSR has a longstanding relationship with a global food processing client which includes the recent design of a new processing […]
While all buildings require water for consumption, heating, cooling, and plumbing, access to clean water is arguably most critical in healthcare settings. Facilities such as the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX have unique needs to be met in order to safely provide for patients and hospital staff. Lee […]
The Joint Commission’s 2021 updates to the Hospital Accreditation (and some other) Emergency Management Chapter Standards include numerous cases where documentation (indicated by the new “D” icon) is now required whereas those icons were not indicated prior to the 2021 changes. The Emergency Management Elements of Performance with new “D” (documentation required) icons are: EM020101 […]
A sports and entertainment venue requires an abundance of resources to maintain and operate – especially one that hosts a top NBA team. Fortunately, the Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors, has several systems in place that efficiently and creatively minimize its environmental impact. SSR’s design consulting services within mechanical, […]
As a supplement to a recent Consulting Specifying Engineer article, our team of experts also produced a case study that showed the results of a test to the feasibility and effectiveness of a duct-mounted ultraviolet system.
David Cooper, PMP, along with three other industry experts, weighs in on several changes to controls and automation in manufacturing and industrial buildings for Consulting Specifying Engineer’s Industrial MEP Roundtable Q&A.
Cool roofs are an integral part of high-performance buildings and mitigating urban heat islands and climate change. High-performance buildings are those that have significantly lower energy consumption when compared with buildings that meet minimum code requirements, create a comfortable environment for occupants and are cost effective to operate. Many factors can be attributed to higher […]
As a building enclosure specialist with a background in roofing, I often am called to investigate persistent leak issues that end up having less to do with the roof than the rest of the building envelope. Although roofing contractors usually are the first to be blamed for leaks, roofing contractors aren’t always able to properly […]
David Cooper, PMP, along with three other industry experts, weighs in on several changes to the design of manufacturing and industrial buildings for Consulting Specifying Engineer’s Industrial MEP Roundtable Q&A.
This post is a continuation of our discussion on improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and water quality for projects pursuing the WELL Health-Safety Rating. The last post highlighted Features that required some technical expertise. The remaining Features in the Air and Water Quality Management category require regular maintenance or monitoring throughout the year if pursued. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: Richard Chappell, Principal, Nashville Taylor Craft, CADD Operator/ Drafter, Nashville Tyler Ferguson, Electrical Engineer, Nashville Paul Gammons, Senior Project Manager, Sarasota Patrik Harden, Electrical Engineer, Houston Liz Henson, […]
Large commercial buildings are equipped with dozens of air handling units and hundreds of terminal boxes that maintain acceptable indoor air quality and occupant thermal comfort. Building operators are typically buried in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system data, and mostly react to occupant complaints, equipment/component failure or various levels of building automation system alarms. Automated fault detection and diagnostics, or AFDD, serves as a promising […]
Improving indoor air quality is a significant driver for improved occupant health outcomes. This was known prior to COVID but has become more apparent since. The WELL Health-Safety Rating has put significant weight on improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) of buildings as part of achieving and maintaining the rating. The following Features are related […]
We are ready for some football! And basketball! And hockey! Real, in-person sports! After a 2020 fall that saw capped attendance at sporting events across the country, we are thrilled to see stadiums and arenas safely return to full capacity. As we approach every project, delivering a memorable fan experience is often a top goal […]
SSR has been providing engineering and consulting services to the sports and entertainment market for nearly three decades. Throughout that time, we’ve been privileged to work with dozens of owners with various degrees of experience with a major construction project. From these experiences, we’ve compiled our TOP 5 List of Design Considerations for an owner […]
Be sure to check out Part 1: Considerations for Masonry Exteriors. Testing Methods The testing methods used to evaluate moisture intrusion are beyond the scope of this article and are even harder to explain to a client that is fed up with failed attempts and long-winded explanations. They just want to be told that the […]
Introduction to Masonry and Moisture Contrary to popular belief, masonry leaks. This includes brick, CMUs (concrete masonry units aka cinder blocks), and all forms of veneer. Often, it’s the mortar that is to blame and more specifically, its current state of absorption or consistency. In this two-part article, I will cover what happens when you […]
As the Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs celebrates their first anniversary, we wanted to share some photos of the second phase of the project. At the conclusion of the 25,000 SF gaming hall addition, Kentucky Downs converted much of the old space into restaurants and other amenities for patrons to enjoy. SSR took great […]
Mike Rogers and Scott Terry recently attended the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) annual conference, VenueConnect 2021, in Atlanta. Representing public assembly venues (arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, fairgrounds, performing arts centers, stadiums, universities, etc.) from around the world, the conference is an opportunity to bring all types of industry partners together for education, advocacy […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Mike Darden has joined the firm as a Principal in the firm’s Houston office. He will serve as the Operations Director for the firm’s growing Medical Equipment Planning (MEQ) service line. “I am excited […]
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) or Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) technologies have been in use for some time to help facility professionals assess equipment condition. This article will use PdM to reflect both approaches as discussed in an earlier companion article. This article discusses using real-time acoustic and ultrasonic monitoring for detecting air-borne or structure-borne sound waves associated […]
When designing backup, standby, and emergency power systems for hospitals, there are several considerations beyond NFPA 70: National Electrical Code and other building code requirements that must be addressed. Engineers need to be mindful of the construction process, and ensure equipment replacement is coordinated, temporary power strategies are identified, and phasing concepts are developed. This […]
When designing backup, standby and emergency power systems for hospitals, there are several considerations beyond NFPA 70: National Electrical Code and other building code requirements that must be addressed. Electrical engineers must understand the specific owner project requirements for the building’s power systems and ensure that the generator specification and system topologies meet all those […]
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) or Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) can help facility professionals solve problems they don’t even know about yet. Many health care facilities currently have ongoing Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs that consist of lists of activities to be performed at calendar-based intervals. Sometimes those PMs are based upon past practices, and sometimes they are based […]
During a recent Consulting Specifying Engineer webcast, HVAC systems that achieve indoor air quality, several questions were left unanswered. In the linked article below, Matt Short responded to the extra questions.
In the July 2021 issue of ASHE’s Health Facilities Management, David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, writes about five things to consider when evaluating risks associated with Alternative Equipment Maintenance (AEM) programs.
In a recent article for Consulting-Specifying Engineer, Hannah Walter, PE, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, details many of the drivers for the market shift to WELL building certification.
Now, more than ever, the industry and consumers are realizing that where we live and work has a significant impact on our health and wellness. But how does a building project know what to do to make their building “better”? The WELL Building Standard from the International WELL Building Institute was created to bridge that gap and guide teams to […]
The commissioning of complex emergency power systems requires the commissioning provider (CxP) to possess technical knowledge of applicable regulations, standards and codes in addition to considerable real-world experience with emergency power systems and integrated systems testing. When discussing emergency power systems, it is important to understand a few key distinctions in equipment and system terms. […]
Today (August 4th) is Professional Engineers Day. The purpose of the day is to celebrate licensed professional engineers by raising awareness about what it means to be a PE, recognizing licensed PEs, and showing appreciation for the work they do every day. At SSR, we’d be nowhere without our engineers. To recognize the day, we […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in May, June, and July: Mohammad Abumuhaimid, Electrical Engineer, Houston Dani Ahern, Electrical EIT, Dallas Parker Alperin, Commissioning EIT, Nashville Palmer Bell, Technology Associate, Nashville Kwan Brown, Mechanical […]
The Mississippi River floods in April and May 2011 were among the largest and most damaging recorded along the U.S. waterway in the past century. The City of Dyersburg, TN, located 79 miles northeast of Memphis, was hit particularly hard with most of the flooding occurring in the community of South Town, one of the […]
In early May, a mechanical fracture was discovered during a routine inspection of the Interstate 40 bridge (Hernando DeSoto Bridge) over the Mississippi River. The bridge was closed to all traffic while the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) worked together evaluate the damage and determine the best solution for […]
This year’s Kentucky Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (KY/TN WPC) will take place August 15-18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. After skipping the 2020 event, SSR is thrilled to once again see many of our clients, friends, and industry partners. Hosted by the Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee (CWP-KT) and the Kentucky/Tennessee Section of […]
Similar to how ships are commissioned before setting sail for the first time, owners often elect to have their buildings commissioned before being turned over to operations. This process ensures a facility’s systems operate as they should, and the building is set to perform at peak efficiency. A building can be commissioned as part of […]
Hi! I’m Kate MacIndoe, PE, Civil Engineer – Water/Wastewater, and this year’s Kentucky/Tennessee Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Young Professionals (YP) Chair. Part of my responsibilities as KY/TN AWWA YP Chair are to help coordinate the Water for Life event that takes place Sunday afternoon of the Water Professionals Conference. I am […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: Susan Osterberg, Chief Operations Officer, Nashville Mike Rogers, Nashville, Chief Growth Officer, Nashville Max Connor, Project Manager, Nashville Emma Gray, Mechanical Engineer, Denver Matthew Howsmon, Building Performance Engineer, […]
Healthcare systems may be struggling to comply with the fact that the physical environments of their business occupancies are surveyable. In many accredited healthcare systems, the quantity of business occupancies that are part of that entity’s CMS Certification Number is substantial. Although the potential for surveys of business occupancy physical environments has been there for […]
Reducing occupancy loads, adjusting seating assignments and circulation paths, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE! These are all protocols and procedures that facilities began analyzing and implementing in early 2020 to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The WELL Health-Safety Rating has multiple features related to keeping people safe while keeping business going to guide […]
SSR believes in investing in the future generation of engineers. We are excited to announce our 2021 summer interns. During their time at SSR, they will expand their knowledge and have the opportunity to contribute to some great projects! Austin Chaffin, Mechanical Intern, Nashville Taylor Craft, Electrical Drafter Intern, Nashville Matthew Grunzweig, Mechanical Intern, Nashville […]
Chilled water systems are a significant portion of a building’s energy picture, sometimes accounting for up to 40% of peak demand and 15% – 25% of annual energy usage for a large building. That makes efforts to reduce the amount of energy used by a chilled water system worthwhile. Control sequences in the Building Automation […]
SSR has been working on the whiskey bar at Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant. The project is the reimagining of a former coffee shop into The Reserve, a new whiskey lounge and bar, as part of the resort’s capital improvement projects. SSR provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for the new power, mechanical, lighting, and plumbing […]
This blog originally appeared on the Women in Healthcare blog. You can learn more about the organization here. Women in Healthcare, as an organization, is “committed to providing women in the healthcare industry with the community and tools needed to prosper and to allow them to have a seat at the table they want to […]
Sports and entertainment facilities need some of the most versatile controls when considering integration and operation of a building. Whether we’re talking about a stadium, arena, gaming space, or event space, controllability of lighting systems has many considerations when designing a new system or integrating into an existing one. Today, energy codes provide a […]
When COVID hit, the first thing that we all started thinking about was how to best clean and sanitize spaces and surfaces to reduce the potential spread of viruses. This involved not only the type of cleaning products used but also a deeper look at the amount of “high-touch” surfaces a person can encounter during […]
