Iconic green spaces to inspire your next project

Green spaces have tons of positive effects. They’re known to improve mental health and stress to bring communities together and even increase consumer buying. Whether it’s a community center to college to an apartment complex, green spaces are critical for successful businesses. Our landscape architecture can help you create, design and install the best green space for your business.

But first, let’s take a look at all the benefits of green spaces and what defines them.

What are green spaces?

When we’re talking about green spaces, we mean more than just an unused plot of land or grassy knoll. Green spaces are deliberately designed and manicured spots that are open and free to the public. Think of things like local parks, gardens, playgrounds and fields.

These spots are meant to integrate the natural world with our urban environment. Since the first civilization, urban planners have inspired nature and incorporated natural elements into their designs. And since we developed modern cities, green spaces have become even more essential.

Why are green spaces so important?

Studies have shown that green spaces have numerous positive effects on mental well-being, physical health and even commerce.

Green spaces provide an opportunity for outdoor recreation and exercise. Some studies show that people who live near green spaces even live longer. A recent study from the World Health Organization found that 3.3{ffa1fb9a833dbe70b91c2563ca2a54067368c324c18ffac54b9412388222efff} of global deaths resulted from lack of physical activity due to poor walkability and limited access to recreation areas.

These spaces spur better mental well-being and a sense of peace and even increase employee productivity or help hospital patients recover faster.

These spaces are essential to businesses, too. Studies have found that greenery and flowers attract shoppers and residents. Further, customers associate well-landscaped businesses with quality goods. Studies show they are willing to pay a 12 percent premium for goods purchased in retail establishments that are accompanied by quality landscaping.

So, now that you know their importance, it’s time to start thinking about cultivating your own green space. But if you need a bit of inspiration to get you started, check out these iconic green spaces that changed the way we do things. Even if you have a small space to work with, we think these projects will inspire you.

Atlanta BeltLine

Built on an old railroad track, the Atlanta Beltline is a 33-mile, multi-use trail that winds through Atlanta. It connects nearly 45 neighborhoods across the city.

The Beltline is an excellent spot for people looking to get back to nature, take a walk or go for a bike ride. But it also provides several other perks, like free exercise classes, parades, affordable housing and an arboretum. You can also view murals and other local art along the way.

Railroad Park, Birmingham, Al

Similarly, Birmingham has transformed its downtown into a 19-acre park. Previously, the land was used for a cross of old railroad tracks that went out of use. The land was transported into a downtown oasis (which can be especially essential in the humid Southern summers) that showcases the city’s history.

The park features more than 600 trees, multiple skate parks, and a history wall and sculptures, highlighting civil rights struggles and victories. It also features several sustainable elements, like a bio-filtration wetlands area.

The High Line, New York City
You may see a reoccurring theme of turning old industrial things into modern green spaces. The high line is no exception here. This above-street park is also formed along the lines of an old railway.

Previously, the space was home to elevated train tracks. But after a transportation freeze in 1980, the spot became abandoned. Decades later, neighborhood locals banded together to transform the track into a public space.

It features an array of native plants that function as a green roof with both plants and porous pathways absorbing water and limiting stormwater runoff. It also uses drip irrigation, composting and integrated pest management. It too features art, sculpture and vendors. This 395-acre space reopened as a park in 2009.

Chicago’s Lake Front

Chicago’s lakefront is unique to most cities for one straightforward reason. Written in the plans for the city is the idea that the lake will be forever “free and open” to the public. This means that no skyscraper, condo, or private business can build to the beach. Instead, the space from the major road to the water will forever be a public beach.

This is a relatively simple but revolutionary idea: keep public spaces public.

Another bonus is Chicago’s Millennium Park, situated between the beach and downtown. The land used to develop the park was initially deemed an “urban wasteland” and housed a winding spiral of train tracks. Now, it’s home to native plants, sculptures, walkways and water features. What’s even more remarkable is that some of it cover an underground parking garage.

So, are you ready to get started on a landscaping project?

Our landscape architects have decades of experience in both public and private realms. We can provide design and technical direction all the way from concept to construction phase services. We also work on a broad range of projects including everything from small roof gardens to university campuses, residential and commercial/retail developments and everything in between.

Visit our Landscape Architecture section for more details.

History’s most famous structural engineers

When we think of the incredible engineering feats of the world, we often think of mighty dams, towering buildings and expansive bridges. These images may also concur with architects who drew up these plans or the brave construction workers who risked their lives during the building. ut we sometimes forget about the unsung heroes of the projects — the structural engineers.

What is a structural engineer?

Structural Engineering is a specialty within Civil Engineering. These professionals are responsible for several critical aspects of projects.

They’re designers. They’re the individuals who design strong, supportive, and stable buildings to withstand natural elements like wind and storms.

They’re also safety experts. They make sure buildings are safe for everyday use and withstand the worst elements like hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes.

