For developers, property owners, and engineers, the updated ordinance may have significant implications for site grading, layout, and permitting schedules, particularly when floodplain or valley storage impacts are identified late in design. Our team has extensive experience navigating Fort Worth’s Drainage Study and Flood Study requirements, including projects requiring a Corridor Development Certificate (CDC) as part of the Trinity River Common Vision Program. Below, we will outline the updated regulations and their practical implications for your projects.

Regulatory Changes

Valley Storage refers to the natural capacity of a floodplain to temporarily store floodwaters during storm events. This storage is a critical component of flood risk management, as it slows runoff, reduces downstream flood elevations, and protects adjacent properties and infrastructure. When floodplain areas are filled without providing compensatory storage, floodwaters can move more quickly and reach higher elevations downstream, increasing the potential for flooding and erosion.

The 2026 ordinance update establishes a clear and consistent standard: no net loss of valley storage (0.0%) is permitted. Under the revised regulations, Valley Storage requirements now apply citywide, rather than being limited to the Trinity River Corridor. The standards extend to FEMA-mapped floodplains and watercourses with 64 acres or more of contributing drainage area, and they require preservation of storage not only for the 100-year storm, but also for more frequent storm events, including the 1-year and 5-year storms.

Applicability and Compliance Requirements

Projects may be subject to Valley Storage requirements if they involve grading or fill within a FEMA-designated floodplain, are located adjacent to a creek, channel, or drainageway with significant contributing drainage, or fall within a sump area behind levees. Even relatively small projects, including those under one acre, may be affected depending on the nature and extent of proposed improvements.

When fill is placed within a regulated floodplain, the ordinance requires one-to-one (1:1) compensatory storage, replacing each cubic foot of storage removed. Replacement storage must be provided at the same flood elevation and within the same watercourse reach, typically near the area of impact. Compliance is generally demonstrated through hydraulic modeling (HEC-RAS) for larger watercourse projects or grading and surface-difference analysis using CAD or GIS for smaller sites and sump areas. Projects that account for Valley Storage as a site-planning consideration early in design are typically better positioned to avoid redesign and permitting delays.

Certain activities are exempt from Valley Storage compensation requirements, including City roadway projects, utility crossings, underground storm drain pipe systems, bank stabilization efforts, and maintenance or repair of existing infrastructure. In limited circumstances where full compensation is not feasible, a variance may be requested. Variances are evaluated carefully and typically require strong technical justification and documentation of good-faith efforts to comply. Although rarely granted, the City has expressed a willingness to grant variances to the Floodplain Ordinance where full compensation for the loss of Valley Storage would have negative ecological impact or when issues of land ownership arise.

How We Support Valley Storage Compliance

Valley Storage challenges most often arise when floodplain and drainage impacts are identified late in design. Early evaluation allows compensatory storage to be integrated more efficiently into grading and site layout, often minimizing redesign, reducing earthwork, and avoiding permitting delays. Pre-submittal coordination with City staff can further clarify expectations related to reach limits, modeling approaches, and documentation requirements.

Our team routinely supports clients across Fort Worth and North Texas, from early feasibility, pre-development conferences (PDC), and through permitting and construction, by providing technical expertise and regulatory coordination related to Valley Storage compliance. Our services include early identification of Valley Storage impacts through evaluation of floodplains, drainage areas, and proposed grading; development of practical compensatory storage solutions through grading optimization and coordinated design strategies; preparation and review of required hydraulic and grading analyses; direct coordination with City reviewers during pre-submittal and permitting; and technical support for variance requests when appropriate. The result is clear expectations, reduced review cycles, and a more predictable path through permitting.

Fort Worth’s updated Valley Storage regulations reflect a broader emphasis on resilience, risk reduction, and responsible development. While these requirements may be new for some areas of the city, the underlying principles are increasingly standard throughout North Texas. With the right technical approach and early coordination, Valley Storage compliance can be integrated efficiently and effectively into project design.