The scope and complexity of building design projects is broad, and there are many modeling software tools that a project team must choose from as they perform analysis and calculations, collaborate across disciplines and trades, produce construction documents and ultimately aid in the management of a building. However, it’s critical to define project team members’ […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in February, March, and April: Garrett Galyen, Electrical Engineer, Dallas Bryan Harvey, Industrial Construction Manager, Oakdale Jacob Johnston, Electrical Engineer, Nashville Jason Perez, Senior Construction Administrator, Houston Jimmy […]
Nashville based engineering and consulting firm Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) has announced changes to its executive leadership structure. CEO and President, Steve Lane, PE, BCEE, FACEC, announced that the SSR Board of Directors promoted Susan Osterberg to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Mike Rogers, PE, LEED AP, to Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Lane stated […]
In 2018, SSR began working with a utility district in Middle Tennessee on the addition of a new force main at one of their largest pump stations for increased flexibility during wet weather events. The goal was to install a new 24” ductile iron force main approximately three miles in length along very difficult terrain […]
A hydraulic water model is a powerful tool that can aid in development impact assessment, master planning, fire flow analysis, and emergency response occurrences. Through the help of specialized software, such as InfoWater Pro, a community’s distribution system can be modeled as a network that includes many attributes such as diameter and length of pipes, […]
This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), observed April 26-30, is themed “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.” NWZAW is an annual campaign held at the start of construction season that encourages safe driving through highway work zones. The public awareness campaign was launched 21 years ago to encourage drivers to use extra caution […]
My engineering professors at Vanderbilt always told us that there’s only so much you can learn in the classroom and that we would have to be prepared to learn on the job after graduation. I knew they were right—the real world is a lot more complicated and unpredictable than carefully crafted homework problems—but I underestimated […]
Now that you know how much the WELL Health-Safety Rating can cost, the next question is “how much effort and from who does it take to make this happen?” Our resident WELL Accredited Professional, Hannah Walter, will break it down for you based on SSR’s own pursuit of the WELL Health-Safety Rating on our offices. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: Jim DeLand, Operations Manager, Dallas Karley Fant, Business Development Specialist, Sarasota Kristen Haltom, Structural Engineer, Memphis Linda Sadler, Operations Manager, Nashville Matt Short, Principal, Houston
Description: This course outlines the key elements of Medical Equipment Planning– the expectations of the planner and all the detail that is needed to ensure accurate planning and disposition of medical equipment in the project. It also covers the procurement aspect of medical equipment and how the move management task for the equipment is vital […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce the 2021/2022 SSR board of directors. “Our board includes four independent directors with diverse leadership backgrounds and experience as well as five of our senior leaders,” said Rob Barrick, Chairman. “We have found that independent […]
One of the first questions which comes up when trying to get the conversation started about green building certification is “How much is this gonna cost?” Our resident WELL Accredited Professional, Hannah Walter, will break it down for you based on SSR’s own pursuit of the WELL Health-Safety Rating on our offices. How much […]
Description: This presentation will provide an overview of various HVAC systems and their impact on building design. The course will present HVAC designs for comfort and safety, a review of energy efficiency, and code requirements. Learning Objective: Identify various HVAC strategies, and where they should be applied. Understand the impact architectural envelope decisions have […]
Description: As of December 2020, there are 26 states whose energy codes are at least as stringent as the 2015 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2013. As a result, energy codes are changing the nature of the building design process. Staying current with the latest energy code requirements is critical to updating standard design practices in order […]
Description: Many organizations are focusing on energy reduction today and are engaging the services of Professional Engineering firms to assist in the achievement of some level of energy reduction in their facilities that is sustainable. Various approaches ranging from an ASHRAE Level I or Level II Energy Audit to some form of Existing Building Commissioning […]
Description: Energy codes and the desire for energy security are changing how our buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, all of which seem to be leading towards near-zero or net-zero energy buildings being the norm some day. To be ready for this, Project Teams must have increasing familiarity with the drivers for high performance buildings, […]
Description: Are you prepared for when your clients ask about WELL certification and Living Building Challenge? These ratings systems, which focus on health/wellness and the intersect of ecology and buildings, are increasingly requested by owners to promote leasing, employee and patient satisfaction, and competition within the industry. This session will be a learning session on […]
Description: This course defines and explains how IT is no longer just “Information Technology”. IT is the ecosystem of intelligence that redefines and reimagines the human and facility experience. With the growing digital healthcare ecosystem, it will be important for architects to understand how these emerging technologies are transforming workflow and care delivery in the […]
Description: This presentation includes a historical overview of seismic design analysis and current design procedures. Discussion will also include examples of how the code affects recent projects and potential ways to mitigate cost. Learning Objectives: Historical overview of seismic design analysis. Show how small geographic changes can greatly impact the building design. Review current […]
Description: An introduction to building enclosure system construction including roofs, opaque walls, fenestrations, and below grade waterproofing. We will review common issues in modern building enclosure construction and consulting services that can reduce risk of those issues. Risk mitigation will cover both new construction and the maintenance and repair of existing facilities. Learning Objectives: […]
Description: This course will encourage and engage new thinking when it comes to building design as related to achieving net zero energy buildings. While much of the education will be around designing buildings in the southeastern United States, much of the content will be applicable to other locations and climates. Time will be dedicated reviewing […]
Description: Owners are demanding higher performing and more sustainable buildings, within tightening budgets and project timelines. Highly collaborative design teams can position themselves to successfully meet these demands and deliver high performing facilities. This presentation will focus on goal setting, tools, and delivery methods for high performance designs. Learning Objectives: Learn about the key […]
Description: This course defines the Commissioning process, its benefits and applications. It will also inform the audience on the basics of developing a commissioning scope that is suitable for a given project as well as how to solicit and select the right commissioning provider. The presentation closes with a best practices message by exploring lessons […]
Description: This course is designed to teach construction professionals the commissioning requirements of State Building Code, including those requirements for healthcare facilities. Learning Objectives: Understand the Building Codes regarding commissioning and what commissioning activities are required Understand the differences between the various codes, ie. IEC C408, FGI, and NFPA requirements Understand what the docs […]
Description: This course is designed to teach design and construction professionals the commissioning requirements of the State Building Codes, including those requirements for healthcare facilities. Commissioning standards will be reviewed to understand the minimum tasks that are required to comply and the parties responsible for specific performance of these tasks. Basic commissioning activities will be […]
Description: Energy codes and beyond-code rating systems are increasing the need for energy models to demonstrate building energy performance. However, when left to the end of the design process, energy modeling can be seen simply as a necessary evil. This presentation will describe the benefits and use cases of creating energy models early and often […]
In late 2020, league officials from both the NBA and NHL were looking at ways to protect both the players and fans in their arenas. Ahead of their respective seasons, each league published return to play protocols that included recommended and required measures. These guidelines prioritized measures intended to reduce the risk of transmission of […]
The City of Memphis Traffic Signal Maintenance (TSM) division has partnered with SSR to manage over 120 miles of traffic signal fiber optic infrastructure as required by the TN811 utility locate notification system. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) created a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform which serves as the backbone for maintaining the City’s fiber […]
When the San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztec’s kick-off their 2022 season, they’ll be doing so in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility. The 35,000-seat stadium will be the first completed component of the redevelopment of the old Qualcomm Stadium, the former 135-acre home of the San Diego Chargers. Bashor Field at Aztec Stadium Located on […]
Jesse Felter, Commissioning Discipline Manager, and Cody Swayze, EI, Electrical, contributed to the CE&M article, “Taking Technology Up a Notch.” In today’s construction climate, electrical contractors and engineers must still wrap up projects on time and within budget — even in the midst of skilled labor shortages, material delays, and the global pandemic. To stay […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in November, December, and January. Beverly Estes, MEQ Project Coordinator, Dallas Erica Kerr, Project Manager, Denver Shola Mogaji, Medical Equipment Designer, Atlanta Wyatt Oberg, MEQ Project Coordinator, Houston […]
We are excited to announce that, as of January 6, 2021, SSR is enrolled to pursue the WELL Health-Safety Rating for a portfolio of our offices through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Office locations included in the Health-Safety Rating submission will cover the majority of our colleagues wherein we have sufficient control of building […]
When is it ok to sacrifice our health for the sake of convenience? This has been a burning question for consumers and regulators as they work to implement a plan to reduce the hormone disrupting and cancer causing PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) – also known as forever chemicals – polluting many of our source […]
One of the most troublesome, yet often overlooked enemies of the water/wastewater industry is corrosion. It is estimated that the direct cost of dealing with corrosion in the United States totals $276 billion annually, $36 billion of which is spent in the water/wastewater (W/WW) industry alone. This estimate comes from a two-year study performed by […]
As cities and communities around the country continue grow, many local water departments and utilities are faced with challenges, particularly as it relates to infrastructure. The challenge of significant growth will be most felt by those that are the sole water provider for an area. Fortunately, technology has continued to advance and water modeling software […]
Recent Joint Commission articles have indicated there will be additions to the LS/EOC Document List and Review Tool starting in early 2021. The Joint Commission has finally released those long-awaited 2021 changes. The updated Life Safety & Environment of Care Document List and Review Tool for 2021 is located on pages 102 through 116 of […]
With a flood of information about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies to combat the spread of airborne viruses such as COVID-19, the consulting engineer might ask, “How do I select systems and equipment to best meet the owner’s requirements and specific project goals?” The following list of variables should be considered: Permanent vs temporary. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: David Booth, Risk Manager, Nashville Jacob Swenson, PE, Commissioning Registered Engineer, Houston Matthew Lee, Industrial Project Manager, Memphis
During the holidays, our thoughts often turn to giving back to our clients and the communities where we live and work. This year, we have focused our efforts to give a helping hand where it’s needed most by supporting 10 non-profits that align with our core markets. Together, we will make a positive difference. “Now, […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pat Priest to the SSR Board of Directors. Her previous Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry exposure and Dallas-area connections will be an asset to SSR, in addition to the knowledge and experience she will […]
For the last two decades, SSRCx has been providing commissioning services for different types of buildings and facilities across the United States and around the world. During our 20-plus years of experience, our team of seasoned project managers, engineers, and consultants have encountered systems that are unique to a specific project. Read on to learn […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.’s (SSR) commissioning division, SSRCx, has been providing consulting services to clients across the United States and around the world for over two decades. During that time we’ve had the privilege of commissioning thousands of facilities, from healthcare to higher education, corrections to community facilities. While no two projects are ever alike, […]
As we seek more information on the safest way to re-open our buildings during this pandemic, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched a set of pilot credits under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building rating system. These pilot credits provide sustainable best practices relative to disinfecting and cleaning, HVAC […]
In its October 7, 2020 issue of Joint Commission Online, The Joint Commission requested comments on its proposed new water management program standard, through a field review of the proposed new standard. The Joint Commission field review is accepting comments through November 16, 2020. A Joint Commission speaker at the Virtual ASHE Annual Conference presentation […]