And they’re problem solvers. They’re tasked with using everything from basic math calculations to cutting-edge tech.

In fact, the term engineering comes from the Latin words “Ingenium” meaning cleverness and “ingeniare” meaning to devise.

They create drawings and specifications, perform calculations, write reports and evaluations, and observe construction sites. They work on the most beautiful, awe-inspiring architecture problems, bridges, skyscrapers, homes, artwork and even rollercoasters.

Their work is so varied they may be tasked with making sure a bridge can support hundreds of tons of steel and ensuring a dance floor doesn’t vibrate when people jump on it.

For centuries these experts have used a combination of creativity and design and intelligence to solve problems.

You may know some of their work, but do you know the most famous structural engineers of all time? We want to highlight a few of the most impactful structural engineers of the last century. Without them, our most iconic structures would not be possible.

Holmer Malcolm

You may not have heard of Holmer Malcolm. But you’ve seen his greatest creation— the Empire State Building.

This iconic Manhattan structure is 102 stories and 1,250 feet tall, making it one of the world’s tallest buildings for over 40 years. It uses more than 200,000 cubic feet of limestone and granite.

This impressive feat would not be possible without Malcolm. Malcolm designed the building during the early 20th century. Malcolm was called a genius after taking just over one year to build. It was hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World during its 1931 debut and became one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the world.

The structure also put New York on the map within the structural engineer community, proving engineers in the city were daring and imaginative.

Malcolm’s design advanced several innovative design concepts during his building design. For example, he made tall buildings stable and safe when exposed to lateral forces. He also began an expert in wind stresses on high-rises, designing unique foundations that eliminated vibrations in structures.

Today, many of his methods are still considered design and engineering standards.

Peter Rice

In Peter Rice’s obituary, author Jonathan Glancey wrote, “Rice was, perhaps, the James Joyce of structural engineering.”

Some called Rice one of the most imaginative and gifted structural engineers of the 20th century. He was known for his adventurous designs and ingenious buildings.

Rice combined geometry, analysis, and a computer program for the Sydney Opera House roof for his first project.

The Sydney Opera House is instantly recognizable. Considered a masterpiece of architecture, it uses unique and unparalleled design and cutting-edge architectural and technological achievements.

As a gifted mathematician, Rice did most of the geometrical work for the roof. Rice took over the project when his partner, Ian MacKenzie, fell ill. He went on to work with the well-known engineering firm Ove Arup who used his intellectual insight and boundary-pushing ideas for numerous architectural projects.

Gustave Eiffel

You can probably guess Gustave Eiffel’s most famous creation. But, of course, he was the engineer who designed and oversaw construction on the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable and beloved feats of architecture. It combines strength and airy lightness.

Even 125 years after its development, it stands as a symbol of structural engineering. During its construction, it pushed architectural and structural boundaries. It’s twice as tall as the Great Pyramid in Egypt. Its design created and symbolized advancement in the engineering industry, developed new construction materials and techniques and helped cement better structural engineering knowledge and experience.

Today, it is one of the most-visited places in the world.

Eiffel was responsible for advancing these ideas. He was known for engineering the sound support frame structure. He used the same idea to create the Statue of Liberty and the iron framing for the Notre Dame cathedral. His goal was to build simultaneously lighter, cheaper, and stronger structures.

Ready to start your own structural engineering project?

Our expert structural engineering staff, backed by many years of experience, are uniquely qualified to offer specialized expertise in the planning, designing, and constructing structures for buildings and civil works projects.

We analyze and design specialized structures and solve structural and foundation problems. We provide an unprecedented level of professionalism, understanding of the construction process and a commitment to quality. This gives our clients the most efficient, economical and safe structures.

We provide design services for structures involving low to mid-rise commercial, institutional, medical, residential and governmental buildings. Visit our website to learn more about our work: https://mcneilengineering.com

How to create eco-friendly public spaces

How to create eco-friendly public spaces Going eco-friendly has never been more essential for our planet. Adopting greener practices helps clean the air, helps limit erosion, improves soil, and reduces pollution and global temperatures at the same time.

But going green has some other advantages, too. Green practices can help your property stand out over competitors, create community spaces, and attract new guests or tenants, depending on your industry.

But being eco-friendly goes beyond turning off the lights when you leave the room or recycling those old cardboard boxes. Think bigger with eco-friendly landscape architecture.

What’s even better? We can help you get there. Our experts have experience in designing parks, community green spaces, universities and colleges, and retirement communities, among many other large-scale projects.

Not sure what eco-friendly landscaping looks like? We have a few ideas to get you started.

1) Replace grass with ground cover.

Unfortunately, grass is not great for our ecosystem. Most lawns and green spaces are made from Kentucky Bluegrass and ryegrass and unfortunately, these species are not native to the U.S.