The post What Fort Worth’s New Valley Storage Regulations Mean for Your Project appeared first on BHB Inc: Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine & Weatherford.

Recently, BHB used this technology to assist a North Texas city through a multi-phase parks assessment to better understand infrastructure conditions, prioritize improvements, and plan for future investments.

Transforming Park Assessments with GIS-Grade Technology

For one city’s extensive park system, which included nearly 300 individual parks, BHB conducted a three-phase drainage and erosion assessment to identify high-priority areas for improvements.

Phase 1: Desktop Review
The first phase involved a GIS-based desktop evaluation of all parks in the system. Using aerial imagery, FEMA floodplain data, wetland mapping, and city stormwater infrastructure layers, BHB identified parks most at risk of drainage and erosion issues. Parks meeting key risk criteria such as proximity to floodplains, wetlands, or outfalls — were ranked for further field evaluation, while low-risk sites were documented as lower priority.

Phase 2: Field Assessment
Next, BHB’s team visited the higher-risk parks to conduct on-site assessments. Using a GIS-grade data collection app connected to a high-accuracy GNSS receiver, field teams documented conditions directly in the field, no clipboards or manual notes required.

Photos, locations, and comments were captured in real time, allowing drainage issues in ponds, streams, culverts, and storm drains to be efficiently recorded and categorized. Each park was scored based on drainage, erosion, and safety concerns, helping the city quickly identify which sites required the most attention.

Phase 3: Concept Design and Cost Opinions
In the final phase, BHB developed 30% concept-level plans and opinions of probable construction costs (OPC) for the eight parks with the greatest identified needs. These concept plans featured detailed site diagrams, recommended drainage improvements, and cost estimates to help the city prioritize future capital projects.

Advantages of GIS-Grade Data Collection

Using GIS-grade data collection tools allows BHB’s team to work more efficiently in the field and deliver more actionable insights to our clients. Key benefits included:

• Time Savings: Data collection, photos, and locations were captured simultaneously, eliminating the need for handwritten notes and manual data entry back in the office.
• Improved Organization: All field data, from photos to coordinates — was automatically stored and linked to each site, making reporting and analysis more seamless.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Because the data was digital, project teams could easily share maps, findings, and updates across disciplines in real time.

While GIS-grade data is not as precise as survey-grade equipment, it offers an ideal balance of accuracy and efficiency for planning and assessment-level projects. For large-scale evaluations like park systems or utility networks, this technology provides a fast, reliable way to visualize issues and guide decision-making.

Turning Data Into Better Decisions

Whether it’s assessing city parks, evaluating stormwater infrastructure, or supporting water system planning, BHB continues to embrace innovative technologies that help our clients make informed, data-driven decisions.

The post Bringing Efficiency and Insight to the Field: How BHB Uses GIS-Grade Data Collection to Support City Projects appeared first on BHB Inc: Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine & Weatherford.

At Baird, Hampton & Brown, we recognize the importance of sustainable development, protecting natural resources, and ensuring regulatory compliance. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our newest offering: Environmental Services. By expanding our service offerings, we’re able to help clients navigate regulatory complexity in a timely manner while supporting sustainable land development.

This new team is led by Certified Wildlife Biologist, Peter D. McKone, an environmental scientist bringing the BHB team 35 years of experience and a strong background in wildlife biology, wetlands, endangered species, and Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations. With Pete at the helm, BHB is equipped to address the environmental considerations that are often the first step in any land development project. When managed properly, these considerations can prevent delays, costly fines, and long-term risks.

The complexities that can arise during development often include factors such as identifying jurisdictional waters, navigating permitting processes, supporting mitigation efforts, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws. Our team works closely with clients from the very beginning, providing timely environmental guidance that anticipates challenges and agency requirements, prevents potential issues from becoming obstacles, and safeguards project schedules.

