Landscape Design Archives - McNeil Engineering

What does the global 2023 construction outlook reveal?

It’s no secret that 2022 has been a complicated year. The construction sector has seen some serious highs and lows as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic linger. Add in soaring inflation, big infrastructure spending, and a hot job market and it truly is a confusing environment for civil engineering firms in Utah. The question now is, what will 2023 bring? Let’s take a moment in today’s blog post to find the answer.

The United States 2023 Construction Outlook

The United States benefits from big infrastructure projects and an economy that’s still humming. Analysts are seeing an easing in inflation and lead times for certain building materials. Still, pricing remains stubbornly high. Optimistic projections point to a mild and short recession, mainly because of high employment and a dropping consumer price index (CPI) reading.

Here is how construction spending in six sectors is going to look. Expect manufacturing, highways, transportation, multifamily housing, lodging, and communications to expand by at least 5% next year. Another four other sectors, which include healthcare, public safety, education, and commercial, are expected to grow by zero to 4%. And there will be a slight decline in construction spending for single-family housing, power, improvements, and office buildings.

Finally, let’s take a local look. Utah added some 50,600 new jobs over the past 12 months, a 3.1% increase, with the numbers in fast-growing Washington County and the rest of southwestern Utah closer to 4%, according to a new report from the state Department of Workforce Services. And what was the fastest-growing sector in Utah over the past year? Construction, which added 15,100 new jobs. Utah continues to be one of the best-performing economies in the United States.

The European Union’s 2023 Construction Outlook

Meanwhile, across the pond, analysts are a lot more pessimistic about the European construction outlook. According to one reading from a European construction research group Construction output growth across Europe will drop to 0.2% in 2023 and drop even further to flat in 2024, with the reason being the ongoing war in Ukraine. But Europe is also grappling with rising interest rates, inflation, and material shortages.

Many analysts expect this to be a rough period of adjustment for the construction sector. Why? Because nearly all factors that affect construction demand are trending negatively in the Eurozone. These include the economy, consumer prices, interest rates, and consumer confidence. Specifically in Europe, demand for civil engineering has been lifted by big public and private investments in low-carbon energy and transport schemes. Still, the prospects for residential output drag down the overall outlook for the sector. And unlike the United States, Europe is not rolling out huge infrastructure investments across the board to its member countries.

It was only as recently as early summer that many were expecting a 2.2% growth in GDP in the Eurozone, even taking the war in Ukraine into account. Those estimates have been revised down to as little as 0.5%. Fortunately, the civil engineering outlook in Europe looks positive as many countries invest in low-carbon energy and renovate existing infrastructure, albeit with projects small in scope than those in the United States.

The U.K.’s 2023 Construction Outlook

The United Kingdom relies on seasonal construction forecasts released by the Construction Products Association (CPA). So, what does this upcoming forecast say about the state of construction in the U.K.? Well, according to the Autumn Construction Forecast, construction output is forecast to fall by 3.9% in 2023. Contrast that with 2022, when construction activity rose by 2%, and you’ve got a pretty wild swing. Currently, construction activity is at above-normal levels as activity continues at a high level.

It is also important to consider that the huge decline in activity for fall 2023 is a sharp downward revision from -0.4% in even the worst scenario included in the U.K.’s CPA Summer Construction Forecast. Why? Mainly due to the impact of a wider economic recession, exacerbated by the effect of the ‘Mini Budget,’ and the consequent fallout from recent political uncertainty. With the U.K. having set a record for the shortest term for a prime minister in recorded history, lots of important projects have been either shelved or delayed.

The fact is there is still much uncertainty around the United Kingdom’s economy. There are still many factors that will adversely affect the construction forecast within the country. These factors include falls in real wages and potential further rises in interest rates, which will likely lead to further falls in consumer spending decisions.

On top of these issues, the wider uncertainty around the UK economy means that demand for private housing new build and private housing repair, maintenance, and improvement, is expected to fall. But what about commercial builds? Other key construction sectors such as commercial and infrastructure are also expected to be adversely impacted by valid worries about construction cost inflation. Rising prices are sure to negatively impact and possibly directly hinder project viability.