Because these grasses are not native, they chock out critical native plants and flowers. This, in turn, creates an ecological wasteland for pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies. Grassy areas, too, require more labor, fuel and equipment than even most industrial farming crops, which means they cost you big bucks to keep them looking green and lush.

Instead of traditional grass, consider alternative ground covers. There are lots of options for grass alternatives. Of course, some individuals who live in hot climates opt for rock or turf. You can also choose groundcover plants. These plants stay green in almost all weather and require virtually no maintenance. They are generally better for the environment because they provide habitats for birds, bees and other pollinators. They also have deeper root systems that help aerate the soil and prevent erosion. They also require little mowing, no additional watering, and no pesticides. What could be better than that?

In shady parts, moss is a great option. Moss stays green even in the highest summer temperatures and is a soft cushion under feet. In sunnier locations, clover works well. It stays green even under drought conditions and is soft and sweet-smelling. It can also prevent soil compaction. Some options include Corsican mint or clover. Flowering options include sweet woodruff, horned violets or ornamental native grass.

2) Plant a native garden.

You may also want to opt for a native plant garden.

Native gardens add beauty and personality to your land. These colorful, lush gardens are aesthetically pleasing and attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Because of this, they make great community gathering spaces. If you own a residential space, church or retirement community, these are great options.

Native plants, too, are resistant to pets and disease a result, they do not need fertilizer, watering, or pesticides, making them low maintenance and low cost.

3) Plant an edible garden.

Gardens aren’t just for individual homes. These are also great community options, too. Edible gardens can be found everywhere from apartment complexes to retirement communities to even community parks and major universities.

These, too, bring a sense of community and a place for individuals to gather. Growing your own produce also helps reduce carbon emissions and other waste from store-bought produce. You can also avoid harsh chemicals and pesticides when you grow your own food. Like other options, this is great for bees, butterflies and other insects.

You can also incorporate composting, too. This is a great way to recycle food waste and get others involved in the space.

We can create an elegant display for your future garden.

3) Add terraces or slopes.

If you’re looking for a different public aesthetic, consider natural terraces or slops. Sometimes this idea is referred to as terrace farming. This method involves creating “steps” in hilly or sloped land. Plants and gardens can then be planted and grown on the slopes. Because of the unique design, rainwater supplies the only irrigation needed. When it rains, water flows from one terrace to the next.

This ultimately saves on the water in the long run. This is also an effective solution to prevent erosion and is a beautiful, elegant option for your landscape.

This idea can be used on a large scale or in a space as small as a traditional garden or planting box.

Ready to get started?

Our landscape architects are here to help create a more eco-friendly landscape on your property. We have decades of experience in both the public and private sectors providing clients with design and technical direction every step of the way.

Our portfolio includes civic, university campuses, residential and commercial projects. Our state-of-the-art software allows us to provide our clients with an accurate representation of our plan and project, allowing for better cost control and precise scheduling.

Check out our website to see a list of our past projects. Contact us to get your project underway!

Structural Engineering Feats: Rush Street Restaurant and Sugarhouse Crossing

Engineer: Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.

Jokes aside, we know probably more than anyone that engineering can feel complex. (After all, it’s what we live and breathe every single day.) For those who don’t work in the engineering world, it might seem a little confusing that engineering isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. In fact, numerous disciplines fall under the engineering umbrella – civil, mining, mechanical, biomechanical, electrical, landscape – and they are all different. The stark truth for businesses that need to contract an engineering firm is that hiring the right kind of engineer with the right experience and level of licensure is the key to a successful project. You wouldn’t want a biomechanical engineer designing and overseeing the plans for your school, apartment complex or hospital, right?

Of course, the complexities don’t stop there. Even within each engineering discipline, there are specialties and advanced licensures that are important to understand. We want to make things simple for you, so today we want to focus on just one sub-specialty – Structural Engineering.

What is Structural Engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialty within the civil engineering field. Where a civil engineer has the education, certifications and experience to plan, design, construct, maintain and operate infrastructure, structural engineers take things a step further. Structural engineers must have several years of professional experience post-graduation and are required to take and pass the Professional Engineer’s license test in order to practice. In many states, a specific Structural Engineer’s license is also required.

This engineering specialty “focuses on the framework of structures, and on designing those structures to withstand the stresses and pressures of their environment and remain safe, stable and secure throughout their use.” LiveScience.com

Basically, while we tend to take simple things, like buildings and bridges not collapsing, for granted, the truth is every single day we have structural engineers to thank for the integrity of the infrastructure around us.

Structural Engineering at McNeil Engineering

Now that you have a basic understanding of structural engineering, you have a little more insight into how critical it can be for your project. The good news is, at McNeil Engineering, we are professionals in this arena.

Along with our sterling architectural engineering consultation services, we are also more than qualified to provide stakeholders and their various properties with structural engineering consultation services as well.