Clients from all sectors will benefit from Pete’s deep understanding of wildlife regulations—such as nesting bird protections and endangered species protocols—as well

as his expertise with water rights, a particularly critical service in Texas where water is often over-appropriated. He guides project stakeholders through the required surveys, permitting, and mitigation steps associated with various wildlife habitats, and provides expert support in navigating the complex state and agency processes needed to secure water rights.

This specialized expertise is just one part of the comprehensive value BHB brings to each project. What truly sets BHB apart is our multidisciplinary approach—offering integrated services in environmental; civil, structural, and MEP engineering; land surveying; and landscape architecture—all under one roof. By collaborating from the outset, our team can incorporate environmental considerations directly into the design process.

The result: smart, streamlined solutions built for success.

Whether you need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, a wetland mitigation strategy, or guidance through endangered species permitting, BHB’s Environmental Services team is ready to support your project every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how our expertise can help you navigate environmental challenges with confidence.

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The Beginning: Site Analysis

The process starts with a deep dive into the land itself. Landscape architects don’t just choose where to plant trees; they conduct a thorough site analysis. This involves understanding the topography, soil composition, hydrology, and any regulatory constraints. By examining these elements, our designers can craft spaces that blend harmoniously with their surroundings, conserving resources and enhancing functionality. Our team creates bubble plans and constraints maps during this phase to help visualize developable space and identify areas of preservation, serving as high-level marketing tools to build community consensus and support.

The Blueprint: Concept and Site Planning

Next, we move into the design phase, a crucial step for a variety of projects, including master-planned communities, commercial developments, and mixed-use projects. Here, BHB’s landscape architects and planners collaborate closely with surveyors, civil engineers, environmental specialists, architects, and stakeholders to develop conceptual site plans and ensure that all regulatory requirements, such as setbacks and street alignments, are met. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that every aspect of the project is seamlessly integrated into a functional design while meeting the client’s needs.

Navigating Regulations: Zoning and Permitting

As we progress, the journey involves navigating the complex world of zoning and permitting, the first step in bringing a concept plan to fruition. Our team can efficiently manage zoning maps, conditional use permits, preliminary plats, and entitlements by maintaining open communication and frequent coordination. This proactive approach saves valuable time and keeps the project on track.

Crafting Identity: Place Making

Place making is the art of crafting spaces that foster community and give each project a unique identity. Our landscape architects design streetscapes with thematic elements and wayfinding features to create a sense of place. They plan amenity centers, plazas, patios, and enhanced paving to provide gathering spots for social interaction. Thoughtful site furnishing selections, grading, and land sculpting contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality, making each space unique and welcoming.

Creating Spaces for Community: Parks, Trails & Open Space

Our team focuses on creating inviting and functional recreational areas through the design of parks, trails, and open spaces. They select playground equipment that meets safety standards and encourages active play. Sports fields and multi-modal recreation trails are designed to accommodate various activities, promoting community health and well-being. By considering the natural landscape’s character and connectivity to the surrounding areas, they create seamless transitions between the built environment and the existing landscapes, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for all users.

Bringing the Project to Life: Planting Design

Planting design is where the project truly comes to life. It’s not just about selecting plants; it’s about creating a cohesive and sustainable design. Our landscape architects choose species that thrive in the local climate, ensuring year-round beauty and resilience. They consider color palettes to enhance visual appeal and strategically place plants for screening and privacy. Our team also considers the architectural design of proposed buildings to ensure the planting design and species selection do not impede or compete with windows or other forms of natural lighting. Additionally, they address tree mitigation and preservation, complying with regulatory requirements to protect existing vegetation and promote ecological balance.

The Destination: A Comprehensive Approach

BHB’s landscape architecture studio offers a comprehensive approach to site development, from initial planning to final planting. By integrating multi-disciplinary expertise and focusing on detailed site analysis, conceptual planning, entitlement, place making, park and trail design, and planting design, we ensure that each project is functional, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and community-oriented. Our commitment to excellence and collaboration helps create spaces that enhance the quality of life for all who use them.

