The Kassis Condominiums project in Hobbs, New Mexico reflects CAPCO Engineering’s focused approach to delivering efficient, code-compliant electrical design for multi-family and condominium developments. This project involved coordinated electrical service design across three residential buildings—two quadplexes and one triplex—each built on repeating unit layouts with shared design standards and utility coordination requirements.
For developers and architects working in today’s multi-family market, electrical infrastructure is one of the most critical early-stage design components. Utility coordination, service sizing, and metering strategy directly impact construction sequencing, long-term operating costs, and approval timelines with local authorities. The Kassis Condominiums project demonstrates how clear electrical engineering documentation can streamline these challenges while supporting scalable residential development.
Project Overview
The Kassis Condominiums development consisted of:
- Two (2) quadplex buildings (8 total units)
- One (1) triplex building (3 total units)
- Two-story residential construction
- Repeating unit floorplans across each structure
- Dedicated meter banks for individual tenant units
- Centralized electrical service coordination for utility connection
The primary engineering objective was to establish a reliable electrical service design package that could support permitting, bidding, and construction while maintaining flexibility for multi-building replication.
Unlike single-family or standalone commercial projects, multi-family electrical systems require careful balancing between standardized unit loads and shared infrastructure design. Each building needed to function independently while still aligning with a consistent development-wide electrical strategy.
Engineering Scope and Design Approach
CAPCO Engineering’s scope focused on foundational electrical infrastructure elements that support early-phase design and utility approval. The work included:
Electrical Load Analysis
Accurate load calculations were performed for each building type to determine appropriate utility service sizing. Because each structure included multiple tenant units with similar layouts, the analysis required careful consideration of diversity factors, demand loads, and future occupancy scenarios.
This step is critical in condominium and multi-family developments, where undersized service equipment can lead to costly redesigns, while oversized systems increase upfront capital costs and coordination complexity with utilities.
Service Configuration and Metering Strategy
Each building was designed with a dedicated meter bank system to allow:
- Individual tenant utility metering
- Simplified utility billing structures
- Clear separation of electrical loads per unit
- Standardized installation methods for contractors
Meter bank configuration is a key component in multi-family developments, especially in jurisdictions like New Mexico where utility coordination can significantly impact permitting timelines. CAPCO’s design ensured that each building maintained consistent service logic while allowing flexibility for utility provider requirements.
Electrical Riser Diagram Development
A complete riser diagram was developed for each building type, providing a clear visual representation of:
- Service entrance configuration
- Distribution paths
- Meter bank layout
- Branch circuit structure at a conceptual level
These diagrams serve as a critical communication tool between engineers, electricians, utility companies, and permitting authorities. Clear riser documentation reduces misinterpretation during construction and helps avoid delays during inspection phases.
Key Challenges in Multi-Family Electrical Design
While the Kassis Condominiums project was relatively straightforward in scale, multi-family electrical design introduces several recurring challenges that this project successfully addressed:
1. Repetitive Unit Load Balancing
Although each building contained repeating floorplans, no two structures were identical. Load balancing had to account for:
- Slight variations in unit configuration
- Garage versus living space distribution
- Appliance and HVAC load assumptions per unit type
2. Utility Coordination Requirements
Utility providers often require specific formatting for:
- Meter placement
- Service entrance equipment
- Load documentation
Early-stage coordination ensured that the design aligned with expected utility standards, minimizing the risk of redesign during approval.
3. Standardization Across Multiple Buildings
Even though each building was technically unique, the developer required a consistent electrical design approach that could be replicated across multiple phases of construction.
This required CAPCO to create a flexible yet standardized design methodology that could be adapted to each structure without losing consistency in documentation or performance.
Deliverables Provided
CAPCO Engineering delivered a complete electrical service design package for each building, including:
- Electrical load analysis reports for service sizing
- Electrical riser diagrams for each structure
- Utility coordination-ready documentation sets
- Permit-ready drawing packages
- Revision support for municipal plan review comments
Each deliverable was structured to support both permitting and construction phases, ensuring that contractors could proceed with minimal ambiguity.
Value Delivered to the Project Team
The Kassis Condominiums electrical design package provided several key advantages for the development team:
Streamlined Permitting
Clear load calculations and riser diagrams helped reduce uncertainty during plan review, supporting a smoother approval process with local authorities.
Construction Clarity
Contractors received well-defined electrical system layouts, reducing field confusion and minimizing the likelihood of change orders during installation.
Scalable Development Strategy
Because the project involved multiple building types, the standardized approach allowed the developer to apply consistent electrical design logic across future phases of construction.
Reduced Coordination Risk
Early-stage utility planning helped prevent common multi-family issues such as:
- Incorrect meter placement
- Service undersizing
- Conflicting load assumptions between buildings
Why Electrical Design Matters in Condominium & Multi-Family Projects
In condominium and multi-family developments, electrical systems are not just technical requirements—they are foundational to project viability.
Poorly coordinated electrical design can lead to:
- Utility delays during permitting
- Costly redesigns during construction
- Inefficient long-term energy distribution
- Tenant metering complications
- Inspection failures and project delays
By contrast, well-structured engineering documentation ensures that:
- Utility providers can approve service connections efficiently
- Contractors can install systems without ambiguity
- Developers can scale similar building types across multiple sites
- Long-term building performance remains stable and predictable
The Kassis Condominiums project demonstrates how early-stage electrical engineering directly supports development success.
CAPCO Engineering’s Role in Multi-Family Development
CAPCO Engineering specializes in MEP design for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and beyond. For multi-family and condominium projects, the firm focuses on:
- Efficient electrical service design
- Load-balanced system planning
- Clear riser and distribution documentation
- Utility-ready permit packages
- Fast turnaround for development timelines
This approach allows architects and developers to move from concept to construction with fewer delays and fewer coordination issues.
Conclusion
The Kassis Condominiums project illustrates the importance of precise, scalable electrical engineering in modern multi-family development. By focusing on load accuracy, standardized metering strategies, and clear riser documentation, CAPCO Engineering delivered a design package that supports both immediate construction needs and long-term development efficiency.
As multi-family housing demand continues to grow in regions like Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, projects like Kassis Condominiums highlight the value of experienced MEP engineering partners who understand both technical requirements and real-world construction workflows.