So, with that update on the U.S. and European construction outlook, 2023 appears to be a year of contraction, although more in some places than others. Here at McNeil Engineering, we are ready to serve our clients with top-level civil engineering services on construction projects in Utah and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

A wide range of engineering services

Here at McNeil Engineering, we provide comprehensive design services that include civil engineering, structural engineering, land surveying, high-definition scanning (HDS), landscape architecture and consulting services to the private and public sectors. We also offer consulting services for cities, urban designers, urban planners, and others in the Utah construction market. With so much on offer, we figured now would be a good time to go into greater detail regarding our services and what they entail.

Civil Engineering in Utah and other states

Let’s start with the core of what we do. We are civil engineers first and foremost. But what exactly is it that civil engineers do? Well, in short, civil engineers work closely with others in the construction industry, from architects to contractors, to ensure construction projects progress as they should. Many of their tasks include site surveying ground condition tests, inventory, and materials and equipment maintenance and support. Civil engineers are also responsible for coming up with solutions that take the weather and other geologic factors into account.

Structural Engineering for Long-Lasting Projects

Structural engineering of the type we do fits specifically into the wheelhouse of civil engineering. Structural engineering in this context focuses mainly on the framework of a structure. Engineers design the structures to ensure they can withstand whatever stresses or pressures they may encounter in their environment. The key for structural engineers on projects like ours is to ensure that the buildings and structures we work on remain safe, reliable, and secure at all times.

Land Surveying Where You Need It

Another big part of what we do is land surveying. It’s a critical part of any construction project. There are different types of land surveying, but civil engineers utilize this technique in specific ways. Surveying in civil engineering represents the collection and analysis of specific data regarding the land under survey. Specific measurements of the horizontal and vertical lengths between points will also be recorded. Details will be documented regarding specific aspects of the land, such as size, shape, formation, and soil. Quality and accurate land surveys can set the foundation for a successful project.

Landscape Architecture for Beautiful Grounds

Another important aspect of what we do includes landscape architecture. Put simply, landscape architecture is described as designing specific outdoor spaces that integrate well within an overall project. In our case, we design large landscape architecture projects, such as those for green spaces, a town square, municipal playground, and so much more. Keep in mind there are significant differences between landscape architecture and landscape design. Landscape architects have a degree and they generally work on larger public works projects, whereas a landscape designer often works on residential and smaller-scale projects. Landscape architects are experts in their field.

Consultation Services for Companies Who Need an Expert

We also provide a wide range of consulting services to companies that require a committed and knowledgeable professional to help them with their engineering needs. These are often companies that do not have the in-house expertise they need to get the job done successfully. Our consulting civil engineers advise our clients on the design, development, and construction of projects of all shapes and sizes. We pride ourselves on offering consulting services that ensure safe, efficient, and fully resourced project completion. When you need a consultant you can count on McNeil Engineering.

Other Services We Offer

Now that you’ve learned more about the human aspect of our resources, take a few minutes to learn about some of the other services we offer. We provide a wide range of engineering, surveying, and consulting services. But these services would not be nearly as effective were not for our technologies. We use the latest technologies suitable for engineering projects.

One such example is laser scanning. 3D laser scanning has become an industry norm. Advancements in hardware, software, and workflows have made laser scanning a viable option for projects of all sizes. Laser scanning allows our surveyors to collect tremendous amounts of precise data at high speeds. We use the most advanced, high-definition laser scanners, total stations, and modeling and point cloud software to provide comprehensive, record surveys, 3D CAD models and detailed 2D isometric drawings.

We also have extensive expertise in BIM 3D modeling. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is essentially a technological solution that allows engineers to view a digital representation of a building as well as specific characteristics of its functionality. BIM is a model-based process that provides insight to help you plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.

And guess what? That’s not all. If you need consulting services for roofing, paving, and even construction administration, we have the people and experience you need to ensure the job gets done right the first time, every time. We invite you to take a moment to peruse the various projects we have completed in Utah and around the country. Let’s work together!