The post From Planning to Planting – The Journey of Turn-Key Design appeared first on BHB Inc: Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine & Weatherford.

Anyone who has grown up in North Texas knows the unmistakable sound of the tornado siren—whether it’s a routine weekly test or a real-life warning, often experienced from the safety of a closet or bathtub. From 1981 to 2010, Texas averaged more tornadoes annually than any other state, with an average of 150 tornadoes each year. These storms have the power to disrupt lives and damage property in an instant, from uprooting trees to leveling homes.

At BHB, we share a deep-rooted connection to the Texas community, and our commitment to tornado safety and storm shelters runs through everything we do. We understand firsthand the importance of designing safe, resilient buildings. That’s why, in addition to designing code-compliant storm shelters for our clients, we’re dedicated to advancing the practice of storm shelter design.

In response to changing regulations in the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) developed its certification exam. The IBC, adopted by municipalities across the U.S., mandates that certain new buildings—based on their use and geographic location—include storm shelters built to withstand natural disasters, in compliance with ICC 500 standards.

To meet the growing demand for expertise in storm shelter design, the NSSA created its Advanced Professional (AP) program. This program offers certifications across multiple engineering disciplines, including structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, and architectural engineering. To achieve AP status, candidates must pass both a general knowledge exam and a specialty-specific exam. They must also serve as the architect or engineer of record on an approved storm shelter project.

Two of BHB’s mechanical engineers, Allen Grammer and Kirk Plum, are NSSA Accredited Professionals. Both serve Texas school districts by designing and conducting peer reviews of storm shelter plans. Allen also serves as Vice-Chair of the NSSA ICC 500 Chapter 7 workgroup, where he plays an active role in reviewing and updating code provisions to ensure they stay aligned with the latest technological advancements and evolving climate data.

Allen’s work on both the exam committee and the ICC 500 workgroup has deeply influenced his approach to emergency storm shelter design. One notable insight he gained was the flexibility allowed by the ICC 500 standards in storm shelter ventilation systems. For instance, during a tornado, wind pressures can easily exceed the pressure rating of typical ventilation ductwork construction. In that case, while the shelter would still be protected from dangerous flying debris, ductwork could be damaged during the tornado event, which could prevent proper operation during the emergency. Because of this, BHB designs low-cost pressure relief into our ductwork at the shelter penetration, allowing excess pressure to vent from the system without damage to the mechanical systems. This solution helps maintain a more secure environment, helping to give occupants peace of mind during a stressful situation.

At BHB, we take pride in applying this knowledge to real-world projects. For example, one of our recent storm shelter designs incorporated these ventilation strategies, ensuring occupants’ safety and comfort while meeting stringent code requirements. We provided these pressure relief systems for the Vanguard Preparatory School in Aledo, which had its groundbreaking event on Jan. 28th, into each duct penetrating the storm shelter envelope. This project design has passed a third-party storm shelter peer review, and construction is about to begin.

By focusing on safety and comfort, we design buildings that are not only prepared for extreme weather events but also incorporate innovative solutions that improve the overall experience for occupants. At BHB, we remain committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges, providing them with shelter solutions that are both safe and effective in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

The post Developing Expertise in Storm Shelter Design: A Look at the NSSA AP Program and Its Impact on Code Compliance appeared first on BHB Inc: Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine & Weatherford.

At Baird, Hampton & Brown (BHB), we pride ourselves on providing innovative engineering solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. As our long-time client, Mouser Electronics, embarked on a 416,000-square-foot expansion project in Dallas-Fort Worth, we helped them prioritize sustainability through advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting technology.

