Project Overview
When a fast-growing restaurant chain planned to renovate a 2,500-sq-ft space in Round Rock, Texas, they needed a design partner who could deliver speed, precision, and adaptability. National MEP Engineers stepped in to provide full-scope MEP support for this commercial renovation project, transforming the site into a fully functional, modern Curry Pizza House within a swift 3–4 week timeline.
From HVAC redesign to plumbing connections, lighting layout, and energy code compliance, our team handled every detail using advanced design tools, including Revit, CAD, Trace 3D, Comcheck, and AGI32. The goal was not just to update an older structure, but to create an environment that could handle modern kitchen demands while staying energy-efficient and customer-ready.
Challenges
Renovating an existing building always brings its own set of complications, and this project proved no different. One of the earliest and most persistent challenges was coordinating MEP services with architectural constraints, especially given the limited ceiling plenum space.
The building’s age added another layer of complexity; the National MEP Engineers’ team had to dig deep to gather information on the thermal envelope, which was necessary for accurate HVAC load calculations. The dining area presented an additional design puzzle—it lacked a ceiling altogether, which meant any ductwork would be visible. The team had to find a way to manage airflow without compromising the aesthetic of the open-plan interior.
On the electrical front, the existing service panel had limited capacity and could not easily accommodate additional loads. This constraint also extended to the plumbing scope, particularly when selecting a water heating solution that could serve both the kitchen and common areas without increasing operating costs.
The client required different water temperatures for various functions, yet preferred a solution that wouldn’t necessitate a significant investment in new infrastructure. Adding to the challenge was the requirement to retain many existing MEP systems; identifying, verifying, and integrating these legacy elements into a new design demanded careful on-site investigation and coordination. As equipment additions and relocations were implemented, interdisciplinary alignment became even more critical to ensure a seamless renovation process.
Solutions
To tackle these challenges, the National MEP Engineers team focused heavily on early coordination and collaboration. By initiating detailed discussions with the architectural and structural consultants during the Basis of Design and concept planning phases, our team clarified critical service routes and space allocations from the outset.
For HVAC load calculations, we relied on archived building documentation and construction history to determine the original thermal envelope, ensuring the sizing of systems was accurate and code-compliant. In response to the ceiling-less dining area, they eliminated the need for exposed ductwork by using sidewall grills and incorporating linear slot diffusers that complemented the restaurant’s visual theme.
We addressed electrical load management by switching to a hybrid heating approach, where gas-powered water heaters were installed, thereby reducing dependency on the constrained electrical system. Rooftop units used electric heat in conjunction with economizers to optimize efficiency.
Our team designed separate water heaters for the kitchen and the restrooms, which helped avoid redundancy and minimized energy use by limiting unnecessary heating. Additionally, after an exhaustive on-site review, the engineers successfully retained many existing utility connections. This approach avoided extensive rerouting, leading to substantial cost savings for the client.
To further streamline execution, we developed a coordinated 3D model in Revit. Our team utilized Navisworks for clash detection, enabling us to resolve spatial and service-related conflicts before construction commencement. A third-party quality control review added a layer of design assurance, helping to eliminate any lingering issues before final approval.
Client Impact
At National MEP Engineers, we delivered a tailored, high-performance solution within a compact schedule, while helping our client avoid unnecessary expenses. By reusing existing infrastructure wherever feasible, we significantly reduced costs tied to utility relocation and system overhauls. Our team’s thoughtful HVAC planning ensured the dining space retained a clean, modern aesthetic, and the dual water heater strategy ensured operational efficiency without overloading the aging electrical service. Most importantly, all work was completed on time, within the 3 to 4-week window, allowing the client to move forward confidently with their business plans.
This project served as a successful first collaboration with the client, demonstrating National MEP Engineers’ ability to handle complex renovations with agility, precision, and strategic foresight.