What is the difference between urban planning and urban design?

Here at McNeil Engineering, we are proud of all of our projects that focus on urban planning and design. We often work with state municipalities on projects and developers working on designs that must be approved by cities or counties. We create concepts involving pedestrian, car, and public transportation needs. These mockups and designs are created to help get things approved quickly by a city. That’s what we’re good at.

A Closer Look at the Differences Between Urban Planning and Design

Still, there are big differences between urban planning and urban design. It is important for companies like us to understand these differences. This is how we deliver excellent service to our engineering clients. Let’s first examine the basic definitions.

Urban Design: The design and creation of certain city features, from green spaces to infrastructure, public transportation, landscape architecture, and community-use facilities.
Urban Planning: The planning of a city or municipality and the use of its structures, as well as policies, procedures, zoning, neighborhood planning, infrastructure, and overall standards and building codes.

Urban design is used to focus solely on designing individual city features. This could be a transportation system, city park, or wastewater treatment facility. Urban design is for those who want to do creative work. People who want to work on quality of life, population resilience, and sustainability will find a rewarding career as urban designers. Today’s urban planners often work within neighborhoods to create designs that benefit and inspire the community

Urban planners are more strategists. They need to evaluate factors that may not necessarily be in their control. From the technical endpoint to political considerations, urban planners need to have a real “big picture” view of what a neighborhood needs. One area where both urban designers and urban planners overlap is in the area of sustainability, long term resilience, and individual quality of life for residential and commercial land tenants

Core Skills Required for Urban Designers and Planners in Salt Lake City

Core skills necessary to work as an urban planner or designer are similar but also have distinct differences. Both designers and planners work on projects with similar outcomes, but their roles are quite different. Urban planners require great communication and negotiation skills. Urban designers need to have strong technical skills, but they also must be good communicators so that they can fully understand the end user’s experience.

Urban planners are generally passionate about the cities they live in. In general, planners will have a high degree of passion for what works and what doesn’t in their city. Urban planners have a good idea of what needs to be improved and what doesn’t. This could pertain to everything from green spaces to bike paths or affordable housing. But the passion displayed by urban planers goes beyond the urban landscape they reside in. Just like other residents of their town or city, they want to share in the growth and well-being of their neighborhood and enjoy utilizing their skills to meet that end.

Urban planners also generally have a strong sense of connectedness. They share a strong sense of collective values with those they live and work around. But even more, they take a look at the broader community as a whole. Urban planners generally want to live in a society that offers sustainable development, plenty of public transport options, and a stable housing market for buyers and sellers.

Urban designers, by contrast, are more technical in nature. You will find designers to be an interesting mix of individuals who are both people-centric and technologically-inclined. Excellent urban designers are very good at meeting the technical outcomes and requirements in a plans, while also also responding to the shifting needs of the contractors and neighborhood-dwellers.

Which Career is Right for You?

If you love improving society and making a positive impact on individual lives, then urban planning is for you. Urban planners also require skills obtained in many other professions, from teachers to project managers and environmental scientists. Urban planners are great communicators, effectively use evidence to support their arguments, are self-reflective and have great analytical skills.

Conversely, if you are passionate about upgrading the user experience and building on your technical skills, urban design is or you. Urban designers are very good at thinking organically and utilizing architectural and environmental design skills. They are driven by a strong set of core values, can imagine and visualize a plan, and are adept at translating abstract data into a vision.

Here at McNeil Engineering, we work with urban planners and designers day-in and day-out to ensure their jobs are completed quickly and by the numbers. Want to learn more about job opportunities here at McNeil? Simply follow this link, and thanks for reading!

A Primer on Landscaping vs Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture At McNeil Engineering, we offer a wide array of helpful services for many unique products. Because of this fact, sometimes it can be a little bit difficult to explain what we do and what services we can offer! We employ engineers of all kinds including civil engineers, structural engineers, and landscape engineers. We work on surveying projects whether that be land surveying or surveying buildings. Additionally, we can serve as an excellent resource to construction projects at any point, and we also can be a resource to any project on a building or area of land that already exists but might need a little bit of sprucing up!

