2023 Title Sponsor: KLH Engineers
Patrick Fernbach, PE, WELL AP, Director of Mechanical Engineering
Tell us about your role at KLH Engineers.
As the director of mechanical engineering, I am responsible for the wellbeing and growth of our mechanical engineering staff. I get energized by exploring engineering concepts in our department, growing strong team cultures, fostering relationships with our community leaders and clients, and creating systems that allow our team members to engineer our clients’ dreams into a reality. Most of my daily activities are centered around people, both internal and external to our organization.
What types of advanced technologies are you using to add value to projects and ensure quality in your deliverables?
KLH has a team of 10-15 software engineers—with which I am deeply involved—that create custom software/Revit add-ins. Some of our advanced in-house technologies we leverage include modeling tools, real-time clash detection, and engineering tools that integrate our calculations with our BIM platform and across disciplines. We’ve also leveraged machine learning to convert AutoCAD files to Revit since our team works exclusively in Revit. Our innovative culture encourages employees to push the envelope of what is possible in our processes and projects daily.
As construction evolves, KLH will continue to integrate more data into our processes to streamline our engineering and bring consistency and accuracy across all projects. We always look for partners with which we can explore technology or want help on their journey to innovation.
What are you doing to improve the sustainability of a building and the health of its inhabitants?
I am a WELL Accredited Professional and apply those principles to our projects regardless of WELL standing or not. Outside air is critical for the occupants’ wellbeing; therefore, reviewing items such as CO2 ppm levels in the space and the outside air getting to the breathing zone can go a long way. We recently measured CO2 levels in an elementary school throughout the day for a week and were able to confirm that the school needed additional ventilation. We also have a software that allows us to run HVAC system analysis quickly on most projects to compare energy usage and total life-cycle cost. This allows us to arm the owner with information regarding the building before we start design.
How do you help clients plan ahead when there is a tight supply chain?
Consulting early in the project on expected lead times is key. We have strong relationships with many trade contractors and vendors to get updated lead times. During design, we will also explore lead times across a few manufacturers to determine which have lead times to meet the project’s budget. Lastly, we will work with the owner and/or contractors to put together early equipment packages to help meet the project’s schedule. On our design-build projects, this workflow is almost a necessity.
When you’re not designing, what are some of the community initiatives you are excited about?
Recently, KLH joined the 2030 District of Cincinnati. I am excited to join this community focused on sustainability and wellness in our tri-state area. As a professional engineer, I feel as though I have an obligation to serve society and design buildings with the most sustainable and efficient design that meets the owner’s budget and project goals.
Outside of the office, I serve as the treasurer of our local American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) chapter and have been on the board for two years. I have met so many great community members that share my passion for construction and engineering through this organization. I am also a new member of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and look forward to establishing new relationships within this great organization.
AIA Cincinnati is grateful for KLH Engineers’ support of our architecture community. Learn more at klhengrs.com.