Engineering

Many of our clients’ biggest decisions—like committing to carbon neutrality, investing in new technologies, reusing or building from scratch—must be made with certainty. This can only be achieved when our engineering rigor closely supports our architectural vision. 

SMMA provides expertise in both structural engineering and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and fire-protection engineering across a broad range of markets and project types. Our engineers work side by side with our architects, planners, and interior designers, each discipline informing the other. This interplay allows us to design sustainable, high-performing places and systems that are elegant not only in how they function and appear, but in how they are conceived. 

In engineering, there is no ambiguity to our outcomes. Guided by science, we are in constant pursuit of the answer: the most efficient and best-performing system within the parameters of the project.  

Questions? Contact:
Andy Oldeman, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Email 617.520.9282

It’s how we arrive at the truest solution to a problem—the energy-efficient building that’s easy to operate and maintain, and brings out the best in its occupants. We might be solving for electrification, fire safety, building envelope, or new codes and technology. But to us, the greatest satisfaction comes from not just finding solutions, but elevating the experiences of those who use the spaces we design. 

Project: SmartLabs San Francisco

“The knowledge we absorb from each other is immeasurable. It’s about listening to our peers and understanding how the design affects each other’s area of expertise. Even when we have conflicting goals, we work together to determine what’s best for the project, not selling what’s best for our own discipline.”

Andy Oldeman,  Director of Engineering

Harvey Performance Company

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Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing/FP Engineering 

We embrace the idea that engineering can be as creative as architecture. Whether designing and testing net-zero building systems, or custom-engineering applications unique to a specific user group, our MEP engineers know how to balance up-front capital costs for building systems with our clients’ goals and needs.  

Our deep knowledge base informs our engineering design, aiding in our delivery of sustainable outcomes for schools, data centers, office environments, and laboratories.

Mechanical Engineering
  • HVAC systems design 
  • Displacement ventilation design 
  • Industrial ventilation design
  • Cleanroom design 
  • Control systems design 
  • Building infrastructure upgrade design 
  • Building emissions reduction analysis 
Electrical Engineering
  • Lighting design 
  • Power distribution Design 
  • Standby power systems design
  • Technology and low voltage systems design 
  • Photovoltaic system design 
Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineering
  • Plumbing system design 
  • Fire protection systems design 
  • Fire suppression design 
  • Lab systems design

Somerville High School

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Structural Engineering

Our structural engineers combine a unique blend of consulting engineering with practical collaboration. Extending beyond the traditional scope of services, we provide consulting engineering to out-of-house architects and build teams. Our experience with schools, universities, advanced technology buildings, and lab-office developments gives us a detailed and versatile background.


SMMA’s Structural Engineering Expertise:

  • Structural steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, wood, precast/post tensioned concrete building design
  • Tilt-up concrete wall panel design
  • Flat and super flat concrete floor systems design
  • Lateral wind and seismic upgrades of existing structures
  • Independent structural peer reviews
  • Progress collapse design
  • Structural engineering consultations
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