Project Highlights

Mouser Electronics, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is celebrating its 60th year with a major expansion, adding to its already impressive 1-million-square-foot distribution center. This new facility integrates a state-of-the-art PoE lighting system, designed to optimize energy use and reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Benefits of the PoE system include:

• Sustainability and Efficiency: The PoE lighting system uses low-voltage DC power, reducing energy consumption by up to 20% by eliminating AC-to-DC conversion losses. This system also minimizes the use of materials like copper and steel, significantly cutting down on environmental impact.
• Advanced Lighting Control: Centralized software allows for easy control and adjustment of thousands of lighting fixtures, improving operational flexibility and energy tracking.
• Cost Savings and Reliability: By using PoE, Mouser avoids the high failure rates of conventional AC drivers and reduces maintenance costs. The low-voltage installation also simplifies reconfigurations without the need for electricians, offering substantial labor and material savings.
• Innovative Infrastructure: The system includes thousands of PoE-ready fixtures, optimized with integrated sensors for motion and daylight. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also provides detailed insights into energy consumption.

Collaborative Success

Our partnership with Trico Electric and Sinclair Digital Services ensured the deployment of a robust, scalable PoE lighting system. The AGILE-CORE system, designed by Sinclair Digital, integrates fault-managed power (FMP) and hybrid copper-fiber cabling to enhance efficiency and safety. This setup reduces the need for extensive IT infrastructure and simplifies installation.

Looking Ahead

The success of Mouser’s PoE lighting system underscores the potential of this technology for large-scale applications. As a trusted engineering partner, BHB is excited to continue exploring innovative solutions that promote sustainability and operational excellence. Mouser’s commitment to using PoE lighting in future projects sets a benchmark for the industry, highlighting the significant benefits of integrating advanced, sustainable technologies into industrial operations.

Full Case Study

Read the full case study with more details in LEDs Magazine.

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In response to the nationwide scramble to improve indoor air quality during the pandemic, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) embarked on a groundbreaking project in collaboration with BHB and Texas Air Systems. This endeavor, in relation to the Coronavirus Air, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law by President Donald Trump, aimed to enhance indoor air quality across UTA’s densely occupied spaces, focusing on key buildings like University Center and the Central Library.

One of the primary challenges addressed by our engineering team was the diverse nature of these buildings. University Center, a sprawling structure built in multiple sections since the 50s, serves as a central hub for students from various disciplines. It is one of the most high-traffic environments on campus, making it a crucial target for the air quality improvements.

Indoor air quality has always been important to UTA because studies show that high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide can potentially lead to issues like sluggishness, headaches, and a variety of other health and performance issues. BHB’s mechanical and electrical engineering team, in collaboration with Texas Air Systems, developed tailored solutions for different spaces, considering the unique challenges posed by areas such as food preparation spaces and laboratories.

Unlike typical energy reduction projects, this project focused on cleaning the existing indoor air, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the outside air more efficiently. The project involved upgrading the existing HVAC systems with thicker, four-inch filters to enhance filtration efficiency. This decision aimed to strike a balance between reusing the existing system and achieving better indoor air quality.

Traditionally, buildings rely on dilution with outside air to reduce contaminants, but the UTA project took a different approach. By extracting contaminants from the air, the team achieved not only improved indoor air quality but also significant energy savings. Initial data indicates reductions in total VOCs, particulates, and CO2 levels, showcasing the project’s success in creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for students and occupants.

The use of return air scrubbers, provided as part of the CARES Act, played a crucial role in this endeavor. Installed on the return air side of air handling units, these scrubbers effectively removed gaseous contaminants, including VOCs like formaldehyde, from the air stream. Additionally, the enlargement of filter banks allowed the use of MERV-13 filters, surpassing the standard MERV-8 filters and further improving air quality.

In conclusion, the air quality improvement project at UTA exemplifies a successful collaboration between mechanical engineering expertise and innovative technologies. By strategically addressing the unique challenges of diverse campus spaces, the project not only enhances indoor air quality but also sets a precedent for sustainable and effective solutions in the ongoing pursuit of healthier educational environments.

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With dogs and cats coming to and from a shelter every single day, it is crucial to keep the air clean and the spaces habitable to reduce the stress of the animals, as well as prevent the transfer of diseases and bacteria. While implementing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for animal shelters can be very technical, it is worth the time and money to provide comfortable living spaces for the animals.

