MEP design / Architect

The MEP Architect is responsible for designing, coordinating, documenting, and supervising the installation of all Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems in school building projects. This role ensures that all building services electrical distribution, HVAC, plumbing, fire detection & suppression, data/IT cabling, AV systems, CCTV, and PA systems are designed to meet the school's functional, safety, and regulatory requirements, and are fully coordinated with the civil architecture before reaching the site. The role also manages testing, commissioning, and system handover to the school management.

MEP System Design for School Buildings

• Design school-specific MEP systems: power distribution boards for classroom blocks, admin block, lab block, and sports facility; lighting design with adequate lux levels for classrooms, labs, library, and sports areas; and earthing systems.
• Design HVAC systems appropriate for school spaces: split/cassette AC for administrative offices, computer labs, principal's office, and AV rooms; natural ventilation design for general classrooms per NBC 2016 ventilation norms.
• Design plumbing and sanitation systems: water supply zoning for drinking water, toilet blocks (student and staff, gender-separated with NBC 2016-compliant ratios), lab plumbing (chemical-resistant piping, emergency eyewash stations), kitchen/canteen provisions, and rainwater harvesting system.
• Design fire safety systems: fire detection and alarm system, wet riser, sprinkler system for applicable occupancy areas, fire extinguisher locations, and emergency lighting compliant with NBC 2016 (Part 4 Fire Safety) and fire department requirements.
• Design school technology infrastructure: structured data cabling for computer labs, Wi-Fi access point placement, AV system for classrooms and auditorium, CCTV layout for school premises, and intercom/PA system.
• Prepare load calculations, single line diagrams (SLD), DG set sizing, UPS provision, and earthing design for electrical systems.

MEP Coordination Drawings & BIM

• Prepare coordinated MEP drawings for all school building areas: routing of electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, AC ducts, and data cabling — resolved against the structural and architectural layouts.
• Develop the MEP Services Coordination Drawing (CSD) for each floor, resolving conflicts between services in false ceiling spaces, shaft areas, and service corridors.
• Mark all structural penetrations, slab openings, and MEP sleeves required in the RCC structure — issue sleeve/insert drawings to the civil team before concrete pours.
• Participate in the federated BIM clash detection process — resolve all hard and soft clashes between MEP services and civil/structural elements before GFC drawing issue.
• Maintain the MEP Drawing Register with issue dates, revision status, and GFC status for each drawing.

MEP Tender Support & Site Supervision

• Prepare MEP tender packages: technical specifications, BOQ for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, firefighting, and ELV systems; and evaluation criteria for MEP subcontractor bids.
• Review MEP contractor bids for technical compliance with design specifications and school performance requirements.
• Conduct site visits to supervise MEP installations: verify conduit routing, cable laying, plumbing line heights, and duct installations against approved coordination drawings.
• Prepare Architect's Instructions (AI) for MEP design clarifications, RFIs, and site-condition-driven design modifications.
• Review MEP contractor shop drawings and material submittals: verify compliance with specified brands, ratings, and performance parameters.

Testing, Commissioning & Handover

• Prepare the MEP commissioning programme for each school project — sequence testing and commissioning activities to align with the building handover date.
• Conduct pre-commissioning checks and functional testing for all school MEP systems: electrical earthing test, fire alarm panel test, HVAC commissioning, plumbing pressure test, and firefighting system test.
• Prepare MEP snag lists for incomplete or defective installations and track rectification before handover.
• Compile MEP handover documentation: as-built drawings, O&M manuals, commissioning reports, and warranty certificates for all equipment.
• Train the school facility management team on basic operation and maintenance of MEP systems: electrical distribution board operations, AC filter maintenance, fire alarm panel, and CCTV system operation.
• Coordinate statutory inspections: electrical inspector (IE Rules), fire department (fire system certification), and water authority (plumbing compliance).