Rather than just tell you about what we can do, we’d love to show you by taking a look at two of our past projects: The Rush Street Restaurant in Los Angeles, California, and Sugarhouse Crossing in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Rush Street Restaurant in Los Angeles

The Rush Street Restaurant project in LA involved the conversion of a 75-year-old sign/welding shop into a high-end restaurant. We were able to investigate the site in order to determine the existing building’s structural elements – along with carrying out a seismic structural analysis of the 75-year-old un-reinforced masonry structure. It was a challenging project with a limited budget and due to a change in occupancy, the entire structure had to be retrofitted to meet building codes. We performed these while staying in compliance with various municipal requirements.

Sugarhouse Crossing in Salt Lake City

As for the Sugarhouse Crossing project in Salt Lake City, Utah – this mixed-use structure has three levels of below-grade parking, one level at grade commercial with 5 levels of apartments (200 in total).
The design team here at McNeil Engineering used CAD software (Revit) – in order to create a usable analytic model for complete Building Information Modeling (BIM).
This Sugarhouse Crossing project was thus constructed with post-tensioned floors for the parking structure and commercial areas with concrete walls and columns and 2x timber walls with plywood web joists for the upper floors and prefabricated trusses for the roof structure.

Are you looking for Structural Engineering Consultation Services?

Of course, these are just two examples of projects we’ve been privileged to be part of. Want to see more? Click here.

If you are seeking structural engineering consultation services, McNeil Engineering has you covered! While it is true, we are regionally famous within the western United States as architectural engineering consultation experts, this is far from the only consultation service we are currently able to provide.

We would be happy to sit down and discuss your structural engineering needs. This is in addition to any development, redevelopment, and/or civil engineering projects you and/or your various properties require as well. If you’re ready to get started, reach out to us, and then sit back and relax in the comfort and confidence of knowing that your group’s various properties are in good hands.

Kimball Plaza parking lot replacement

Kimball Plaza parking lot replacement While we are best known regionally for patented architectural engineering consultation services – which we have put to good use on thousands of projects around the American west regional area – we also have an arsenal of other consultation expertise beyond just architectural engineering too.

Take, for example, our consultation expertise when it comes to the tricky business of parking lot replacement. This particular sort of property redevelopment can be extra difficult to navigate for the stakeholders in institutions, businesses, municipalities, and any other sorts of organizations who have tenants in buildings utilizing said parking lot. It is vital for such entities to maintain civil relationships with their tenants, while also adhering to tight parking lot replacement/property redevelopment budgets.

This is exactly the sort of instance that occurred in Utah, during our consultation on the Kimball Plaza parking lot replacement.

The nuts and bolts of parking lot replacement

When it came to the Kimball Plaza parking lot replacement/property redevelopment project, we immediately understood the owners were dealing with a very tight budget for said project, along with disgruntled tenants.

The first challenge we faced on this project’s consultation was to get the property redevelopment drawings, sketches, and blueprints approved by the local city. The client’s goal was to increase parking for their development, which would improve circulation in and around the whole property altogether. The only hurdle was – the local city/county would require upgrading the existing storm drainage system if the project changed any of the hardscape square footage.

With these factors in mind, we here at McNeil Engineering were able to completely redesign the parking lot layout in such a way we were able to maintain the existing hardscape to landscape ratio, while simultaneously adding six parking stalls. Additionally, we simplified the circulation for patrons of local businesses. Seeing sense, the local county approved this plan, and we saved the client the expense of both a new treatment system and collection boxes.

Parking lot replacement on a budget

The design for this Kimball Plaza parking lot replacement/property redevelopment project called for the removal and replacement of both asphalt and base. We here at McNeil Engineering performed a study of the existing base course, determining it was in good enough condition we could leave it in place – simply removing the existing asphalt, demolishing some existing landscape islands, and installing new islands and asphalt paving without having to remove any existing base. Indeed, we only brought in asphalt as needed to meet the modified grading requirements.

When the project’s initial bid was suddenly canceled, we helped guide the client into finding a reputable contractor to perform a modified scope of this parking lot replacement/property redevelopment project. We worked very closely with the said reputable contractor in order to accomplish every single one of the client’s goals- while staying within budget, fulfilling the tenants’ desires, and not breaking any local county zoning laws.

The client was beyond ecstatic we here at McNeil Engineering, along with the reputable contractor were able to help keep their parking lot replacement/property redevelopment project within their tight budget while also helping them to maintain a positive relationship with their tenants at Kimball Plaza in Utah.

In need of a new parking lot?