Kate MacIndoe, PE, Civil Engineer- Water/Wastewater, contributed to the Journal AWWA article, “Communicating the Water Professional’s Value.” Finally, the day of the big event has arrived. After nearly a year of planning and preparing, the annual community outreach event is here. You grin with anticipation while looking over your simple water treatment coagulation experiment. You […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in August, September, and October. Dani Ahern, Electrical Intern, Dallas Joshua Bruce, Civil EIT, Johnson City Jeremy Dixon, Senior Controls Engineer, Memphis Andy Harlan, Cx Project Manager, Nashville […]
Telehealth is having a major impact on the delivery of health care. But in the long run, it could also have a major effect on health care facilities, too, by reducing patient traffic. “I think this would make an interesting conversation for facilities managers, because they’re focused on the nuts and bolts and having their […]
Jiajun Liao, PhD, CEM, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Retro Commissioning Project Manager, contributed to the ASHRAE technical paper, “Application of VFDs to Multiple Pump Sizes in HVAC Systems.” Variable-frequency drives (VFDs) have been widely applied to chilled-water pumps and heating hot-water pumps to meet variable loads in building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals were recently promoted: Joe Freeman, Senior Project Manager, Memphis Leigh DeGroot, PE, LEED AP, Project Manager, Denver Christopher Maurice, BECxP, CxA+BE, BECx Project Manager, Nashville Katie Cox, Senior Operations Accounting Analyst, […]
The ACG’s Building Commissioning Guidelines is being reimaged to present best practices to the industry. Now focused on insights and strategies from experienced professionals, the guidelines are designed to help providers complete commissioning in the real world — effectively and efficiently — while overcoming common challenges. The October issue of Consulting-Specifying Engineer featured a “sneak […]
In July, the Chase Center officially achieved LEED Gold certification. It’s no easy feat for sports facilities to achieve certification; across the four major U.S. sports, just 31 venues have achieved a LEED certification and the Chase Center is one of five NBA arenas to be LEED Gold or higher certified. Arenas tend to excessively […]
In early September, the Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs, a 25,000 SF addition, opened to much fanfare. The premier gaming destination features 850 slot machines, a high stakes area, sophisticated central bar, and entertainment stage. SSR provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology design services for the project. Designing the mechanical system for […]
Since 2007, the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University has hosted their annual Healthcare Design & Construction Symposium. In a typical year, the highly sought-after event is attended by 150 healthcare professionals from across the country. This year, due to restrictions stemming from COVID-19, the symposium went virtual, presenting eight sessions over two days to […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Bart Tate, RRO, has joined the firm as a Building Enclosure Regional Manager in the firm’s Houston office. With over 15 years leading all phases of building enclosure related projects, Tate will be a […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Seth Spangler, PE, BEMP, LEED AP BD+C, has joined the firm as a Principal and senior Mechanical Engineer in the firm’s growing Atlanta office. With over 15 years leading mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology […]
Iconic but future-proof, innovative with a community-focus. These are some of the expectations of new sports and entertainment venues being built around the world. Ownership teams are looking for jaw-dropping designs that appeal to fans, deliver a competitive advantage to the home team, and often anchor a massive entertainment district intended to revitalize a community. […]
As states, local governments, and companies across the U.S. plan for reopening based on a range of unique situations, facilities are beginning to plan for their employees or tenants to return to offices. Amidst the need to change how building mechanical systems operate to provide safe environment for occupants, opportunities exist to help mitigate potential […]
Home to the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, the former Quicken Loans Arena opened its 2019–20 season last autumn with a name change and new front door. After an extensive renovation by Gensler—which included bringing the 26-year-old venue to state-of-the-art standards as well as adding a glazed lobby—the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse today welcomes guests and passersby […]
In August, the doors to Allegiant Stadium will open to the public for the first time, unveiling arguably one of the most exciting entertainment venues in the world. Less than three years after the groundbreaking ceremony, all eyes will be on the new home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. The 65,000-seat, almost $2 billion […]
In 2009, Texas Christian University (TCU) decided to embark on a transformative project for Amon G. Carter Stadium, the historic home to the Horned Frogs football team. Originally built in the early 1930s, the stadium had been gradually expanded over the years, but the athletic department and administration recognized a need for more space, improved […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in May, June, and July: Dinora Adame, Plumbing EIT, Houston Erin Anders, MEQ Project Coordinator, Atlanta Sabrina Battle, Plumbing Senior Designer, Nashville Nick Clouser, Industrial Senior Construction Manager, […]
During a global pandemic it may be difficult to consider beyond the next change, however facility infrastructure risks still need attention. A July 2020 Healthcare Facility Management (HFM) Magazine article entitled “A review of common hospital utility risks – Proactive assessment of hospital utilities can help to minimize risks and ensure safe and efficient operations” […]
In “A review of common hospital utility risks,” a recent article for Health Facilities Management, Dave Stymiest PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE FASHE, addressed how proactive assessment of hospital utilities can help to minimize risks and ensure safe and efficient operations. In a second article, he expanded on the importance of performing facility risks assessment for […]
The green building certification industry has taken the initiative to help address concerns for returning to work and building design as it relates to COVID-19. The three most prominent certifications in the U.S. to date are the WELL Health-Safety Rating, the Arc Re-Entry score, and the RESET® Building Standard. All provide guidance to client looking […]
Health care facilities are served by numerous utility infrastructure systems and their related equipment. Among these are the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems; plumbing systems (including water, waste and piped gases); and the electrical systems (both normal power and the essential electrical system). This includes the building automation and control systems, information […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Roger Perkins has joined as a Principal in the firm’s Sarasota office. He will provide client and project leadership for a wide-range of project types and markets. “We are excited to welcome Roger to […]
As the United States continues to open up, facilities across the country are beginning to plan for a return to occupancy. Careful consideration for the safety of those occupants, from employees to the general public, must be considered to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While not inclusive, SSR’s subject matter experts have compiled a list […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce we are a Cornerstone member of the International WELL Building InstituteTM (IWBITM). SSR joins like-minded companies who are leading the movement to advance human health in buildings and communities around the world. The intention of […]
As the United States continues to open up, facilities across the country are beginning to plan for a return to occupancy. Careful consideration for the safety of those occupants, from employees to the general public, must be considered to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While not inclusive, SSR’s subject matter experts have compiled a list […]
In late 2018, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, acquired an Atlanta-based medical equipment planning (MEQ) firm. The acquisition was to better serve the needs of our healthcare clients across the country. In the nearly two years since, and as a response to the demands […]
The design of a health care facility requires engineers to “place the public welfare above all other considerations,” as defined by the engineer’s creed. While this is equally important in the design of every project, health care facilities are unique in that patients and medical staff with a wide variety of age, health, and physical […]
In addition to providing direct care to patients, nurses around the country are using their professional expertise to lead, support, and innovate around the response of healthcare systems and communities to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent article for American Nurse, Debbie Gregory, DNP, RN, discusses how she helped in the preparation to transform Nashville’s […]
Unfortunately for the players of Super Bowl XLVII, any on-field action is probably the third-most memorable event for the casual viewer. The 2013 game is most known for either Beyoncé’s halftime show or for the lights going out early in the third quarter. Parts of the stadium went dark for over thirty minutes, leaving fans […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Susan Kramer, PE, LEED AP, has joined the firm as a Principal in the firm’s Houston office. She will provide client and project leadership for existing institutional initiatives. “We are extremely excited to have […]
CMS issued some new physical environment blanket waivers on April 29, 2020 permitting certain CMS-mandated inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) activities to be adjusted during the federal emergency declaration. The previous broadly-distributed April 29th version included the ITM blanket waivers on page 23, but additional changes since then included some other CMS physical environment blanket […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that Kevin Rettich, PE, LC, LEED AP, has joined the firm as the Director of Technical Leadership. He will be responsible for the overall people, structure, systems, and processes for technical effectiveness of the firms […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce that the following individuals joined the firm in February, March, and April. While the past two months have forced all colleagues to work from home, these individuals have made an immediate impact on helping SSR […]
A few decades ago, the health facilities professional’s main activity with regard to facility power systems was running the unloaded generator weekly or monthly, and then shutting it down to take some readings. Sometimes, facilities professionals also turned circuit breakers off to relocate or fix the equipment they powered. Now, they must consider designing for […]
In preparation for an anticipated surge in a COVID-driven patient population, Cleveland Clinic made the decision to convert the recently completed Health Education Campus into a 1,000-bed surge facility. Having served as Engineer of Record for the original project, SSR teamed with other design professionals and the contracting team to collaborate on identifying the best […]
PART 2 – MANUFACTURING FACILITIES Recall that in the Part 1 of this series (Defining and Identifying High Energy Buildings in the U.S.) we reviewed the current state of the U.S. energy use and environmental impact on a global scale and defined and identified high energy building categories. From that review we determined that manufacturing […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a link to the mandatory 1135 Waivers posted on their website for the Emergency Preparedness Rule (originally called the Emergency Preparedness Final Rule or EPFR). The 1135 Waivers link above provides the full 1135 Waivers requirements. However, the purpose of this article is not to discuss the […]
ASHRAE has developed proactive guidance to help address coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns with respect to the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. The linked webpage below provides easily accessible resources from ASHRAE to building industry professionals. Interim Guidance from the CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Quality Safety & Oversight (OSQ) Memorandum QSO-20-12-All, Suspension of Survey Activities, on March 4, 2020. In the QSO Memorandum background message, CMS stated that “Specifically, CMS is suspending non-emergency inspections across the country, allowing inspectors to turn their focus on the most serious health and safety […]
Integrating occupant wellbeing with resource efficiency In recent years our firm has seen a shift where the green building industry is moving toward “human-centered design”, i.e. integrating occupant health and wellness with energy efficiency in buildings. Rating systems such as WELL™ and FITWEL® focus on improving occupant comfort, health, and productivity through operational and design […]
A recent Health Facilities Management Magazine article entitled Powering up to meet today’s health technology demands discusses in detail the impacts of burgeoning health care technology on health care facility power systems. The consistently increasing technology changes are likely to ramp up even more throughout all health care facilities, not just in hospitals. Clinical areas […]
For most building occupants, the roof of their building is out of sight and, therefore, out of mind. They take for granted that a roof is serving its intended function — until it fails and a leak occurs. In a recent Facility Maintenance Decisions article, Mike Spach explains why a comprehensive inspection program can benefit departments, […]
Boilers and water heaters are complex systems to operate and can be just as complex to maintain. Because of the potentially high costs related to each of these functions, maintenance and engineering managers are under mounting pressure to ensure the efficiency of both the maintenance and the operation of these systems. In a recent Facility Maintenance […]
Part 1: Defining and Identifying High Energy Buildings in the US The architectural and engineering community in the U.S. has engaged in designing energy-efficient buildings and helping building owners optimize energy performance in existing buildings since the American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) introduced Standard 90.1 – Energy Efficient Design of New […]
Replacing a chiller or air handler with a more efficient unit is a complex process with many moving parts. But such projects are essential for institutional and commercial facilities looking to improve energy efficiency, control utility costs, and operate more sustainably. In a recent Facility Maintenance Decisions article, Casey Hester explores some of the challenges […]
With the opening of Inspira Health’s new full-service hospital in Mullica Hill, NJ quickly approaching, ENR New York spotlights the benefits of the project’s integrated project delivery (IDP) approach.
