Client: DCP Events
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Project Type: Shell Building Interior Finish-Out
Size: 5,300 SQFT
Scope: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Design (MEP)
Project Overview
CAPCo Engineering partnered with DCP Events to deliver full Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design services for a 5,300-square-foot shell building located in San Antonio, Texas. The objective was to transform the unfinished lease space into three distinct office suites, each tailored to meet the functional and operational needs of the future tenants.
From load calculations to equipment selection, our team designed comprehensive MEP systems that not only complied with all applicable codes and standards but also supported the Owner’s goals for flexibility, reliability, and cost-efficiency. The plans were prepared with construction and permitting in mind, ensuring a smooth transition from design to execution.
Project Goals & Challenges
The DCP Events project presented several unique goals and considerations:
- Multi-Tenant Flexibility: The layout had to accommodate three separate tenant office spaces. Each space needed to operate independently while sharing certain building systems efficiently.
- Code Compliance: All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs had to align with locally adopted codes and regulations in San Antonio.
- Cost Control: With a budget-conscious approach, our design had to prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness without compromising on performance or future adaptability.
- Permitting-Ready Drawings: The deliverables needed to be complete and clear to streamline the permitting process with local authorities.
By addressing these challenges head-on, CAPCo ensured that the MEP systems would support both the immediate and long-term needs of the occupants.
MEP Design Highlights
Mechanical (HVAC)
A comfortable and energy-efficient environment starts with a well-planned HVAC system. Our mechanical engineering team delivered:
- Load Calculations: Precise HVAC load calculations for each tenant space, ensuring proper system sizing based on occupancy, layout, and climate conditions.
- Equipment Selection: Tailored selections of HVAC units to meet each zone’s needs. We factored in energy efficiency ratings, noise levels, and maintenance requirements.
- Detailed Plans: Our mechanical drawings included piping routes, duct layouts, grille and diffuser placements, and mechanical equipment locations. These plans were fully coordinated with architectural and structural elements.
- On-Drawings Specifications: All mechanical specifications were included on the drawings themselves, making it easy for contractors to access critical details during installation.
The result was a streamlined, low-maintenance system capable of maintaining occupant comfort across the three office suites.
Electrical
Electrical design for a multi-tenant office space demands meticulous attention to safety, load balancing, and lighting quality. CAPCo delivered:
- Site Electrical Layout: Including area lighting, photometric analysis, and transformer locations to ensure safety and compliance on the exterior and interior of the building.
- Load Calculations: Detailed electrical load assessments to determine proper service sizing and ensure adequate power distribution to each suite.
- Lighting Design: Efficient and attractive lighting layout with fixture selection focused on energy efficiency and visual comfort. We created a full fixture schedule for ease of implementation.
- Panelboard & Riser Diagrams: Accurate, easy-to-read diagrams that guided electrical installation, minimized contractor questions, and ensured timely construction progress.
These systems were designed with reliability, ease of maintenance, and future capacity in mind—helping tenants get up and running without issues.
Plumbing
While smaller in scope compared to mechanical and electrical, plumbing design was equally important for tenant satisfaction and health standards. Our plumbing team delivered:
- Load Calculations: Plumbing load determinations based on occupancy and fixture counts for the restrooms and break areas in each office suite.
- Fixture Selection: Specification of water-efficient fixtures aligned with performance and aesthetic preferences.
- Plumbing Plans: We created clear piping layouts and detailed installation instructions to simplify implementation in the field.
- On-Drawings Specs: All relevant plumbing specifications were included in the drawing set to ensure that installation followed local code and owner expectations.
Design Coordination and Permitting Support
One of CAPCo’s key differentiators is our proactive coordination with other trades. For this project, we worked closely with the Owner’s architectural and construction teams to ensure that our MEP designs aligned seamlessly with the building envelope, structural elements, and interior finishes.
We also provided COMCheck calculations to demonstrate compliance with energy code requirements—a critical component for permitting in San Antonio. Our deep understanding of municipal permitting processes helped to reduce delays and keep the project moving forward efficiently.
Results & Client Value
The final deliverables for the DCP Events finish-out project included a complete, fully coordinated set of MEP plans ready for permitting and construction. Key outcomes included:
- On-time delivery of all design packages
- Compliance with local building codes and energy requirements
- Improved buildability due to clear documentation and detail
- Cost-effective MEP systems that support efficient operations for tenants
- Ease of adaptability for future tenant turnover or interior modifications
The Owner received a design that met all objectives while maximizing the long-term functionality of the building. By taking a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every aspect of the design, CAPCo Engineering ensured that the project would stand the test of time.
Client-Centered Approach
At CAPCo Engineering, we believe that a successful MEP project is built on a foundation of collaboration and communication. From the initial proposal through final delivery, our team remained available, responsive, and engaged with the client’s needs.
Our value goes beyond technical expertise—we’re here to be a true project partner, making the process smoother and helping clients avoid costly oversights.
Let’s Build Something Great Together
If you’re planning a tenant improvement, shell build-out, or new construction project, CAPCo Engineering is ready to deliver MEP design solutions that are efficient, code-compliant, and tailored to your vision.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your next project: CAPCo Engineering Contact Page
CAPCo Engineering provides Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing design services across Texas and beyond, supporting architects, owners, and developers with smart engineering that powers future-ready spaces.