Are you the stakeholder in an organization, business, and/or institution currently searching to replace your property’s parking lot? Perhaps you’re just looking to redevelop the said property in some other dynamic, business savvy, budget-friendly way? Well, you don’t need to look any further – you’ve come to the perfect place! We here at McNeil Engineering are more than capable of providing you with such sterling parking lot replacement/property redevelopment consultations and recommendations. We can aid you in your goal of completing your desired results in the cheapest, most elegant, and most ecologically sustainable manner humanly possible. Allow yourself to finally relax in the comfort of knowing your architectural engineering/property redevelopment needs are more than taken care of.

Women in engineering

Women in Engineering Throughout modern history, working in math and science was not a typical career path for most women. But as times have changed, the sciences have become more inclusive, and more women are pursuing careers in science than ever before. For example, while only 21.8{ffa1fb9a833dbe70b91c2563ca2a54067368c324c18ffac54b9412388222efff} of undergraduate engineering students were female in the last year, that number dramatically increased from only 5.8 percent in the 1980s — and far fewer than that in decades before.

In recent history in the Western world, educating women in the sciences was thought to my harmful to their health. However, many women challenged these gender roles to have careers in civil engineering — ultimately changing the course of history forever and opening the door for women engineers today.

There are a great number of women trailblazers in the history of civil engineering. Here are just a few women who continue to inspire us. Let’s take a look at some famous women civil engineers throughout time.

Sarah Guppy (1770- 1852) Guppy was an English engineer and inventor. In 1811, she was the first woman to patent a bridge. She went on to become an inventor and designer and developed a range of products. For example, she patented a device to prevent barnacles from forming on the bottom of boats, earning a lucrative contract with the British Navy. She also invented the safe piling of bridge foundations. Thomas Telford later used the Clifton Suspension bridge in his bridge over the Menai Straight and by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. She patented ten well-known products during her time, including a bed with built-in exercise machines, a candle that would burn longer and a breakfast device that would brew coffee while steaming eggs. She was clearly ahead of her time!

Edith Clarke (1883 – 1959) was a pioneer in electrical engineer. She was the first woman to be professionally employed as an electrical engineer in the United States and was a renowned professor and inventor.

In 1921 she patented her most well-known invention — the Clarke Calculator. The graphical calculator simplified the calculations necessary to determine the electrical characteristics of long electrical transmission lines. Later she taught at the University of Texas, becoming the first female professor of electrical engineering.

Elsie Eaves (1898 – 1983) broke several glass ceilings for women in engineering. In college, she was already a pioneer for women engineers. She was the first woman to earn a degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and while at the school was elected as the first female president of the school’s student engineering society– an event that garnered national media attention!

Eaves went on to some other first, too. She was the first female member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. She also helped found the American Association of Cost Engineers. Along the way, she earned many other notable awards and accomplishments. She went on to worked in several national public works programs, including the Colorado State Highway Department and the Deven and Rio Grande Railroads.

Emily Roebling (1843 – 1903) was an unexpected pioneer for women and did not set out for a career in science. However, she went on to be well-known for her contribution to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Her husband originally worked on the project as the chief engineer but became ill and bedridden.

Because Roebling was the only one who could visit her husband, she took over his work. From there she worked as the liaison with the engineering team. Through this work, she developed an extensive knowledge of the materials, stress analysis, and calculating catenary curves. She became so proficient in the day-to-day operations that she became the standing leader for the bridge’s construction. She worked on the bridge’s construction for a decade.

Lillian Gilbreth was a prolific woman. She was one of the first female engineers to earn a Ph.D. For four decades she worked to combine the study of psychology with that of scientific management and engineering. She also worked as a professor and inventor. Today, she is widely known as the “mother of modern management.”

Throughout her career, she worked in time and motion studies. She is most well known for her work with General Electric, where she improved household appliance designs. She later became the first female member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Stephanie Kwolek (1923- 2014) changed the modern landscape with her innovation. Kwolek is the inventor of the widely-used substance Kevlar. Kevlar is widely used in bullet-proof vests today and many everyday products like helmets, camping gear and cables. Kwolek worked as a chemist for most of her life and her study and analysis of long molecule chains led to her invention.

We encourage you to take a look at the hundreds of other women who have worked to change the science and engineering field in the last hundred years. These women pushed against societal norms and paved the way for female scientists today.

Landscape architecture and drought tolerance

Landscape architecture maintenance for institutional and commercial property needs to become a priority for any institution or business. Particularly within the Utah of today, where water preservation is key to preserving an aesthetically beautiful – and environmentally sustainable – locale. Let McNeil Engineering be your architectural landscaping guide when it comes to drought tolerance and water preservation on your business/institution’s properties.

McNeil Engineering: Prime LDS Church Landscape Remodel Consultants

For institutions and businesses serious about such concerns of structural engineering and integrity – they need look no further than McNeil Engineering. Indeed, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which needs no introduction in the local area, relies on McNeil Engineering as the prime consultant on remodel and new church projects throughout the Western United States.