In the May/June issue of Tennessee Public Works Magazine, Mike Bernard, PE, recaps Metro Nashville’s phased conversion of two gaseous chlorine water treatment plants into on-site-generated sodium hypochlorite treatment plants.
Emergency equipment receives much attention, but normal power infrastructure requires scrutiny, too The reliability of a hospital’s normal power system depends upon many factors, including the system’s physical equipment and their arrangement, and facility professionals’ knowledge, training and informational tools. In hospital and other health care facility electrical power systems, much of the operational focus […]
CMS issued a February 1, 2019 update (Ref: QSO19-06-ALL) to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Appendix Z emergency preparedness interpretive guidance to clarify CMS requirements pertaining to alternate source power and emergency standby systems. The clarifications (in red) are easy to find within the 56-page document. In its Memorandum Summary, CMS stated “We are updating […]
The discussion below is an update to our more comprehensive previous analysis entitled CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule Could Require More Equipment on Generators. The Emergency and Standby Power Systems portion of the CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule (CMS EPFR) discussed “specific compliance with NFPA 99, NFPA 101 and NFPA 110 for generator design, location, […]
In the November/December issue of Facility Maintenance Decisions, Mike Spach, RRC, RRO, CITL 1, overview how a comprehensive roof inspection program can help building managers hold down repair costs and extend long-term performance.
In 2018, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is celebrating the firm’s 50th anniversary, focusing on making a difference to their clients, colleagues, and communities. As part of this commitment, SSR focused on improving the communities we serve throughout the year with two programs — Day of Making a Difference and Granting Change. On August 17 and […]
ECRI Institute (ECRI) recently published its 2019 Top 10 list of health technology hazards. Healthcare organizations could consider this latest update of this list as one of many potential sources for identifying new safety risks or guiding due reconsideration of previously-identified safety risks. ECRI determines the content of the annual list, by considering adverse incidents, […]
CMS changed the rules for both inventories and equipment inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) requirements in December 2013. The CMS changes require that, where law and regulations do not stipulate ITM, manufacturer ITM recommendations must be followed unless the organization has a compliant AEM Program and uses a risk-based process to determine how and when […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-issued Survey & Certification (S&C) Letter S&C:14-07-Hospital (titled “Hospital Equipment Maintenance Requirements”) dated Dec. 12, 2013, includes requirements and state agency survey guidelines. Most of the accrediting organizations copy the CMS S&C letter AEM inclusion-risk assessments verbatim within their physical environment standards. These requirements appear to apply only […]
Projects like the 208,700 SF Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Olive Branch (Miss.) Hospital sometimes receive their most attention when the ribbon is cut. The anticipated LEED Gold for Healthcare certification, the exceptional attention to sustainability, and the use of integrated project delivery (IPD) to meet a strict budget and construction timeline are all aspects that […]
TJC recently released its newly updated Life Safety & Environment of Care Document List and Review Tool, marked REVISED: 4/30/2018. The individual pages of the list are each marked with a 3/13/2018 revision date, which correlates to the TJC speaker’s 3/27/2018 PDC Conference general session reference to those revisions. This is the list of documents […]
Surveyors often seem to find the violations you did not see before they arrived at your facility. Why is that? It may be because they have never seen your facility before, so they see everything with what professionals in the field call “fresh eyes.” A major contributing factor is also the important fact that surveyors […]
What do compliance surveyors see during a building tour? Pretty much everything. Surveyors who review physical environments are sophisticated in spotting existing problem areas within health care facilities both because they know where to look and because their “fresh eyes” have never seen those areas before. While many health care facility professionals maintain eagle-eyed surveillance […]
TJC recently updated its Survey Activity Guide (SAG) for 2018. Contained within that updated SAG is an updated Life Safety and Environment of Care Document List and Review Tool, found on SAG pages 101-108. It appears that the new LS/EC Document List and Review Tool included some of the January 2018 changes to TJC’s elements […]
Renovations and retrofits of restrooms and plumbing systems present maintenance and engineering managers with a set of difficult challenges. These areas of institutional and commercial facilities must use water efficiently, operate reliably, avoid hygiene concerns and generally provide a positive user experience. To help organizations achieve these goals, maintenance and engineering managers need to understand […]
In the Winter 2017 issue of Streamlines magazine, SSR colleague Lindsay Bryant details her experience at the WEFTEC 2017 conference which was held in Alexandria, VA. Bryant details her involvement in community service projects, experiences in technical sessions and committee members, and networking on the exhibit floor. See pages 20-21 for the full article.
Most hospitals have utility failure procedures for major utility systems or equipment. However, existing utility failure procedures may have room for improvement, particularly in how they deal with common-mode failure potential within their utility systems and equipment. Reliability professionals generally consider that multiple failures, including failures in otherwise redundant equipment, attributable to a common cause […]
TJC recently finalized the January 1, 2018 changes within its online Hospital Accreditation Standards Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS) chapters. With a few exceptions, those changes were driven by the CMS September 2016 publication of the NFPA 101-2012 and NFPA 99-2012 K-Tags according to previous TJC announcements. This article discusses the major […]
Perhaps the future of gathering information about projects is in the air. SSR is testing that theory. Drones came into the public consciousness a few years ago, mostly as novelty holiday gifts. The new age alternative to remote-controlled airplanes, drones offered something additional — they could hover and they included ample space to mount a […]
The November issue of Consulting-Specifying Engineer featured an article by SSR colleagues Tom Divine and Wil Semien. “NFPA 20: Changes to the fire pump standard” explores changes to the standard that fire protection engineers need to be aware of. Learning objectives of the article include: 1. Know the basics of NFPA 20: Standard for the […]
TJC recently published the January 1, 2018 changes to its online Hospital Accreditation Standards Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS) chapters. With a few exceptions, those changes were driven by the CMS September 2016 publication of the NFPA 101-2012 and NFPA 99-2012 K-Tags according to previous TJC announcements. This article discusses only the […]
Owners of sports and entertainment venues and design firms have long been focused on innovative design, comfort of their patrons, and facility performance. Over the past several years, the focus has shifted to include sustainability as a primary objective. As high-profile entertainment venues, sports facilities are in a unique position to showcase facility performance and […]
The CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule (CMS EPFR) took effect on November 16, 2016, and compliance is expected by CMS starting November 16, 2017. Per the handout for CMS’ April 27, 2017 webinar, the new CMS-required all hazards approach “is an integrated approach to emergency preparedness planning that focuses on capacities and capabilities that are […]
With advanced technology being utilized in every corner of the hospital, early planning and end-user input continues to gain importance with regard to its integration during construction. Due to its complexity and the interdependence of dozens of systems and components, technology integration requires a thoughtfully developed and carefully executed strategy. Technology planning that is too late […]
The 2016 drought in Tennessee garnered most attention for its relevance to the catastrophic wildfires that destroyed parts of Gatlinburg and the Great Smokey Mountains in late November. Lesser known is the impact that the drought had on water systems in southeast Tennessee. Although subsequent rains wiped out the worst of the drought conditions, they […]
In the July issue of Plumbing Engineer, SSR senior plumbing designer Larry Rains, CPD, explains a new plumbing design nicknamed Jump Routing. Jump Routing allows the hot water to be routed from one fixture to the next with right angles, avoiding routing down corridors to match the cold-water standard installation. This technique allows for hot […]
When changing from one event to another, building pressure and air flow can be a major concern for venue operations. Not only can they affect energy efficiency, a major concern for many owners, they can also affect air quality in the building, and, by extension, both patron experience and the event itself. In 2016, SSR […]
Healthcare organizations are expected to provide safe and reliable health care to their patients. Planning appropriate response and recovery activities for a failure of the facility’s utility systems is essential to satisfy this expectation. These systems constitute the operational infrastructure that permits safe patient care to be performed. Some of the most important utilities include […]
The fight against Legionella bacteria within healthcare facilities has been a topic of healthcare industry discussions and concern for more than a decade. CMS substantially raised the bar in June 2017 when it issued a revised Survey & Certification Letter [S&C 17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs REVISED 06.09.2017] PDF entitled “Requirement to Reduce Legionella Risk in Healthcare Facility Water […]
Healthcare HVAC systems serve many functions and are highly regulated by agencies such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). These functions and requirements lead mechanical systems to being among the largest portions of most healthcare facilities’ construction budgets. Many facility owners are also looking for high-performance HVAC systems that keep energy cost and […]
TJC recently published the July 1, 2017 changes to its online Hospital Accreditation Standards Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS) chapters. Published changes include some clarifications and corrections to previously-issued changes, such as EC.02.05.01 Element of Performance 6 (EP-6) regarding inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) for non-high-risk utility system components. This change modified […]
Every building owner has to ask themselves that question. It’s inevitable and a long, hard look at the answer can sometimes be what stands between them and significant cost savings. It comes at no surprise that the biggest energy and cost drain is the HVAC system. So, the next question is then, “How much will […]
One important change in NFPA 99-2012 was the addition of Chapter 15, Features of Fire Protection. Within that chapter is a new Section 15.13, entitled Fire Loss Prevention in Operating Rooms. Subsection 15.13.1, Hazard Assessment, requires an evaluation of FIRE hazards that could be encountered during surgical procedures, including “hazards associated with the properties of […]
During his late afternoon March 14th session at the just-completed 2017 ASHE PDC Conference in Orlando, TJC speaker George Mills (Director of TJC’s Department of Engineering) announced upcoming additions and changes that will supplement the newly-released January 7th Elements of Performance (EPs) and the already-pending July 1st EP changes. Mr. Mills stated that the required […]
Every year, when Health Facilities Management and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering of the American Hospital Association release their Hospital Construction Survey results, I am always intrigued about what it will reveal. The 2017 report is out, and I’m happy to see the connection between designing healthcare facilities and the clinical workflow highlighted. Hospitals […]
Building enclosure (or envelope) commissioning (BECx) is a process by which the performance of a facility is evaluated and verified against the specific quality requirements of the owner. The commissioning team in charge of BECx is involved throughout the entire project, from the pre-design phase through the operations and maintenance phase. From the start, the […]
