Coordinated MEP engineering, built around one team.

01Overview

CMS LTD was founded in 2022, and has grown to become a market leader in MEP design and construction delivery across the high-end residential sector, resorts, marinas and restaurants throughout the British Virgin Islands and Antigua.

We understand that building a project at this scale is a significant investment, and one which requires a personalized approach to design — every project is tailored to our clients’ unique needs and preferences, from initial consultation through to final walk-through.

02Our approach

We treat mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC as one interconnected system, coordinated by our in-house team of draftsmen, design engineers and MEP project managers working in perfect harmony.

We excel in both Revit and AutoCAD, and use advanced clash detection tools including Navisworks and Revit Clash Navigator — producing schematics, 3D isometrics, panel schedules, calculation sheets and product specifications in line with each client’s requirements.

03Our Deliverables

The following demonstrate examples of project deliverables at each phase / stage.

General & Pre Design - Deliverables

• Establish design objectives with Architect and Client
• Participate in Integrated Design session
• Participate in feasibility planning and development of options
• Conduct site investigations and existing building systems audit
• Co-ordinate systems design with facilities personnel and other vendors
• Research various systems, models and precedents
• Determine compatibility with existing systems or Client standards and make recommendations
• Participate in field trips as required
• Participate in regular Steering / Building Committee meetings
• Establish and monitor the budget and work within budget
• Establish a schedule of deliverables
• Continuously value engineer the design of all systems
• Provide information, required by other consultants, in a timely fashion
• Produce a schedule of work for all phases including expected inputs from the Client and other consultants
• Co-ordinate as required with other disciplines and between mechanical and electrical disciplines
• Co-ordinate with Client's equipment consultant and accommodate equipment servicing requirements
• Collaborate with other disciplines to identify sustainable design strategies
• Pools - Drafting of 3D visual concepts based on clients vision and architects renderings – Discussion of ideas and vision for how pools are to look through consultation and the customisation until perfected. Drawings will be used in CAS and rendered in 3D shots to give a realistic vision of how pool will look.

Schematic Design - Deliverables

• Coordinate system design concepts with Architect
• Coordinate site planning with civil (site services) consultant
• Conduct preliminary consultations with Public Utilities and other Utilities and Authorities having Jurisdiction
• Develop floor plans indicating:
  • Main distribution runs;
  • Preliminary shafts and risers;
  • Location and basic layout of all major mechanical and electrical equipment;
  • Routing of main feeders and the associated shafts and risers;
  • Requirements for Mechanical and Electrical rooms, closets and other related spaces;
  • Preliminary equipment sizing and layouts for all major mechanical and electrical spaces.
• Provide sizing estimates and locations for intake and exhaust louver surfaces
• Develop phasing and staging plans
• Develop standards for :
  • Plumbing Fixtures
  • Communications
  • Water
  • Security systems
  • HVAC
  • Lighting
  • Power
• Complete generic and common Room Datasheets
• Participate in the development of rooms and systems mock-ups. Produce design and other documents as required.
• Source samples and materials as necessary to assist the Client and the Architect in making decisions on the mechanical and electrical systems design
• Arrange for vendor presentations as required
• Provide catalogue cuts of plumbing components and fixtures
• Provide catalogue cuts of electrical fixtures and devises
• Provide system descriptions
• Identify standards for building envelope design: U values; R values; shading coefficients desired
• Pool - Identify area allocation of all pool spaces, conceptual imaging around building areas with the incorporation of building materials (interior and exterior ) for conformity. The selection of structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems needed to make the pool functional as per end users’ requirements. Initial drawings for each pool presented for review with schematic drawings for plant rooms and pool functionality presented.

Schematic Design Documentation Deliverables

• Prepare Outline Specification
• Prepare Description of Mechanical and Electrical Design Concept
• Describe HVAC systems and reasons for selection
• Prepare basic energy budget (statement of proposed operating and energy consumption per unit area of new / renovated area as applicable)
• Conduct Energy Modeling on various design options
• Describe proposed plumbing, drainage, and major mechanical systems
• Describe proposed energy sources, including standby electrical power (if applicable)
• Describe proposed electrical systems and preliminary sizing of major distribution equipment
• Design and describe preliminary lighting design
• Design and describe preliminary fire alarm system
• Design and describe preliminary communications and security systems
• Design and describe preliminary building controls
• Design and describe preliminary emergency power system
• Design and describe preliminary plumbing design
• Design and describe preliminary sprinkler system design

Design Development Deliverables (1 of 2)

• Finalize systems design with Architect and other disciplines, incl. major components, ceiling, floor and wall cavities, louvers etc.
• Prepare site and exterior building lighting concept
• Finalize site servicing design complete with connection locations and inverts to building
• Describe any phasing and staging of work
• Design mechanical structures including cooling tower, transformers, pads, fuel, gas storage, and vaults – above or below grade
• Design and describe tank or equipment locations (diesel tank, oxygen tank etc.)
• Prepare mechanical floor plans for each floor level indicating:
  • Single line diagrams for major mechanical systems with sizing
  • Mechanical equipment and devices
  • Plumbing layouts for all spaces
  • Preliminary reflected ceiling plans indicating diffusers and other mechanical devises
  • Layouts for all mechanical rooms
  • All final shaft and riser locations
• Establish and indicate final zoning for air systems
• Final locations of sprinkler cabinets, zone control valves and fire-hose cabinets
• Final locations of pneumatic tube stations and distribution
• Describe building envelope characteristics – U values, R values, Shading coefficient, etc.
• Describe final mechanical phasing strategy
• Describe future mechanical expansion strategy