During McNeil Engineering’s time as the prime architectural landscaping consultant firm for the Church, their contemporary – and indeed drought tolerant designs, which we will get to momentarily – have garnered awards from both the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Henderson City Public Works Department. Atop these shining accolades, McNeil Engineering has also been highly recommended by the Church’s own Physical Facilities Department. Currently, McNeil Engineering works closely among several Facility Management and Project Management Groups to tackle a diverse range of landscaping, civil engineering, and site remodel projects.

The Perks of Drought Tolerant Designs

While in the past, water conservation may not have been a top priority for institutions and/or commercial entities seeking sturdy landscape architectural experts, water can no longer be taken for granted, particularly within the southwest region of the United States. This is why it has become vital to seek out the consultation of firms like McNeil Engineering, which have knowledge and expertise in the realms of water preservation and drought maintenance.

No wonder the LDS Church, the top property owner in the state, has commissioned McNeil Engineering for such an important role. Indeed, McNeil continues to work closely with the Church’s Landscape Architectural Division at Church Headquarters, in order to provide leadership and direction pertaining to innovative site management and water conservation solutions. All these systems, plans, and forethought will be a great boon to Facility Managers with various landscape needs – not just when it comes to water preservation – but when it comes to concerns such as cost reduction and preserving site integrity. McNeil Engineering doesn’t just know about drought reduction processes – but also about structural engineering solutions, too.

Updating Irrigation Systems

McNeil Engineering has consulted on LDS property management projects for many years now. These property management projects have involved on-site accessibility issues, the resolution of problematic drainage areas, the renovation of outdated irrigation systems, and converting water-loving landscapes to a more water-wise xeric design.

These vital remodels, repairs, and drought preparation procedures are all a vital part of water preservation on these properties around the western region of the United States. Without them, these properties would be headed for a world of hot water – or no water, more accurately!

As part of this Church consultation process, McNeil Engineering has also developed annual R&I budgets, generated bidding packages, and detailed cost estimates. This is in order for the Church, both institutionally and commercially, to know exactly what they are getting into. And out of!

Along with all these civil engineering services, McNeil Engineering also provided construction administration, which involved the inclusion of pre-bid meetings addendums, bid opening, and site inspections, all of which were provided throughout construction and maintenance. All in all, the future of the Church’s architectural landscaping is in good hands.

Institutional and Commercial Architectural Water Conservation

Are you a member of an institution or commercial entity, such as a business, locally within Utah, interested in commissioning the services of architectural landscaping experts?

If you happen to be searching for the highest of high-end structural engineering firms in this state, you don’t need to look any further than McNeil Engineering. As we noted above, McNeil Engineering doesn’t simply take care of your standard landscape architecture needs, either. As a firm, we understand that site integrity – things like structural engineering – is just as vital to creating and maintaining the desired aesthetic and feel for your property – as choosing what color fauna you’d like lining your entranceway.

Perhaps most intrinsically, however, is the question of water preservation and drought survivability. Even such a large and powerful entity as the Church is focusing on this growing problem in Utah. You and your institution or business need to also keep these concerns in mind as well. McNeil Engineering can help you do so. Just contact us to ensure your institution’s/business’s landscape architectural needs are not only met – but exceeded!

What you should know before remodeling your home

Mountain States Log Homes Your home is an important part of your life. Far from being “just a building,” your home represents a happy place where you can live, laugh, learn, and share with those you love. However, with time, the building itself begins to get out of shape.

Renovation offers an exciting opportunity to give new life to your house. This may be through doing something as simple as reinforcing a weakened foundation or something as complex as adding a new room to accommodate your growing family.

To achieve the best results when remodeling your home, there are certain things you need to put in place. In this post, we explore some of them.

Set a Realistic Budget

Every remodeling project comes with a budget constraint. Defining how much you’re willing to spend will help you know the extent of renovation that can take place. The last thing you want is to start a massive remodeling project only to get stuck midway due to finances. But that’s not all.

You also need to understand the complexity of the project you want to undergo and the projected timeline. Have an engineering contractor look over your plan so they can factor in unforeseen circumstances that may complicate the project cost and timeline. This ensures your final cost and time estimates are realistic.

Finally, you need to consider the financing options you have. Do you want to pay for it out-of-pocket or through a home equity loan or home refinancing?

Define What You Want to Do

Renovation is a huge umbrella that covers a wide range of activities. It may involve improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure. Alternatively, it may involve making a new addition to a home.

Defining the scope of the project lets you know exactly how much it will cost and how long the project will take. What’s more, it defines the impact of the project you’re about to undertake and how it will affect the overall structural integrity of the building.

For instance, if you want to combine two rooms, you will have to break the wall separating them. Depending on whether the wall is a significant load-carrying member, you may have to replace it with a structural arch or bream so as not to compromise your home’s structural integrity.