CMS has published the long-awaited K-Tags that reflect the adoption of the 2012 codes (NFPA 101-2012® Life Safety Code® and NFPA 99-2012 Health Care Facilities Code). Note that both of these codes also invoke many other NFPA codes and standards that can be between 10- and 15 years newer than the previously-enforced editions. K-Tags are […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is proud to yet again be a Silver Sponsor of CxEnergy 2017 Conference & Expo, the premier event in building commissioning and energy management. This year’s event will take place April 24-27 in Orlando, FL. SSR’s Steve Harrell, CxA, along with Director Facilities Management East Region of BayCare Health System Tom Davis, […]
Many hospitals are still struggling with the AEM inclusion risk assessments required by both the CMS Survey & Certification Letter and Accrediting Organization (AO) requirements. This newsletter revisits and updates a previous discussion of AEM risk assessment requirements. TJC-accredited hospitals, for example, now face an even more important reason for having an effective AEM-inclusion risk […]
Consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment understand that installations for mission critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, are required to comply with NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems in conjunction with NFPA 70: National Electrical Codes. The article by Tom Divine, PE, LEED AP, “How to Apply NFPA 110-2016”, […]
The Bowling Green Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is one of the oldest water treatment facilities in the State of Kentucky. In the 147 years since the first pumping station was constructed on the Barren River in 1868, the city of Bowling Green has grown substantially, and into close proximity to the WTP. In 2015, Bowling […]
Now that CMS has adopted the 2012 Life Safety Code™ and 2012 Health Care Facilities Code, CMS is surveying for compliance with NFPA 110-2010. NFPA 110-2010 has very specific requirements for the 3-year 4-hour EPSS load test, and many hospitals may not be complying with those requirements. From NFPA 101-2012® Life Safety Code® [referencing NFPA […]
Engineers, by nature, are inquisitive folks. They like to look for things, fix things, and learn things. The advent of the personal computer, digital-information storage, and the Internet, with its easy and constant access, has changed the way information is made available. Online search engines encourage typing in keywords, and thousands of results are instantly […]
TJC released its long-awaited changes to its Life Safety (LS) and Environment of Care (EC) chapters Elements of Performance (EPs) on October 31, 2016. These documents are entitled “Prepublication Standards – Standards Revisions Related to Life Safety Code Update” and cover six TJC accreditation programs. The 49-page Hospital Prepublication Standards can be downloaded from that […]
The term “commissioning” is more and more frequently heard in every conversation about building construction, whether it’s new building construction or looking at the performance of an existing building. But what exactly is commissioning? The word has naval beginnings. A ship, especially in wartime, had to be commissioned before it was ready for active duty. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of November. DBIA’s Design-Build Conference & Expo, which will be held in Las Vegas, NV, from November 2-4, attracts industry professionals spanning the entire A/E/C […]
Requirements for lighting controls become more complex with each edition of the energy-conservation codes. Codes and standards include ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and California Title 24. With each level of increased complexity, the benefits of formally commissioning lighting control systems increase. Tom Divine, […]
SSR’s May 2016 Compliance News article entitled CMS Adopts the 2012 Codes provided breaking news along with numerous hyperlinks to assist organizations in assessing the impact of CMS’ adoption of the 2012 codes. SSR’s June 2016 Compliance News article entitled CMS to survey 2012 codes starting November 1, 2016 passed along a few clarifications issued […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of October. This year’s Alabama Society for Healthcare Engineering (AlaSHE) Fall Conference will take place October 5-7 in Orange Beach, AL. The conference is […]
One of the significant changes resulting from CMS’ adoption of the 2012 Life Safety Code® is the impact of the NFPA 101-2012 Building Rehabilitation Chapter 43. Chapter 43 is intended to apply to work that the owner or occupant has elected to perform within an existing building. In its final rule adopting the NFPA 101-2012 […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of September. Colleagues from SSR’s Texas offices will be in attendance at the Construction Owners Association of America’s Texas Fall Workshop conference taking place […]
Building energy modeling has been used for many years to show compliance with local energy codes and to document energy performance-related points in beyond-code rating systems such as LEED® and Green Globes. When used in this manner, energy modeling is typically seen as a necessary evil – just another box to check at the end […]
The November 2015 Compliance News issue discussed the joint work that both ASHE and TJC had performed to that point in providing assistance on major physical environment compliance problem areas. Last month’s Compliance News issue discussed TJC’s contributions to that initiative through July 2016. This article reviews ASHE’s ongoing contributions to their joint program through […]
By David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE Given the interest and news surrounding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) adoption of the 2012 editions of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) Life Safety Code (LSC) and Health Care Facilities Code, it is easy to lose track of some other recent regulatory changes. Among these […]
By Rusty Ross, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CxA, EMP and Clay Seckman, PE, HFDP A health care organization constructs a world-class medical facility, taking all the right steps, setting all the right goals and allocating all the right resources. The project is designed and built, systems and components are started up and their performance validated, and […]
I recently had the opportunity to visit Iceland with my Graduate Nursing Program as part of a Global Healthcare class. With my head down working on healthcare design projects across the country, it is easy to get tunnel vision and forget about the bigger picture. But I was reminded when I found this: according to […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of August. SSR is proud to sponsor Vanderbilt University’s 10th Annual Healthcare Design and Construction Symposium taking place August 3–4, Nashville, TN. This year’s […]
The November 2015 Compliance News issue discussed the joint work that both ASHE and TJC had performed in providing assistance on major physical environment compliance problem areas. The TJC Physical Environment Portal (TJC PE Portal) is still available at TJC’s website under the main TOPICS heading. Interested parties can sign up at that location to […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of July. This year’s ASHE Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition, scheduled for July 10–13 in Denver, CO, promises to be a great conference filled […]
In the Summer 2016 issue of Pure Power, SSR’s Tom Divine, PE, LEED AP, writes about NFPA 70: National Electric Code Article 708: Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS). Article 208 introduced electrical standards for facilities that support critical functions in response to vulnerabilities from natural and human-initiated disasters. Tom’s article, “Putting COPS into Context” informs the […]
SSR’s May 2016 Compliance News article entitled CMS Adopts the 2012 Codes provided breaking news along with numerous hyperlinks to assist organizations in assessing the impact of CMS’ adoption of the 2012 codes. In its June 20, 2016 Survey & Certification Letter S&C 16-29-LSC, CMS advised that CMS will begin surveying to the 2012 Life […]
Many people consider it ironic that a nurse works at an engineering firm. The experience has turned out to be quite serendipitous for me. The growing role of the executive nurse as a true partner in healthcare strategy requires systems thinking and an engineering-based approach. During a keynote address, BYU professor Margaret J. Wheatley Ed. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of June. On June 3rd, David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, will speak at the Louisiana Society for Healthcare Facilities Management (LASHFM) 2nd Quarter […]
Changes take effect July 5, 2016. CMS has adopted the 2012 codes (NFPA 101®-2012 Life Safety Code® and most of NFPA 99-2012 Health Care Facilities Code.) However, the full consideration of this change also requires taking into account the impact of changes in the referenced documents that will now be 10 to 15 years newer. […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of May. Join Clay Seckman, PE, Rusty Ross, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CxA, Darren Harvey, PE, LEED AP, and Kevin Wolfford, CPD, at this […]
As of April 8, 2016 all projects registered under the LEED v2009 BD+C for New Construction rating system will be required to achieve a minimum 18% reduction in energy cost over ASHRAE 90.1-2007. This is an 8% increase over the previous minimum requirement of 10%. Additional increased energy thresholds apply to other ratings systems as […]
In the April issue of Consulting-Specifying Engineer, SSR’s Tom Divine, PE, LEED AP, authors a piece on LED Codes & Standards. In the article, he addresses the codes and standards that dictate designing with LEDs (light-emitting diode), the benefits and drawbacks to LEDs, and evaluates the use of lighting controls. The article appears on page 18 […]
Changes to EPA regulations will soon prohibit or severely restrict participation in “emergency demand response” programs for owners of standby generators. The change will take effect on May 1, 2016. A number of hospitals with significant investment in standby generation participate in these programs, generating substantial revenue. Most will soon see their participation curtailed. Demand […]
As the landscape in healthcare is continually changing, increasing pressures for hospitals to perform leaner is becoming commonplace. By definition, lean thinking is the concept of finding value and eliminating waste in a process. Waste is anything that does not bring value to your “customer” or the end recipient of your service. Lean comes from […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of April. The Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Management’s (TAHFM) annual Interlink conference will take place April 3-6 in Dallas. The conference provides ongoing […]
Historically, the fields of architecture (design) and nursing (health) have been separate disciplines without much intersection. In recent years, the healthcare building boom has created a specialty practice for architects, focusing on healthcare design. With this new focus and specialty within architecture, the science of evidence-based design and the collaboration with clinical care staff have […]
The March 2016 issue of Health Facilities Management Magazine discusses “Best practices for hospital power system reliability.” The following highlights some of the topics contained within that detailed article, and we recommend that Compliance News readers review and share the hyperlinked HFM Magazine article within their organizations. Best practices can be undertaken throughout the life […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of March. This year’s Georgia Society for Healthcare Engineers annual meeting will take place in Cordele, GA, March 9-11. SSR is excited to be […]
There continue to be questions regarding the use of maintenance-free generator starting batteries since they seem to be the preferred starting battery type of most generator set manufacturers. This article discusses the original prohibition and when it was removed from NFPA 110. Within the NFPA 110-1999 edition presently enforced by CMS and its accrediting organizations, […]
The clinical voice is sometimes overshadowed by other “voices” that are slowly making an entry into clinical processes. I was struck recently by the fact that electronic health records dictated the workflow in one recent incident. In another situation a patient education/entertainment system was a driving force in workflow. Creating an organizational structure to accommodate […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of February. Debbie Gregory, RN, BSN, will be speaking at the ACE Business Summit and Reverse Expo in Atlanta, GA, February 1 – 3. […]
2016 brings a host of ongoing compliance challenges along with a few new ones. The ongoing challenges often revolve managing and mitigating the myriad risks within our facilities: general safety hazards, utility risks, fire safety risks, and life safety risks. Of concern is the accelerating pace of changes combined with increasing complexity of the impact […]
In a recent article for Health Facilities Management, David L. Stymiest PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASH, describes a variety of potential codes and standard issues that healthcare facility managers need to be aware of in the new year.