Today, we’d like to talk about landscape architecture, which is one of the many amazing services we offer. “Landscape Architecture” is not a term that is as commonly used as just “landscaping,” so, sometimes people can get confused and think that they are the same thing! Landscaping and landscape architecture are vastly different services. In this post, we’ll walk you through 3 of the key differences between the two, and why we provide landscape architecture.

One of the first key differences between traditional landscaping or landscape design and landscape architecture is, most obviously, the size of the area or project and the different considerations that go into the project. For example, a project that involves a large group of buildings that are connected by streets would require a landscape architect, while just a yard or driveway would be a project for a landscape designer.

Landscape architects are trained to think of many different factors about a project at once, one of those of course being how to make areas look their best and be inviting, but also the weather of the area, how much traffic the area gets, whether that be car traffic, bike traffic or foot traffic. Landscape architects must think of the factors of each structure involved and how to use their resources to bring them together aesthetically. Landscape architects must also think about how the area that they are working on connects to the surrounding area. A landscape designer is given a small area of land and given the task to design the flora in that area to be attractive and inviting, or useful if their client wants!

That brings us to our second key difference, which is the type of clients each normally services. There aren’t many residential projects one might need a landscape architect for, because usually most of those aforementioned factors are not points of concern for privately owned land. The types of clients that usually benefit most from landscape architects are businesses, organizations, governmental systems or cities themselves, property owners of multi-residence buildings (like apartments or dorms) and schools.

There are others, but this list will help to explain one of the most important differences between landscape design and landscape architecture. We are a landscape architecture company, so those are the types of clients who would benefit the most from our help! For example, one of our long-term clients is Weber State University. We were hired by Weber state to rework their landscape architecture and irrigation system to help pull all the buildings on campus together and make a comfortable and welcoming environment to potential students, and we re-worked the irrigation system so that the school could focus more on the students and worry less about the landscape!

The final and arguably the main difference between landscape design and landscape architecture, aside from size and magnitude of projects, is about the purpose of the end goal. Often landscape design is focused on aesthetics only. How can we take an area and make it as beautiful as possible, which is a wonderful thing! However, landscape architects must focus on how to make their area as beautiful as possible, while also making it as useful as possible! Landscape architects, since they usually work on commercial projects have to think about the type of people who will benefit from their project, what types of people they might be, and design according to the majority’s needs, which can be very difficult but VERY rewarding. Every corner of a landscape architecture project must be optimized for success and usefulness.

Landscape design is a wonderful thing, and it can be incredibly important to making residential homes look and feel their best, however we thought that it was important to clear up that landscaping and landscape architecture are NOT the same thing! At McNeil, we hire incredible landscape architects who are ready to take on these large-scale projects with a smile. If you or someone you know is involved in a project that you think might benefit from these services, consider McNeil Engineering. If you’d like to learn more about landscape architecture, or you’d like to read about more of our landscape architecture projects, visit our website!

Landscape Architecture Projects | McNeil Engineering Salt Lake City, UT

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.

Existing condition reports and recommendations

Landscape Architecture While we’re best known regionally for our patented architectural engineering consultation services, this is far from the only service we offer at McNeil Engineering. We also provide existing condition reports and recommendations for businesses’ and organizations’ properties.

Every year, McNeil Engineering’s clients – both our newer clients and our existing clients – commission our office to help them when it comes to assessing their existing facilities – such as parking lots.

This could be because they need help when it comes to developing a maintenance budget for their stakeholders for the coming year, or because an existing owner is looking to sell the property. This would mean they are required to provide a due diligence report to their prospective buyer(s).

The nuts and bolts of existing condition reports and recommendations

For the past 30 years, we have been providing existing facilities reports of all types.

A common existing condition reports and recommendations project will involve one of our representatives meeting with the owner and/or on-site maintenance personnel for a property. This is in order for us to be able to get better handling of what they know of the history of their specific property – along with any peculiarities/special treatments necessary for the continued maintenance of the said property.