Know Who You’re Hiring

While you might have a fanciful idea of what you want to accomplish with your renovation, only the experts can bring it to life. And as you would expect, the quality of the outcome is dependent on the skill level of the contractor you hire. That’s why you have to work only with the best.

Depending on what you want to do, you might require an architect to draw up a plan. For instance, you want an architect any time you’re changing the exterior of the building or making significant alterations to the floor plan of the house.

Most people settle for a general contractor, but you can also opt for individual contractors for the job. What’s important is that you find the right team to complete the renovation project.

Before you bring any civil engineering contractor on board – or any other professional for that matter – make sure you look into their license, certificate of insurance, lien history, certification, bond number, and financial standing.

But most importantly, you must hire one that understands your vision and is best aligned in helping you accomplish it. That’s why it’s helpful to have preliminary discussions or interviews before work begins officially. Also, make sure they will be forthright about all regulatory matters associated with your project: from building codes to inspections to permits to zoning.

You can find good engineering contractors through online services. Just make sure you research the company properly before working with them. Word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors, friends, and family are also great ways to find reputable professionals.

Execute Your Plans

The professional uses their experience to draw up a final plan. Depending on the complexity of the project, the plan might need to be submitted to the authorities for approval. Once it is approved, execution can commence.

Expert engineering contractors usually take an iterative approach to project management. This enables them to make minor changes to the plan (if the need arises) without major cost implications.

If you’ve followed all the previous steps to the letter, this is the stage where you relax and let the experts do their thing.

Conclusion

An old English proverb says that “There’s no place like home.” So, it only makes sense to give your home proper care and attention – especially as it begins to age. Renovations provide a great way to accomplish that. By planning accordingly and working with the right professionals, you can transform your home into your “dream home.”

We look forward to helping with your next project. Contact us today for more information.

How to become a structural engineer

Structural Steel Structural engineers are engineering professionals responsible for the analysis, design, and construction of physical structures that support or resist loads. They ensure the integrity of structural elements, such as columns, beams, floors, and foundations.

From the construction of roads to bridges to tunnels to sky scrappers, structural engineers play important roles in a wide variety of construction projects that advance the course of human civilization.

Little wonder structural engineering is an exciting profession. Working as a structural engineer is also fulfilling and financially rewarding. But what exactly does it take to become a successful structural engineer? This article uncovers the steps you can take to become a successful structural engineer.

Know your strengths

Before you decide to opt for a career in structural engineering, it’s important to know your strengths. To succeed in this field, you need to be pretty darn good in math and physics. Structural engineers use math and physics to perform sophisticated calculations to determine stresses and pressures.

Earn the minimum education requirement

If you’d like to become a structural engineer, then you’ll need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in structural engineering or civil engineering.

Like several other engineering disciplines, pursuing a civil engineering degree isn’t going to be easy. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’d do great.

Some of the core subjects you will study include engineering mathematics, structural analysis, fluid mechanics, the strength of materials, earthquake engineering, surveying, concrete technology, design of reinforced concrete structures, and more.

Get your Fundamental Engineering (FE) Certification

To become a structural engineer, you need to go through the Engineer in Training (EIT) program. But to qualify for the EIT program, you need to get the FE certification.

The exam for FE certification is usually taken upon completion of the third year of your degree program. The goal of this six-hour long exam is to test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. This is the first of several steps towards becoming a licensed engineer.

Start the EIT program.

The Engineer in Training program provides a means for aspiring structural engineers to gain hands-on experience in the field. It is essentially the start of your career as a structural engineer.

During the EIT program, you get to learn how to approach structural analysis in the real world. You also get to master several Engineering Software like Autocad, Revit, ETABS, SAFE, and SAP2000, among many others.

Note that EIT can only be undertaken with an accredited employer, and it lasts for about four to five years.

Complete your licensure

After working for four years as an EIT, you are now eligible to take the certification exam for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) license. The certification is given through the National Council of Structural Engineers Association to only professionals that pass the exam.

The PE license signifies that you’ve mastered the principles of structural engineering and you are now qualified to render services to the public.

But that’s not all. You also need to get your Structural Engineering (SE) license. This licence was introduced to increase the standards for structural engineers to ensure the improved safety of structures. This license is awarded through the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Get engaged in professional structural engineering organizations

No one builds a successful structural engineering career in isolation. That’s why it’s important to network with other professionals in your field. Expanding your network exposes you to more opportunities, and you get access to a robust support system.

Examples of professional bodies to consider include the Institute of Structural Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National Council of Structural Engineers Association.

Apply for your dream structural engineering positions

After you’ve gained your education, certifications, and licenses, it’s time to practice as a full-fledged professional. But you need to go through the job hunting phase.

For starters, you need to prepare a solid resume. Make sure that your resume highlights your education, skills, training, and certifications. Place special emphasis on the experience you gained during your EIT program and more importantly, what value you can add to prospective employers.