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of January. SSR will be exhibiting at the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents’ Winter Conference, taking place in Jackson, MS, January 24-27. The conference […]
SSR’s CEO and Chairman was named one of Nashville’s Most Admired CEOs by the Nashville Business Journal. Click the link below to read a brief interview with Rob.
ECRI recently published its 2016 Top 10 Health Technology Hazards list. Healthcare organizations could consider the latest update of this list as one of many potential sources for identifying new safety risks or ensuring due consideration of previously-identified safety risks. Element of Performance # 1 under TJC’s Standard EC.02.01.01 requires identifying safety and security risks […]
Technology and engineering systems help to boost environment of care In a recent article for Health Facilities Management, author Mike Hrickiewicz explores the different ways in which technology and engineering infrastructures are contributing to improved patient safety practices in healthcare facilities. Covering systems ranging from mechanical to nurse call, plumbing to security, Hrickiewicz calls on three SSR consultants (Debbie […]
Daniel Sours, PE, SE, along with former SSR employees Andy Kizzee and Lee Schultz, wrote an article, Ramping UP, for Modern Steel Construction’s November issue. The article explores structural elements at the new Beale Street Landing (Memphis, TN), a port for riverboat traffic as well as a high-profile public park. The structures include a floating dock accessed by a […]
Healthcare Design magazine recently published an article online about the new Ebola treatment center at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) West Campus. TCH, along with Page Architects, designed the $16 million, eight-bed isolation unit to care for “normal” isolation patients with the ability to convert to “special” isolation mode for highly contagious infectious diseases. SSR provided […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of November. SSRCx will be exhibiting at the annual Design Build Institute of America’s (DBIA) Conference and Expo in Denver, CO, November 2-4. Join […]
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority recently broke ground on a $10.4 million geothermal cooling system which is expected to be completed next summer. The new cooling system, one of the largest geothermal lake plate cooling systems in North America, is expected to save the Airport Authority more than $430,000 in utility payments annually. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. […]
ASHE and five other professional organizations issued an important Joint Interim Guidance statement in late September addressing the ongoing challenges with HVAC systems serving operating rooms and sterile processing departments. The Joint Interim Guidance document was dated September 21, 2015 and issued shortly thereafter as a PDF file by the signatory organizations. The six signatory organizations […]
Facility Maintenance Decisions recently surveyed more than 550 in-house engineers and maintenance managers about deferred maintenance in their facilities. Darren Harvey, PE, LEED AP, Principal and Senior Mechanical Engineer for SSR, was interviewed by Facilities Net for his opinions on the findings of the survey. The survey included a range of questions covering topics such as specific […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of October. SSR is proud, once again, to be an exhibitor and sponsor at the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting. This year’s conference, “Mission […]
David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, Senior Consultant, recently participated in a roundtable discussion for FacilitiesNet.com on regulatory compliance. Stymiest, along with two others, weighed in on compliance challenges and the trends and developments they foresee. Follow to link below to read about strategies on how to keep up.
The healthcare facilities community is expecting CMS adoption of NFPA 101-2012 (Life Safety Code®) and NFPA 99-2012 (Health care Facilities Code) later this year or sometime early next year. While we have been awaiting adoption, may organizations have already made it a point to become familiar with some of the major changes within those two […]
Panstadia & Arena Management recently ran an article exploring the challenges associated with designing HVAC systems for arenas and stadiums. Multiple architects and engineers were interviewed and provided key insights on the design of these complex systems, including SSR’s Senior Principal Mike Rogers, PE, LEED AP. Follow the link below to read the article in full.
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of September. Members of the Building Solutions and Commissioning programs will be attending the Rocky Mountain APPA Annual Meeting taking place September 9-11 in […]
TJC Director of Engineering George Mills announced some July 2015 changes to the Life Safety Surveyor’s portion of hospital triennial surveys during his recent TJC Update session at the ASHE Annual Conference in Boston. Mr. Mills covered many important subjects during this presentation. This SSR Compliance News issue discusses only some changes that directly affect […]
Building Design + Construction recently unveiled their 2015 Giants 300 listing and report. The report, based on AEC industry consultant PSMJ Resources’ 2015 PSMJ A/E Financial Performance Benchmark Survey Report and BD+C’s annual Giants 300 report, highlights a return to optimism across the industry thanks to a rise in profits and revenue over the past […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of August. SSR is a proud Platinum sponsor of this year’s SASHTO conference, taking place in our hometown of Nashville, TN. The conference, which […]
Hospitals are dealing with the issues of utility system equipment technology failures and managing the need for ongoing technology upgrades as equipment designs evolve. Many hospitals have varying generations of utility system digital control technology built into major electrical, mechanical, vertical transportation, etc. operating components that were installed over the past few decades. Examples include […]
Ten months after a successful opening, the Wedgewood Academic Center was recently awarded prestigious LEED Platinum® certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making Belmont the first University in Tennessee and the first LEED for New Construction project in Nashville to achieve that level, the highest in the LEED ratings system. SSR provided commissioning and […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of July. Both SSR and SSRCx will be attending at this year’s ASHE Annual Conference in Boston, MA, July 12-15. Join us and 3,000 […]
Rick Ziegler, PE, RRO, and Greg Isaacs, PE, recently had an article, “Inspecting Hospital Building Envelopes,” published by Health Facilities Management. The article discusses the importance of building envelope maintenance, conducting envelope inspections, and when to utilize consultants. Follow the link below to read the article in its entirety.
In its June 3, 2015 issue of the NFPA TODAY blog, (also in the June 5, 2015 NFPA conference blog post), NFPA stated that 27 standards in the Annual 2015 revision cycle, including the new NFPA 110, were issued by the NFPA Standards Council on May 26, 2015 as Consent Standards. The new NFPA 110 […]
Smith Seckman Reid’s Civil and Environmental engineers recently had two articles published in the 2015 edition of Water Professionals Connector, the annual joint publication from the Kentucky/Tennessee Section of AWWA and Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association. Mike Bernard, PE, Joe Griffey, PE, and Lindsay Bryant, PE, from SSR, along with John Strickland and Darren Gore of […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of June. Members of SSR’s Civil and Environmental Program, as well as Horizontal Program, will be exhibiting at the Tennessee Municipal League 2015 Annual […]
RichEllen Park, nearly three years in the making, is weeks away from a public roll-out to the surrounding community. The largest park in Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Department’s inventory is planning a July opening date. SSR is providing civil site design for the 52 acre park, home to ball fields, walking trails, playgrounds, and more. […]
Most hospitals have utility failure procedures for major utility systems or equipment. However many utility failure plans have room for improvement, particularly in how they deal with common-mode failure potential within those utility systems. The HFM Magazine article How to Plan for Water Outages published in early 2015 referenced an excellent document published by the […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce our conference and tradeshow schedule around the country during the month of May. Chad Miller, PE, LEED AP, will be attending and exhibiting at the South Carolina Society for Hospital Engineers Spring conference, taking place […]
Firm also earns three seals of distinction Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is honored to be inducted into the Mayor’s Workplace Challenge Hall of Fame. As a participant in the challenge since it started in 2012, SSR has emphasized a collective commitment to making […]
Debbie Gregory, RN, BSN, was recently interviewed by Hospitals & Health Networks about new trends in designing clinical spaces to be both patient and technology friendly. In the article, Gregory explores the role of interprofessional collaboration to ensure quality and safety in healthcare facilities and how it has become a necessity in bridging the gap between […]
A historical area of compliance challenges, related to hospital construction/renovation projects, may be getting worse. Many organizations have struggled with obtaining timely receipt of details relating to new utility system components as well as manufacturer’s operating and maintenance manuals. The CMS December 2013 Alternate Equipment Management changes (related TJC July 2014 Alternate Equipment Maintenance changes), […]
Stones River Water Treatment Plant and Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. conducted a study of the water treatment plant and distribution system aimed at reducing disinfection byproducts. This was necessary to maintain compliance with the federal Stage 2 Disinfection Byproduct Rule (DPBR). After examining the results of the data, it was determined that Stones River had […]
Healthcare facilities are anticipating a substantial change in codes regarding emergency power systems management. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to adopt the 2012 editions of the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) and Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) within the next year or so. The Joint Commission is expect […]
Tom Divine was recently authored the cover story article for Pure Power magazine on designing generator systems. The article addresses requirements for different types of loads described in codes, their impact in various types of facilities, and ways to avoid testing difficulties. Follow the link below to read the article in its entirety.
