Before the drawings, someone has to understand the problem
We write Design Narratives — the engineering story behind every system decision, written in plain language before a single line gets drawn.
On most retrofit projects, the engineering starts with drawings. But drawings without a design narrative are just lines on paper— they tell you what was built, not why. When the contractor asks a question no one anticipated, or the owner wants to understand what they're approving, there's no story to point to. A well-written Design Narrative fixes that before the project starts.
Cooling Capacity Check — Sterile Services Facility
Chiller Capacity Check — Sterile Services Facility
This Design Narrative evaluated whether a new syringe filler and sterilizer could be supported by the facility's existing chilled water infrastructure. The conclusion was clear and actionable: the syringe filler could proceed as planned; the sterilizer needed an alternate cooling strategy. Without the narrative, that decision would have been made on the job site — at full cost.
Can the existing chiller plant support new equipment?
What is the adjusted real-world capacity — not the nameplate?
Which load is safe to add? Which isn't?
What's the recommended path forward, and why?
Engineering thinking, written down before the drawings start.
A Design Narrative is a written document — typically 4 to 12 pages — that explains the engineering logic behind a project. It covers existing conditions, design assumptions, system constraints, load calculations, equipment compatibility, and recommended approach. It's the document that answers why when everyone else is asking what.
Existing Conditions Summary
What's actually out there — system age, configuration, real-world capacity, and known limitations. Based on field data and available documentation, not assumptions.
Load Analysis & Capacity Check
Computer thermal modeling, equipment derating, glycol corrections, and operating margin — the math that tells you whether the system can actually handle what you're asking of it.
Design Conclusions & Recommendations
A plain-language verdict: what can proceed, what can't, and what to do about it. No hedging. No boilerplate. A real engineering position.
Limitations of Assessment
Honest about what we know and don't know. If a deeper study is needed, we'll tell you — and scope it for you.
If you're adding equipment to an existing building, you need this first.
Design Narratives are most valuable early — before full design, before permits, before the contractor quotes work that may not be feasible. We work with:
"Design it like you work there. That means time on-site, sleeves rolled up, every valve and sensor verified. There's something deeply satisfying about making something old run better than anyone thought it could."— Michael Trinidad PE CPD, President, Trinidad Engineering
See what this looks like for your building
Book a free 15-minute call. No commitment — just a conversation about your project and whether a Design Narrative makes sense for your team.