You can easily find out about structural engineering openings through your network or online job postings. When applying, make sure that you read the job description properly to see if you’re a good fit. Make sure that your application – your resume in particular – is tailored to each job role so you can position yourself as a strong candidate.

Pursue post-graduate studies

To give your career as a structural engineer an extra boost, it’s a good idea to pursue a master’s or doctorate. Having this extra qualification in your profile opens you up to more opportunities.

Note that you can also choose to pursue post-graduate studies immediately after you complete your Bachelor’s degree.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful structural engineer requires hard work, patience and consistency. However, the fulfilment and financial gain that comes with it makes the journey worth it.

Best ways to integrate biodiversity with urban landscape design

Some might argue that urbanization is one of the best things that have happened to humankind. Of course, a large number of people living together in concentrated areas come with several benefits. Most notably, it provides the opportunity for more efficient use of resources.

However, urban center development significantly changes the natural landscape. Tall buildings and roads now replace tall trees and shrubs, consequently affecting the lives of several organisms that depend on them.

That’s why preserving biodiversity is a growing concern in urban landscape development. In this post, we explore ways to sustain a variety of plant and animal life in urban development.

Understand, protect and restore

In nature, plant and animal species are sustained in an intricate balance. Tweaking just a part of the ecosystem can have unintended consequences. That’s why it’s important to understand the ecosystem before any landscape design project commences.

A good way to do that is by observing the wild to see the connection between organisms. But more than just understanding, conscientious actions must be taken to protect the ecosystem. Design options with potentially detrimental effects should be avoided.

What’s more, areas that are already degraded should be examined to see if there are ways they can be restored.

Stick with native species – as much as possible.

In today’s day and age, the need to efficiently use resources is greater than ever. Because native species are better adapted to local environmental conditions, they generally require a lesser amount of resources for maintenance.

What’s more, introducing foreign plant and animal species might have better aesthetic appeal or even seem like a great idea. However, foreign species can sometimes disrupt the native ecosystem and pose threats.

That’s why caution should always be taken when incorporating non-native elements into landscape design because it can be difficult to anticipate future impacts.

Diversify

As the name suggests, diversity is at the very heart of biodiversity. You see, diversity allows for a more robust and resilient ecosystem. This, in turn, helps to minimize the impact of diseases and pests. What’s more, it adds better flavor to the design.

As a heuristic, when choosing plants for your design, you shouldn’t select more than 30{ffa1fb9a833dbe70b91c2563ca2a54067368c324c18ffac54b9412388222efff} from the same family, 20{ffa1fb9a833dbe70b91c2563ca2a54067368c324c18ffac54b9412388222efff} from the same species, and 20{ffa1fb9a833dbe70b91c2563ca2a54067368c324c18ffac54b9412388222efff} from the same genus. And remember, diversity is not a leeway to introduce foreign species without proper analysis. You can still achieve diversity with native species.

Minimize light and noise pollution

With the lights from buildings, cars, street lights, buildings, and the noise from speakers, cities are constantly bustling with life. And many times, this can cause psychological stress for not only humans but also animals. For instance, nocturnal creatures will have to deal with lights and even the dangers of crossing the road at night.

Since the goal is to attract – and not repeal biodiverse wildlife – here are some things to consider in the design process. Keep lights away from resting spots like tall trees, ponds, and hedges. Protect certain areas so that they maintain their naturalness.

Provide wildlife corridors and connections between green spaces

Urban development affects the ability of wildlife to travel, find food, water, and even mate. That’s why it’s up to the landscape designer to incorporate options that will enable wildlife to thrive even with the change in the structure of their habitat.

Here are some ideas. Shrubbery or bush provides a physical barrier for people and large animals, but it allows smaller animals like hedgehogs to pass through, under, or along.

Soft engineering techniques can also be used to build wildlife corridors. Wild corridors are areas of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures.

Cut back on lawns

Lawns seem like a great idea. At least, having a vast expanse of short grass can give the impression of “looking green”. However, lawns come with lots of drawbacks.

They consume a whole lot of water from irrigation. And because of their exposure, they offer little benefit to animal species. Hence, they are not a good choice if biodiversity is the goal. That’s why lawns should be limited to recreational areas as much as possible.

Use organic maintenance methods.

To support urban biodiversity, avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides because they can harm good bugs. For instance, bees are very sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers. And because they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, they mustn’t be killed indiscriminately. That’s why only organic maintenance methods should be employed.

Wrap Up

Because we share this planet with several other organisms, we have an ethical responsibility to ensure that we preserve local species and ecology. But if we refuse to do so, we would be harming ourselves in the long run because all life is inextricably linked.

This can easily become a nuanced topic with complexities – but we are here to help. Contact us here today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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