Following this historical sleuthing, we will then perform an extensive visual inspection of any roofs on the property, parking lots, or other designated areas of concern. This is in order for us to gain our own impressions of the existing conditions of each property. Further investigation may become warranted, in which case, our office has maintained positive relationships with local testing agencies, who are able to provide destructive testing and laboratory investigations.

How we provide such reports and recommendations

Once all pertinent data has been gathered, we would be able to evaluate the existing conditions and offer property stakeholders professional opinions of causes for any deficiencies. We would then offer recommendations for repairing any issues we encountered during our investigation of the property.

Following on from these opinions and recommendations, we would either complete our property reports with rough estimates for probable costs of the repairs or file a report on any further maintenance on the property we may recommend.

Next, our clients make certain development, redevelopment, or sale decisions based on future property maintenance needs or lack thereof. Following the completion of said decisions, our clients will then take whichever actions they feel may be in their best interests.

We here at McNeil engineering aren’t contractors, so our examinations consider what we believe are the actual problems on a property – and solutions to those problems – as opposed to a contractor, who may conveniently argue their contracting firm’s specialization is the solution to any problems discovered during a property assessment.

Looking for existing condition reports and recommendations?

If you are the stakeholder in a business, organization, and/or institution currently looking high and low for a firm to provide you with existing condition reports and recommendations for your business, organization, and/or institutions’ property – you’ve come to the right place!

We here at McNeil Engineering are more than capable of providing you with such sterling existing condition reports and recommendations. You and your organization/institution/business will be more than prepared for whatever sorts of development and/or redevelopment projects you may have planned for such properties down the road.

When the time does eventually arrive for redevelopment and/or development projects to occur on your property, please also consider the additional assistance from our regional experts in landscape architecture. If we’ve already drawn up the existing condition reports and recommendations for your property and your potential redevelopment and development projects on the said property, it’s a no-brainer to continue using McNeil Engineering as a trusted expert resource. We will help you complete 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 needs are more than taken care of.

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!

The University of Utah Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Health Sciences Education Building (EHSEB)

We here at McNeil Engineering are known for our region-famous architectural engineering consultation services. We are able to provide organizations, institutions, businesses, municipalities, etc with the best expertise in the business. Whether it comes to civil engineering or structural engineering – if you are in need of architectural engineering consultation services – we are the firm for you!

However, beyond such architectural engineering consultation services, we also provide guidance when it comes to property sustainability and water preservation. Just look at our work at the nearby University of Utah.

The University of Utah’s EHSEB

When McNeil Engineering was first brought on board as the chief consultant for architectural engineering expertise and services with the University of Utah, we helped guide them in the development of the now LEED-NC Certified Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Health Sciences Education Building. EHSEB, thanks to our architectural engineering consultation services now boasts a contemporary site and landscape design.

The University of Utah’s EHSEB is a top-notch example of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) compliance. The EHSEB is the first university and state of Utah building project to receive LEED certification. This environmental sensitivity is displayed within this property in a number of ways.

How we did it

In order to receive this LEED-NC Certification, we here at McNeil Engineering, as part of our architectural engineering consultation services, first established the University of Utah’s parameters for the redevelopment of the EHSEB property.

In order to go about this, we consulted with them and guided them in the development of a certain look, feel, and aura of what they were – overall – looking for. This laborious but ultimately satisfying process included the development of a desired microclimate. Therefore, a variety of native, drought-tolerant plants were selected based on their acclimation levels when it came to the desired microclimate. Not only did McNeil Engineering guide and help the University of Utah staff in the development of one single microclimate, but we also helped them develop several more desired microclimates as well.

The design team (consisting of McNeil Engineering and the team at the University of Utah) came up with a plan to address the various desired microclimates in their totality. We used a more shade-tolerant cold-hard plant palette on the northern and eastern exposures and a more sunny heat-tolerant plant palette on the southern and western exposures on the property of what would become the redeveloped EHSEB.

When it came to the edges of the parking lot, the team at the University of Utah, along with our patented architectural engineering consultation services, used a 4-inch deep layer of rock cobble as mulch, in conjunction with drought-tolerant low growing junipers and native grasses.