Air balance, air changes per hour (ACH), energy-efficient lighting, power distribution, security features, back-up generators, ventilation, and relative humidity are just some of the factors that need to be considered when designing an animal shelter to keep the health and safety of animals, workers, and volunteers in mind. At Baird, Hampton & Brown, we understand the importance of meeting all requirements for this specific type of facility. We have years of experience designing animal shelters and control centers for many municipalities in Texas, including the following:

• City of Allen
• City of Arlington
• City of Baytown
• City of Fort Worth
• City of Grand Prairie
• City of Grapevine
• City of Harker Heights
• City of Hurst
• City of Lewisville
• City of Mesquite
• City of Midland
• City of North Richland Hills
• City of Odessa
• City of Pearland
• City of Pflugerville
• City of Seguin
• City of Weatherford
• City of Wichita Falls
• Fort Bend County
• Kaufman County
• Montgomery County

According to the ASPCA, 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year. At BHB, we are trying to do our part by designing animal shelters with the mindset of creating comfortable interim housing for animals that are longing to be loved. Pets are part of the family. They make their way onto holiday cards, they’re almost always included in family pictures, and they are loyal friends that stay by your side for the long haul. A pet’s love for their owner is insurmountable—and behind every animal shelter are dogs, cats, and more waiting for their chance to be adopted by someone who will love them back.

Sean Rath, senior mechanical designer at BHB and proud owner of two rescue dogs, specializes in the design of animal shelters.

“The HVAC design of a shelter is all about the health and comfort of the animals,” Rath said. “We strive to provide a system that controls odors and inhibits the spread of disease, while providing a comfortable and dry climate.”

To learn more about engineering design for animal shelters, download our white paper, “Animal Shelter Design from an Engineering Perspective.” Gain more insight into the requirements for designing a shelter, how to keep shelter environments healthy and safe, and the technical aspects of a mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing arrangement. If you have any questions about how we can help benefit your municipality with an animal shelter or control center, email us at mail@bhbinc.com. We would be happy to help.

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Many GIS systems, including those which realtors use, are approximate, and depending on the area, it can have differences of a few feet to a few hundred feet. Much of it can depend on the property size but also on the history of the area. Most error is not accounted for in GIS systems because their purpose is not to show precise and accurate property boundaries; their purpose is to get you to the vicinity and show you and your city, county, or state a diagrammatical look at your property and the area surrounding your property.

When planning on adding improvements to your property (for example, a sunroom addition, a pool, placing a fence, expanding a driveway, etc.), you generally have to get a building permit. To obtain a building permit, in most cases, you must submit a proposed plan that conforms to your city’s building code and the governing laws of your county and state, including but not limited to zoning ordinances that determine property setbacks. These dimensions need to be measured accurately and precisely. In most cases, plus or minus one foot is not accurate or precise enough; the required accuracies and precisions are closer to plus or minus one-tenth of a foot. These are issues that non-surveyors are not trained to address. Merriam-Webster defines accuracy as the ‘degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or a true value.’ Merriam-Webster defines precision as ‘the degree of refinement with which an operation is performed, or a measurement stated.’ It is possible to have accuracy without precision or to have precision without accuracy. In the matter of a land survey, you need both.

 Another common reason that residential property owners may need to know where their property boundaries lie could be a dispute with a neighbor. In this case, too, you need a land surveyor licensed to practice in your state. 

 Let’s address accuracy and precision: 

Registered Professional Land Surveyors are the only people with the training and the equipment capable of measuring land at a level of accuracy and precision to guarantee repeatable results. There is much more to measuring land than just taping a line on the ground. Each circumstance requires a specific methodology and the ability to explain that methodology so that you, your neighbor, the city, county, and state can all have the confidence that the property boundary is located in the proper position. Not only are Registered Professional Land Surveyors the only people that have this training, but because of their specialized training and equipment, they are also the only ones allowed by law to complete this task. Registered Professional Land Surveyors have years of training and practice, and they have passed a state-specific exam proving they have the proper training to complete these tasks correctly before they are issued a license and given the right to practice professional land surveying.

