QED Technologies International

This optics manufacturer needed to relocate its operations to a 20,000-square-foot space nearby that would have a customer demonstration and collaboration area to allow the company’s clients direct access to its products. Erdman Anthony provided design for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), fire protection, and IT/data systems, including utility connections to the owner’s process equipment.

The first steps for this design-build project were documenting the existing conditions in the project space and preparing conceptual drawings and a basis-of-design narrative to establish a budget. For long-lead items, our firm also provided an equipment bid package.

The HVAC design included rooftop air handling units, VRF systems, and exhaust systems. The metrology area required special attention to provide tight temperature control and minimize air velocities, thereby limiting the environmental impact on nanoscale measurements being conducted. The plumbing design included natural gas, a fully redundant compressed air plant, distribution systems, drainage, and restroom and break room facilities.

We identified performance criteria for the design and the renovation of the fire protection systems, evaluated the electrical service, and designed the electrical distribution throughout the facility. We also designed an addressable fire alarm system; raceways for the IT and security systems; data drops to the owner’s equipment; and circuiting to the mechanical and process equipment, LED main and emergency lighting, and exit signage.

Our other tasks included completing construction observation site visits, providing site observation reports, responding to RFIs, and reviewing submittals.

The client now has a new facility in which to manufacture optical components that range from 100 millimeters to meter class.