Along with this process, when it came to the redevelopment of the EHSEB property, no lawn was used in an effort to conserve as much water as possible for this in-depth project. Additionally, all plant material was irrigated using a drip system, which was controlled by a weather-based smart controller. All the water consumption was reduced by at least 50{ffa1fb9a833dbe70b91c2563ca2a54067368c324c18ffac54b9412388222efff} from the traditional style landscape along the Wasatch Front.

In need of architectural engineering consultation services?

Are you a member of an organization, institution, and/or business currently in need of architectural engineering consultation services? Are your properties in need of redevelopment and consideration of the principles of civil and/or structural engineering? Well, in that case, look no further! McNeil Engineering can provide you, your business, institution, and/or organization’s properties with the needed architectural engineering consultation expertise you so desperately need and deserve. Allow the western United States regional experts to help you develop your properties – in the cheapest, most sustainable way possible – while also creating, curating, and sustaining an architectural engineering aura people wish to live, work, and exist within.

Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park

Tierra Rainbow The beautification of municipal areas is an essential aspect of maintaining livable cities and the communities contained therein. Developers or planning committees (or municipal governments or institutional boards – when it comes to the property surrounding said institutions) can’t go wrong with building and developing parks. These lush additions to an urban landscape can be immensely impactful to a city – and more importantly – to the community contained therein. Many urban and even many suburban areas tend to become homogenous and unpleasant to look at – and live in. Therefore, nature (in the form of carefully planned and cultivated parks) can perk up a place. Removing an urban area – and by extension, its community – from the essential elements of the natural world such as trees, grass, and even some fauna – can often be cataclysmic. Perhaps in subtle, non-obvious ways.

Many developers can often overlook the immense power of landscape architecture. This area of structural engineering can often have profound effects on the design and feel of parks and other natural-involved urban areas. If a developer involved in the creation and beautification of such a use for property in a city or surrounding an institution or business were to overlook that power, the park may lose its potency and purpose right from the outset. These aspects are all also true when it comes to business parks as well. Just because office space makes up a large proportion of such parks does not negate the possible effectiveness of their natural features.

Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park: Planning

These considerations were, of course, true for Great American Capital, a developer in southwest Las Vegas, who was tasked with the development of Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park, located on Rainbow Boulevard. Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park consists of over 91,000 square feet and is an office and retail space, featuring, thanks to McNeil Engineering, sterling examples of the natural world. This is due to the fact that Great American Capital hired McNeil Engineering as their Principal Landscape Architect on the project.

McNeil Engineering, therefore, provided the necessary structural engineering and landscape architectural consulting services, along with the necessary planning and design services as well. We were hired by Great American Capital in order to join the landscape design team and work closely with other members of the project team. We were to be responsible for generating schematic designs and construction documents for all the proposed landscape improvements as well as accent paving in the vehicular drives and pedestrian walkways.

Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park: Executing the vision

McNeil Engineering, in their capacity as Principal Landscape Architect, providing landscape and structural architectural advice to Great American Capital for this Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park project, executed the vision for such a business park.

In so doing, McNeil Engineering first needed to establish what, exactly, that vision was. The vision Great American Capital had for this Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park was for it to become, not only an eye-catching design for Las Vegas as a city and for the local community as a whole – but for Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park to draw attention from passers by along the busy Rainbow Boulevard. Great American Capital’s vision for Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park also involved the desire to create a design that was water-wise and sensitive to the dry desert climate. McNeil Engineering is known for its water-wise landscape architecture consultations when it comes to jobs and similar projects to Great American Capital’s Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park, so it was a perfect fit.

We exceeded expectations for Great American Capital’s brief for the Tierra Rainbow Professional Business Park by developing the main entry into the site. Utilizing our landscape architectural expertise, we accented with colored concrete pavers and lined with 25-foot tall Date Palms to visually highlight the primary access and to create an inviting feel for the visitors as well as the tenants. It reached beyond expectations.