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce that several SSR team members will be representing the firm at various conferences around the country during the month of April. SSR is proud to sponsor the Memphis Chapter of CSI’s Products Display Show, Build […]
Methodist Olive Branch Hospital receives Grand Conceptor Award; Hernando Lagoon Reclamation project receives Owner Award Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce that two projects were recently recognized by the Mississippi ACEC chapter’s 2015 Engineering Excellence Awards. Methodist Olive Branch Hospital was […]
Many hospitals are struggling with the AEM risk assessments required by both the CMS Survey & Certification Letter and the TJC July 2nd revisions. This newsletter discusses the AEM risk assessment requirements. Compliance News previously discussed the driving CMS 2014 Survey & Certification Letter S&C:14-07-Hospital and its enclosed Appendix A interpretive guidelines generally in our […]
Off-site healthcare facilities have become a growing trend across the healthcare market. These smaller facilities don’t require the same amount of demand that larger facilities do. Manufacturers have developed options to meet the decreased HVAC needs of these smaller facilities. In a recent article by Health Facilities Management, Clay Seckman, PE, Senior Principal, explained the difference between packaged and split […]
Tom Divine, PE, LEED AP, recently authored an article for Consulting-Specifying Engineer exploring the cause of wet stacking, a phenomenon that affects diesel engines, and some ways to prevent or treat the buildup. Follow the link below to view the article in it’s entirety.
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce that several SSR team members will be representing the firm at various conferences around the country during the month of March. Laura Ludwig, PE, QCxP and Steve Harrell, CEM, CxA will be presenting at the ASHRAE […]
Once a facility is built and fully operational, what assurances does the owner have that the building will perform as intended? Operational energy performance is a priority for building owners, and as the old adage goes, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Without actionable, systems-level data on energy usage for our facilities, performance decay […]
Why does it have to be so hard…integrating devices to give clinicians the information they need to deliver optimum care? How many times do I have to sit in meetings and hear, “We don’t integrate with that company?” Enough is enough! As a nurse, I am beginning to see this impact the delivery of care at […]
An article just published in the February 2015 issue of Healthcare Facilities Management (HFM) Magazine discusses in detail many issues related to planning for hospital water outages. The article is available online at the HFM Magazine website. Water outages are unfortunately a common cause or effect of cascading failures. They can occur as a result […]
SSR’s Senior Consultant, David Stymiest, PE, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE, discusses how healthcare facilities can prepare for water supply disruptions in the latest issue of Health Facilities Management (HFM) magazine. In the article, Stymiest discusses different potential causes of water disruption and the impact that it can have on all aspects of a healthcare facilities operations. Beyond […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is pleased to announce that several SSR team members will be representing the firm at various conferences around the country during the month of February. Kevin Wolfford, CPD, Regional Operations Director will be attending the COAA Winter Workshop, taking […]
Medical Construction & Design recently featured an article on the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s (UT Southwestern) recently completed work on a $800 million expansion facility, located in Dallas, TX. The UT Southwestern William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital was necessary to meet the growing needs of patient demands. The new facility consists of 12 floors and […]
Debbie Gregory, RN, BSN, recently sat down with Health Facilities Management to discuss what is required to create safe, efficient clinical spaces. In the interview she explores new technologies and the challenges presented in regards to integration and infrastructure, keys to improving patient safety and outcomes while optimizing workflow, how to ensure adequate clinical representation […]
Modern building enclosures are designed and constructed using numerous complex systems and materials. Combined with demands for quality, durability, schedule, and energy performance, it’s not surprising that the building enclosure represents the majority of building failures and construction defect claims. Simply defined as a quality-based process implemented to evaluate and verify the owner’s project requirements […]
By now many hospital facility directors have reviewed the Hospital Equipment Maintenance Requirements contained within the current CMS Alternate Equipment Management (AEM) program rules being enforced by CMS and all of its deemed accrediting organizations. We previously discussed the driving CMS 2014 Survey & Certification Letter S&C:14-07-Hospital and its enclosed Appendix A interpretive guidelines generally […]
Partners HealthCare’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA, was recently featured by Walls and Ceilings magazine for the use of innovative sustainable elements to aid in patient recovery. SSR was the low voltage consultant for the project. Follow the link below for the article.
The first new hospital built in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 35 years, Holy Cross Germantown is also the first hospital constructed on a community college campus. This partnership between Montgomery College and the Trinity Health/Holy Cross system will expand training opportunities for healthcare workers while bringing healthcare to residents who had previously traveled 20 miles […]
Debbie Gregory, RN, BSN, was recently interviewed by Fitsi for one of their nurses spotlights. Click the link below to learn about the need for an advocate and interpreter to bridge the gap between clinical design and function.
Facility owners are becoming more in tune with the fact that 90% of a building’s lifetime cost is tied to operating cost, while only about 10% is dedicated to construction. This realization is driving owners and building professional organizations to compile increasingly sophisticated levels of facility operation and maintenance documentation. The amount of documentation required […]
It’s not always easy being green — but Resolute Health is being recognized for achieving just that. Resolute Health hospital has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification is given to organizations whose buildings are proven to be environmentally-conscious. The designation makes Resolute […]
Hospitals are expected to identify risks that can adversely affect the safety of patients and others. As an example, under TJC’s Standard EC.02.01.01, Element of Performance 1 lists examples of both internal and external sources of information on probable risks. The annually updated ECRI list of Top 10 Health Technology Hazards is not listed but […]
Pat Banse discusses the unique HVAC requirements that hospitals have compared to other facilities.
The City of Murfreesboro plans to present the first chapter of Murfreesboro 2035, a comprehensive plan designed to help the growing city prepare for the future. Chapter 1, Planning Context, will be presented to the community on December 9th, at 5:30 p.m., at Oakland Middle School Auditorium. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is focused on utilities infrastructure capacities […]
Automation system innovations lead to advanced applications The capabilities of building automation systems (BASs) have expanded significantly over the past several years. New systems are more complex and smarter than ever. BASs are being used to monitor and control HVAC equipment, lighting and occupancy in hospitals. Energy management also is a big focus today and […]
Memorial Hermann Healthcare System’s East Tower and Methodist Olive Branch Hospital received Award of Merit recognition Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is proud to announce that two of its projects have been recognized by Engineering News-Record’s Regional Best Projects 2014, a program that honors […]
ASHE just published a new 80+ page management monograph detailing a comprehensive program for managing hospital emergency power systems. This document addresses recent lessons learned, best practices, and new regulatory issues. Readers who have questions on the content of the monograph are invited to email the author at DStymiest@ssr-inc.com. Entitled Managing Hospital Emergency Power Systems: […]
Resources for information on Ebola Preparedness The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Ebola to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 8, 2014. This extraordinary event has created worldwide awareness and panic of the threat of such an epidemic. Generations of the past have been touched by such epidemics as yellow […]
The design and construction industry has made great strides in the past decade towards creating more sustainable and higher performing buildings. Building owners pursue green buildings for many reasons: operational cost effectiveness, marketing, ethics, occupant health, natural resource conservation, among others. Several industry organizations have formulated standards or rating systems to guide the development of […]
The new AEM program requirements can represent a sea change in hospital utility system management. The new requirements can affect a multitude of existing processes as laid out in a hospital’s current Plans, Policies or Procedures (PPPs). This article briefly discusses a few of those processes. We previously discussed the driving CMS 2014 Survey & […]
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital receives Award of Excellence; Owensboro Health Regional Hospital takes home Honorable Mention Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects is proud to announce that two of its projects have been recognized by Modern Healthcare’s 2014 Design Awards, a program that recognizes excellence in […]
With fall in full swing, the month October is packed full of conferences, tradeshows, and symposiums that we would like to connect with you at. SSR and SSRCx will be traveling across the country with thought leaders and personnel speaking and exhibiting from Washington D.C. to San Francisco. September 29th – October 1st Clay Seckman […]
Healthcare facilities are thinking outside the box when looking for ways to cut costs and improve energy efficiency. In the latest issue of Business Energy magazine, SSRCx’s Rick Ziegler, PE, and Clark Denson, PE, CEM, BEMP, LEED AP BD+C, discuss new opportunities available to facility directors that go beyond the traditional lighting and HVAC systems. […]
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare industry has evolved and will continue to for the foreseeable future. Hospitals have been tasked with becoming more efficient, with fewer resources, and adapt to the new marketplace. However, buildings are decaying, becoming more inefficient, and costing more to operate year-after-year. When buildings and equipment […]
In a new Clarifications and Expectations article entitled “Revised Equipment Maintenance Standards for Hospitals” published in the September 2014 issues of Environment of Care News and TJC Perspectives, TJC Director of Engineering George Mills provided guidance regarding the enhanced TJC equipment maintenance requirements that took effect on July 2, 2014. We previously discussed the driving […]
In late spring 2012, SSRCx began utilizing a cloud based database, Building Start, to execute the commissioning process for all new construction projects. Building Start is mobile workflow management software that merges a cloud based project management platform with a mobile, offline workflow and audit trail system. This unique combination allows the assignment and sequencing […]
A floating dock and helical ramp will help revitalize Memphis’s waterfront. “We’re a river city,” says Benny Lendermon, the president of Memphis’s Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC), a nonprofit organization that the city has tasked with overseeing the development of the waterfront with an eye toward reconnecting the city with its river. “You can see the […]
The Golden State Warriors will meet with Mission Bay residents on Thursday to discuss the basic outlines of the team’s development plans in the neighborhood. The presentation will not have detailed mock-ups of the project, but will give the community more detail about the development than what has been available so far. The team does […]
There has been activity without many answers since TJC Director of Engineering George Mills announced a change in TJC’s approach to power strips in patient care areas on June 1, 2014 at the AAMI Conference. Although most facility managers call these devices power strips, both Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and CMS call them relocatable power taps […]
Electrical equipment upkeep as a compliance issue Most hospital facilities professionals realize that power system maintenance is an important reliability issue and the impact of robust inspection, testing and maintenance programs cannot be underestimated. But, behind these best practices are a set of regulatory issues and industry guidelines of which health facilities professionals also must […]
The healthcare landscape is changing so fast that it is difficult to keep up or predict the future. What does the future hold for the delivery of healthcare? How will future practitioners innovate? It is safe to say, however, that the future of healthcare will be more about value than about volume. The healthcare continuum […]
The Tennessee Air National Guard’s civil engineering building at Memphis International Airport has received the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold certification for environmentally friendly design. The $7.3 million building, dedicated in December 2012, was the final piece of a $245 million, multiyear project to relocate the base within airport property and free up space […]
First LEED for Existing Buildings Project in Tennessee to Achieve Recertification Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects announced that Caterpillar Financial Center has achieved LEED Gold® recertification. Caterpillar Financial Center is an 11-story, 324,000 SF Class A office building in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. In March […]
AECOM, Jacobs, and URS Corp. top Building Design+Construction’s 2014 ranking of the largest healthcare engineering and engineering/architecture firms in the U.S. Smith Seckman Reid came in at number four.