 Another concern is legal standing: 

When a Registered Professional Land Surveyor is retracing property lines, they are not just measuring but also reviewing the entire body of evidence surrounding specific property locations so that they can be sure they can come up with the correct resolution for not only their client’s property, but all the properties that surround and adjoin that client’s property, and that solution can be defended in a court of law. There are evidence and decisions a Registered Professional Land Surveyor must find and make that even attorneys and judges cannot make without consultation from a Registered Professional Land Surveyor. When your land is surveyed by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor, the survey has legal standing with the city, county, and state. Registered Professional Land Surveyors do not practice law, but their opinion on boundary location and evidence is admissible in a court of law and will be used by the judge or jury to determine a proper judgment and resolution.

 Your realtor, GIS databases, architects, and civil engineers cannot offer this service unless they also possess a license to perform professional land surveying in your state. Your landscape contractor, general contractor, pool guy, or neighbor’s computer-savvy kid cannot offer these services either. Using sources other than a Registered Professional Land Surveyor to locate property boundaries is an excellent way to end up in litigation without legal documentation or evidence to corroborate your opinion of your property location.

 Yes, a properly done boundary survey can be expensive, depending on the property’s size, complexity, and history. However, litigation or demolishing an ill-placed improvement can be exponentially more costly and time-consuming. Although it may not seem like it, hiring a Registered Professional Land Surveyor will save you money and time in the long run.

As they say, “You think hiring a Land Surveyor is expensive? Try not hiring one!”

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When selecting building systems, a university or college’s focus typically falls on maintenance consistency and life expectancy. Unlike other facilities, universities plan to be tenants for the lifetime of a building. In comparison, other developers may be designing a space they only occupy for a few years before passing it onto new tenants. During the design process, they may be more cost-driven in their selection of equipment than prioritizing a system’s longevity.

“Most institutions are building 100-year buildings. They want to know that what they buy is going to last,” says Ian Bost, Principal, and Senior Mechanical Engineer.

Often, universities prefer to use manufacturers they are familiar with. They can lower operation and maintenance costs if they already have the repair supplies and maintenance staff familiar with servicing their equipment. As the design team, our engineers weigh various options before determining the best fit for a project. This includes tracking new technologies and their success on the market.

BHB mechanical engineers Ian Bost and Kirk Plum followed the success of bipolar ionization, a technology that reduces the outside air required by charging particles in the air to clean it. Since K-12 facilities with limited maintenance resources were successfully using this technology on their equipment, BHB felt confident implementing this on higher education campuses.

Texas Christian University, Sadler Hall
This project renovated an existing office on campus into a mixture of new classrooms, offices, and lounge spaces. Since classrooms hold more people in a single space, windows would have to be removed so the existing air handling units could be reused. As a solution, BHB implemented bipolar ionization to reduce the outside air load for the space and allow the building to keep visible windows within each classroom.

University of North Texas, Curry Hall
The windows on the first and second levels of Curry Hall had been blacked out to allow the existing air conditioning units to keep up with the external heat gain. By using bipolar ionization, our team was able to reduce the outside air load for the building which allowed us to replace the existing windows with a clear, energy-efficient option. The solution will transform the classrooms into bright, clean spaces for students to learn.

In both cases, BHB implemented new, energy-efficient systems to meet our client’s needs. “BHB always tries to balance giving the owner the best possible systems, while not just giving them the gold-plated product. We give them what they need” says Kirk Plum, Mechanical Engineer.

As the first engineering firm in the metroplex to become a member of the 2030 Challenge, BHB has proven its commitment to selecting sustainable design solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.

To learn more about our services and energy-efficient design efforts, please reach us at mail@bhbinc.com.

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