Smart Design. Systems You Can Rely On.

There is no single software platform that is best for every MEP project. Different tools excel in different aspects of building design, from 3D modeling and coordination to energy analysis, load calculations, power system studies, and building performance modeling. The most effective approach is using the right combination of software to support project goals and deliver accurate, coordinated designs. Ayres leverages industry-leading software throughout the design process, including Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD for BIM modeling and documentation, Trane TRACE for HVAC load calculations and energy analysis, SKM Power*Tools for electrical system modeling and arc flash studies, and EnergyPro for energy code compliance and performance modeling. We continuously evaluate and adopt new technologies that improve design quality, coordination, and project efficiency. More importantly, successful MEP design depends not just on the software being used, but on the experience of the engineers applying it. Our team combines advanced design tools with decades of practical engineering expertise to create reliable, efficient, and constructible building systems.

Building energy and sustainability requirements have grown ambitious in recent years, including codes and standards specific to Minnesota and California. Minnesota requires state-funded buildings to meet the B3 Sustainable Building 2030 energy standards. B3 (Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond) sets targets for energy use, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. Ayres has designed MEP systems meeting B3 standards for military, education, and municipal clients. California enforces T24 (Title 24, Part 6) of the California Energy Code, which governs the energy performance of residential and nonresidential buildings and is updated on a roughly two-year cycle to reflect advances in efficiency technology. California also mandates compliance with CALGreen, the California Green Building Standards Code, which addresses water efficiency, material use, and construction waste. Ayres has completed designs for a variety of California clients in compliance with these standards. Where clients voluntarily pursue some level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) performance and/or certification, Ayres is ready to achieve MEP system performance to meet clients’ goals. Past projects include hotel, multifamily residential, and military buildings designed to LEED standards. Ayres has five LEED-accredited MEP design staff. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) serves as the baseline energy standard adopted in many jurisdictions nationwide, while ASHRAE Standard 90.1 sets the energy efficiency benchmark widely referenced for commercial buildings. We have experience using this and other local codes to meet the requirements of each individual project we design.

We are experienced in working with both the owner and the contractor on design-build projects. We can put together design criteria for the owner to make sure their construction team has a good understanding of the owner’s needs and preferences. We have done compliance reviews to verify that a construction team’s designs meet the RFP requirements. We have also worked directly with contractors to do the design when they don’t provide that service themselves or when they want to tap into our specific design expertise.

There is no single HVAC system that is the most sustainable for every building. The ideal solution depends on factors such as building type, climate, occupancy, operational goals, and budget. High-performance options may include geothermal systems, heat pumps, dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), energy recovery systems, and advanced building controls, but the best choice is the one that delivers the greatest long-term efficiency, reliability, and value for your specific facility. At Ayres, our MEP engineers evaluate the entire building as a system to develop HVAC solutions that reduce energy use, lower operating costs, improve occupant comfort, and support sustainability goals. Through energy modeling, lifecycle cost analysis, and integrated design, we help owners select the right technology and create efficient, resilient buildings that perform for decades.

Absolutely. Many clients come to Ayres with a vision or challenge rather than a detailed list of building requirements. Our team works closely with owners, facility managers, architects, and other stakeholders to understand project goals, operational needs, budget constraints, future growth plans, and sustainability objectives. Through a collaborative discovery process, we help define the project requirements and develop solutions that align with your priorities. With decades of experience designing facilities across a wide range of markets, Ayres brings proven insight and practical recommendations to every project. We guide clients through key decisions, evaluate options, and explain the benefits and tradeoffs of different approaches so you can make informed choices with confidence. Whether you're planning a renovation, expansion, or new facility, we can help turn your ideas into a clear and successful design strategy.

Yes. Our team can provide independent commissioning services or act as an owner's representative to oversee the process and coordinate with contractors, equipment vendors, and commissioning providers. With extensive experience designing and commissioning building systems, Ayres helps ensure issues are identified early, testing is completed properly, documentation is organized, and your staff receives the training and information needed to confidently operate and maintain the new equipment long after construction is complete.