Energy recovery is an option for organizations using a direct exchange system that’s increasingly being written into building codes and ASHRAE standards. There are two basic types: airside and waterside. According to Ron Holdaway, an engineer at Smith Seckman Reid, airside energy recovery is the process of using the building’s exhaust air to pre-condition the […]
Energy recovery in buildings today is a true paradigm shift from traditional practice of 20-30 years ago, because the technology to accomplish it didn’t exist. ‘”It is now commonplace to expect some type of energy recovery incorporated into the building’s HVAC system,” says Ron Holdaway, an engineer at Smith Seckman Reid. “Rather than throwing away […]
The Joint Commission recently issued numerous changes to its Hospital Accreditation Standards (HAS) Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS) chapters. TJC accredited hospitals should closely review all changes within the HAS book itself. TJC’s Prepublication Requirements issued June 20, 2014 identified the below-listed EC chapter changes that took effect July 2, 2014. There […]
By Ted J. Rulseh Ken Reynolds welcomed a challenge and led his team through a transition from an aging conventional plant to a sophisticated membrane facility. On one hand it wasn’t easy switching from an old, familiar conventional water treatment plant to brand-new technology. On the other hand, it was an opportunity that comes along perhaps […]
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects has become a founding member of the Energy Management Association (EMA) and has one of the first Energy Management Professionals. EMA is dedicated to advancing the quality of energy management products and services for the benefit of building owners. […]
The building enclosure (envelope, skin, etc.) represents one of the highest risk elements of construction. Water intrusion, air leakage, and increased energy consumption are common consequences of poorly designed and constructed building enclosure systems. An effective building enclosure commissioning (BECx) and testing program can reduce these risks along with associated long term effects such as […]
NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code was completely overhauled and rewritten from the 2005 edition to the 2012 edition and was changed from a “standard” to a ”code.” J. Patrick Banse, PE, Smith Seckman Reid Inc., Houston Health care delivery and administration has changed over the years and continues to evolve, not just for reimbursement […]
Project teams pursuing certification under the LEED® v4 Building Design and Construction rating system should carefully examine their commissioning process and scope, as the updated rating system includes several new requirements and options for building commissioning. Following is a selection of significant changes in commissioning requirements, based on information currently available within the LEED v4 […]
by Debbie Gregory, RN, BSN, Senior Clinical Consultant, Technology Planning Group at Smith Seckman Reid How did you get started in informatics? I began working for the Technology Planning Group at Smith Seckman Reid in 2010 as the Senior Clinical Consultant. We plan the technology infrastructure and systems for new healthcare construction and renovations. It […]
By Lindsey Shelton NATCHEZ – Plans for the renovation of the downtown railroad depot could be ready for review by the Mississippi Department of Transportation next month. Natchez Community Development Director James Johnson said Smith Seckman Reid, the company with which the city has contracted, is approximately 90 percent finished with plans and specifications for […]
Rob Robertson Staff writer- Memphis Business Journal Methodist Olive Branch Hospital is leading the way in building green. The hospital is the first in-patient health care facility in the United States to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Healthcare Gold Certification. Methodist Olive Branch is also one of six LEED for […]
Designed and built a the height of the recession, the 90-bed satellite hospital opened its doors Dec. 18, 2013 – on schedule, despite 63 rain days during construction, and several million dollars under budget, The medical center’s entire design and construction team, led jointly by Martin Health System, HKS Inc. and Balfour Beatty Construction, was […]
According to a new press release from AAMI, TJC Director of Engineering George Mills announced new restrictions on the use and application of Relocatable Power Taps during his speech at the AAMI 2014 Conference in Philadelphia on June 1, 2014. According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) relocatable power taps, often also called outlet strips, are listed […]
FRANKLIN – After years of debate, Franklin leaders seem ready to keep the city’s longtime connection to the Harpeth River and upgrade its 62-year-old water treatment plant. But how much Franklin leaders spend on improving the Lewisburg Pike plant and, in turn, how much the city’s 17,000 water customers eventually pay in higher water rates […]
Recent Consulting-Specifying Engineer webcast presenters Tom Divine, PE, Project Manager, Smith Seckman Reid Inc., and Kenneth Kutsmeda, PE, LEED AP, Jacobs Engineering, answer reader questions about what new code requirements will mean for consulting engineers. Q: When is it required to have a 3 pole and 4 pole ATS? Tom Divine: When the generator is […]
TJC Director of Engineering George Mills clarified TJC’s requirements for safe storage of medical gas cylinders in the February 2014 editions of both TJC Perspectives and EC News. The TJC articles, both entitled Maintaining Medical Gas Safety and located within the Clarifications and Expectations portion of each periodical, referred to NFPA 99-1999 section 4-3.5.2.2(b). Section […]
The Urban Land Institute Nashville District Council awarded six middle Tennessee development projects with Excellence in Development Thursday during a ceremony at the Omni Nashville Hotel. ULI Nashville’s Excellence in Development Awards celebrate design, creativity and vision in land use and real estate development, and commitment to the middle Tennessee community. “Together, the 16 submitted […]
Congratulations to Eric Sheffer, LEED AP BD+C, on being named one of the recipients of Consulting Specifying Engineer’s 2014 40 Under 40 award. The award is given to 40 building industry professionals age 40 and younger who stand out in all aspects of their lives. To read a profile of each winner, visit www.csemag.com/40under40.
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– In December, businessman and former UNLV and NBA player Jackie Robinson, Chairman, All Net Arena, LLC, announced plans to develop a $1.3 billion privately-funded resort and arena located on the Las Vegas Strip and scheduled to break ground late this summer. The massive project boasts a powerful team including China Construction America […]
CMS recently issued Survey & Certification Letter S&C:14-07-Hospital, which changed the requirements for hospital equipment maintenance. The new requirements apply to utility systems equipment as well as medical equipment. The CMS letter can be found at http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Downloads/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-14-07.pdf, and hospital facility directors should obtain and review a copy of it. That letter also includes as Appendix […]
CMS recently announced its intent to adopt the 2012 editions of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code® (LSC) and the NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code with modifications. This process in now within a 60-day public comment period, and all public comments must be submitted by June 16, 2014. This round of public comments followed, […]
Memorial Hermann Health System — Houston’s largest health care system — will soon begin a $650 million expansion and renovation of its Texas Medical Center campus. Construction on the Memorial Hermann-TMC Master Plan project is scheduled to begin this summer and conclude in 2018. Houston-based WHR Architects Inc. is the architect of record for the project. […]
DeSoto County, Mississippi, has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. To ensure the county’s burgeoning population has access to high-quality healthcare services, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) built a 100-bed, full-service, faith-based hospital in the city of Olive Branch. The 208,000 square-foot facility includes four operating rooms, 18 emergency department exam rooms, an […]
Guthrie Corning Hospital is counting down the days until its patients are moved into a new facility in East Corning, N.Y. Patients will be transferred into the new hospital on July 12. The new hospital features 65 private rooms and five large suites in the maternity unit–each named after the Finger Lakes. The upper floor, […]
Wolf River Boulevard Connector The final segment of Wolf River Boulevard consists of approximately two miles of four lane roadway with shoulders and bike lanes, two bridges with protected pedestrian crossings, five oversized box culverts, one pedestrian underpass, and two new traffic signals. Wolf River Boulevard is enrolled in Audubon International’s Silver Signature Sanctuary green […]
The Pyramid project, completed by Geotechnology Inc., has been honored with a Grand Award in the special projects category at the Tennessee Engineering Excellence Awards competition, sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee. The Wolf River Boulevard Connector project, completed by Smith Seckman Reid, Inc., has also been recognized with a Grand […]
Twenty-eight of Kansas City’s most significant development projects were honored Friday, March 7th, at the Kansas City Business Journal Capstone Awards luncheon. Teams of engineering, architecture, construction and development firms and others gathered at the Sheraton Overland Park to be recognized for outstanding projects, for reasons ranging from the architectural design to green building practices to community […]
By David Bradford, Memphis Business Journal They are the little-known heroes. When buildings are christened, bridges are celebrated and intersections are made more efficient, these men and women are content to sit quietly on the sidelines and savor the accomplishment of a job well done. They are engineers and their hands touch every part of […]
By J. Patrick Banse, PE, and Chris St. Cyr, in the January / February 2014 issue of Consulting Specifying Engineer. Proper ventilation of laboratory settings is required to promote and maintain laboratory safety and protection to life and property. Items such as fume containment, worker safety, proper cleanliness through pressure relationships, filtration, air changes per […]
The 2014 TJC Hospital Accreditation Standards include wording changes in Standard EC.02.05.07, EP-4 (generator test intervals) and EP-6 (transfer switch test intervals) that tweak the required test intervals a little. The new 2014 test interval language in both EPs states “At least monthly, the hospital tests ….” This is a change from the 2013 TJC […]
Many health facilities managers would like to be more successful in obtaining depreciation dollars to fund maintenance and infrastructure capital renewal adequately. Gaining access to depreciation funding often involves being more successful at selling the maintenance mission and requires a multifaceted approach. The rules of engagement include such disparate approaches as communicating with budget committees […]
Take a close look at your 2014 schedules for quarterly requirements such as fire safety system testing found in several elements of performance (EPs) under Standard EC.02.03.05. The brand new 2014 TJC definition of QUARTERLY can be found on page EC-3 at the beginning of the EC Chapter in the 2014 Hospital Accreditation Standards. The […]
Clay Seckman, PE, discusses Life Cycle Cost Approaches to HVAC Systems in the latest issue of the Turner Healthcare Monitor newsletter.
Article in Civil Engineering’s December issue about the new I-40/I-240 Interchange Improvement Project taking place on the eastern edge of Memphis, Tennessee. The project is the largest single contracted ever issued by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The San Antonio Military Medical Center, an addition to Brooke Army Medical Center, was recently named a recipient of the 2013 AIA/AAH Healthcare Design Awards in Category B- Built, more than $25 Million.
The new Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida expands Lee Memorial Health System’s pediatric care. The new building will be located on the existing HealthPark Medical Center Campus in Fort Myers, Fla., and will follow these guiding principles: Embody a regional brand that provides Tier 1 services and is easily recognizable to the region and […]