Design Development Deliverables (2 of 2)

• Prepare electrical floor plans for all levels indicating:
  • Single line diagrams for electrical power distribution with sizing
  • Electrical equipment and devices coordinated with architectural layouts
  • Location of all communication and electrical closets
  • All riser locations
  • Proposed locations of all electrical panel boards
  • Preliminary lighting layouts and patterns
  • Layouts for all electrical rooms
  • Communication and security equipment accommodation
  • Final locations of power panel locations
• Describe final electrical phasing strategy
• Describe future electrical expansion strategy
• Prepare an updated written description of the design including
  • Mechanical air supply systems description including criteria for systems selection;
  • Plumbing systems description;
  • Electrical systems description (IT, Security, MSU, Lighting, UPS)
  • Life safety, fire protection and environmental requirements.
• Prepare Outline Specifications indicating all proposed materials and finishes
• Prepare a Building Energy Study and energy budget including
  • Summary of systems costs and equipment choices
  • Proposals for heat reclamation systems where appropriate
  • Life cycle cost analysis for mechanical and electrical systems
• Complete Mechanical and Electrical Data sheets for all rooms
• Participate in the development of room and systems mockups

Construction Documents Deliverables (1 of 2)

• Prepare documents for review and coordination at the following milestones:
• 50% completion
• 100% completion
• Final Construction Documents
• Construction Documents shall include Mechanical Drawings as follows:
• Riser Diagrams
• Fire Protection Systems, including:
  • Sprinkler and smoke control zones
  • FHC / SCC Locations
  • Riser piping
  • Sprinkler heads
• Plumbing systems, including:
  • Schematic flow diagrams – subgrade piping
  • Fixture types and locations – stack locations
  • Plumbing shafts (Primary) – sewage discharge points
  • Primary distribution – sump locations
• Heating systems, including:
  • Heating flow diagrams
  • Radiant Panel types and widths for all areas
• Ventilation Systems, including:
  • Riser diagram
  • HVAC load calculations
  • Duct shafts
  • Ductwork distribution
  • Ductwork distribution
  • Diffuser schedule
  • Built-in heating and cooling units
  • Air handling units located in Mechanical Rooms.
• Specifications
• Pool - Finalization of heating methods (air and water), dehumidification, Filtration, Pumps needed, layout and spacial requirements based on other associated plant. Ventilation requirements for mechanical room addressed and best option for fuel (renewables, Air source Heat, geothermal LPG, etc). Final sets of drawings and specifications, including layout.

Construction Documents Deliverables (2 of 2)

• Construction Documents shall include Electrical Drawings as follows:
• Riser Diagrams and Single Lines for Power, Fire Alarm, Data and Telephone
• Lighting, including Lighting Fixture Types and Quantities
• Power Systems, including:
  • Equipment Layout in Main Electrical Rooms
  • Lighting and Electrical Panel locations"
• Fire Alarm systems including Fire Alarm Zones
• Communications systems including, Communications Infrastructure Riser
• Specifications
• Provide Letters of Assurance

Permitting - Deliverables

• Prepare and compile detailed drawing/specification pack for permitting submittal - this will be compliant with all local building codes and regulations
• Liaise with the local authorities as required to address any design related questions or concerns during the permitting process.

Contractor Bid Phase - Deliverables

• Review and report on bids from MEP contractors
• Review and provide recommendations on alternatives

Contract Administration Deliverables

• Review Construction Schedule
• Prepare Supplementary Details and Instructions
• Review Shop Drawings
• Contract Document Interpretation
• Review Mechanical and Electrical Contractors' Requests for Payment
• Prepare Change Orders
• Conduct General Review/Field Review
• Participate in all testing and inspection of Mechanical, Electrical, Pool, and HVAC systems
• Review documentation at project completion including all electrical and mechanical manuals and reports
• Provide Letters of Assurance
• Conduct twelve-month warranty review

04Design Standards

Our MEP designs adhere to the highest standards, incorporating the latest US codes and regulations.

When it comes to electrical systems, we primarily follow the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and the NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code). These codes cover the design, construction, erection, and installation of electrical components, appliances, equipment, and systems. Additionally, we consider the International Fire Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and NFPA 70 for the use and maintenance of electrical systems. When designing alterations, repairs, relocations, replacements, or additions to electrical components, we ensure compliance with the International Existing Building Code and NFPA 70.

For mechanical systems, our designs align with the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), which provides comprehensive requirements for mechanical systems in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. When dealing with multifamily dwellings, we also take into account other codes such as the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, International Building Code, and International Existing Building Code.

Additionally, we specialize in Fire Alarm and Pool Design. Our pool designs adhere to the guidelines outlined in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). For Fire Alarms, we meticulously follow the stringent requirements set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other relevant US codes. Our fire alarm designs align with the NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.

05Values

Four principles guide how the team works, on every project regardless of size.

06Timeline

07Leadership

The team is led from our Tortola headquarters and Antigua office by principals across the practice’s core disciplines.