McNeil Engineering: Landscape Architectural Consulting Services

Are you also the developer of a park area, or are you part of the process involved with the property design and planning for an institution searching for such structural engineering expertise? Look no further than McNeil Engineering, known region-wide for their structural engineering and landscape consulting services, who can aide you and your institution or firm when it comes to the planning and/or development of your essential landscape architectural projects.

Landscape architecture at Creekside Park (Sandy City, Utah)

Landscape architecture at Creekside Park (Sandy City, Utah) – when it comes to property surrounding said institutions) can’t go wrong with building and developing parks. Parks are an immensely impactful way to instill a sense of pride within a community. Everyone understands urban – and even suburban – areas, tend to become incredibly drab and down in the doldrums without the pivotal way in which nature can (literally!) spruce up a place. When an area (and its community by extension) are cut off by essential elements of the natural world such as trees, grass, and even some fauna – the result to a surrounding community can often be cataclysmic. Perhaps not in the most obvious ways, but in subtle ways.

For example, many may choose to blindly overlook the immense power landscape architecture can have on the design and feel of a public park. If a committee committed to the creation and beautification of such a use for property in a city or surrounding an institution or business were to overlook that power, the park may lose its potency and purpose right from the outset.

McNeil Engineering: Park landscape architecture experts

This is where such vital landscape architectural consultants like McNeil Engineering can come in and ensure the structural engineering and aesthetics of such a place are sound and sustainable. Indeed, leveraging the tried and true principles of landscape architecture, consultants like McNeil Engineering have the ability and foresight required to build and plan parks for municipal or commercial areas.

In fact, McNeil Engineering’s expertise when it comes to the world of landscape architectural consultation is a huge boon, and is, in fact quite, versatile. McNeil Engineering’s structural engineering consultations have been beneficial for businesses and institutions in need of such landscape architectural consultations when it comes to property surrounding and involving their businesses and institutions. Additionally, they are also able to consult on such landscape architectural matters when it comes to parks.

Creekside Park: Planning

This fact is precisely why, all the way back in the Fall of 2007, the municipality of Sandy City in the greater Salt Lake City area in Utah commissioned the landscape architectural consultations of McNeil Engineering when it came to the planned development of a small (and very strictly budgeted) neighborhood park located at the corner of Riverside Drive and 9400 South. The park, which would come to be known as Creekside Park, needed to be planned – and it needed to be planned with the sturdy principles of landscape architecture in mind. Which McNeil Engineering was more than happy to provide.

Indeed, the committee responsible for the task within the Sandy City government began with the lofty goal of developing a neighborhood park capable of benefitting not only the surrounding neighborhood – but the overall community as a whole. With the structural engineering and landscape architectural consultation services McNeil Engineering provides, this Sandy City group, presented several design concepts to the local residents and city staff for review and comment. The final result the team zeroed in on, of course, used a plethora of innovative ideas and concepts. These innovative ideas and concepts turned out to accomplish Sandy City’s (and the surrounding neighborhood’s) programming requirements.

Creekside Park: Features and landscape architecture

The Sandy City Municipal government committee focused on the development of Creekside Park, along with the landscape architectural consulting services of McNeil Engineering, eventually created and built the long-awaited Creekside Park.

Creekside Park today consists of a brand spanking new walking trail, interpretation signs, perimeter fencing, a park playground, a complimentary climbing wall (seen in the above image collage), shaded seating areas for those hot summer days, and a drinking fountain. Of course, there’s also landscaping all placed carefully and with much forethought within the natural environment created by this innovative installation. As part of the design team, McNeil Engineering’s expertise was intimately involved in the implementation process beginning from the initial pre-bid meeting to the final inspection. The final result of Creekside Park is a small, intimate neighborhood park, which met not only the strict budgetary concerns but continues to be used up until this day – enjoyed by the community as a whole. As for the funding necessary for such a herculean task, Sandy City used grant money awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

McNeil Engineering: Landscape architecture consulting services

If you are part of a similar municipal government committee or involved with the property design and planning for your institution or business within the Utah area, reach out to us at McNeil Engineering. We offer state-famous structural engineering and landscape architectural consulting services.

12 3