Made With Brilliance by MWB Engineering

In this solo episode of Made With Brilliance , Chelseyann Bipat breaks down one of the most common misconceptions in building performance: if a space is uncomfortable, the thermostat must be the problem. In reality, comfort is far more complex than a temperature reading. Chelsey walks through how airflow, pressurization, humidity control, system balancing, equipment placement, and controls all wor...

In this solo episode, Chelsey, BPA Partner at MWB Engineering, breaks down the ten most common MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) misconceptions she and the team regularly see on job sites. From oversizing HVAC equipment to underestimating return air paths, plumbing venting, and commissioning, Chelsey dives into how these recurring assumptions can compromise comfort, efficiency, and compli...

In this episode of Made With Brilliance , Flori Muresan and co-host Jahnavi Sajip to break down the impact of two critical electrification regulations: New York City’s Local Law 154 and New York State’s Part 1240 of Title 19. Together, they unpack what these evolving codes mean for developers, architects, and engineers—and how to stay compliant as gas is phased out across the state. They discuss w...

In this episode of Made With Brilliance , Chelsey and Jahnavi break down one of the hottest—and most confusing—topics in HVAC right now: the refrigerant transition. With new regulations from the EPA and accelerated timelines in New York, developers and engineers alike are navigating a complex shift from R-410A to new refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B. Chelsey and Jahnavi explain what’s changing, w...

In this expert-led episode of Made With Brilliance by MWB Engineering, principals Flori Muresan and Jahnavi Sajip answer the most frequently asked questions they receive from developers, architects, and project owners. From identifying the biggest cost drivers in MEP systems to navigating utility coordination and planning for renovation surprises, Flori and Jahnavi break down the technical challen...

In this Q&A-style episode of Made With Brilliance , Jahnavi and Chelsey pull back the curtain and answer some of the most frequently asked questions they hear from architects, contractors, and developers. From when to bring MEP engineers into a project to why Revit is worth the investment, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world experience from two principals who live...

In this episode of Made with Brilliance , I sit down with Alexander Harrow , Partner at Freyer Collaborative Architects (FCA) , to explore the evolving world of architecture, from historic renovations to cutting-edge construction methods. Alex shares how his early exposure to architecture, travel, and hands-on design experiences shaped his career. We discuss FCA’s collaborative approach , the bala...

In this episode of Made with Brilliance , I sit down with Jerry Isaksen , a principal at MBI Companies, to discuss his inspiring journey from a family deeply rooted in construction to leading a successful architecture and engineering firm. Jerry shares how his childhood experiences in construction shaped his passion for building, eventually leading him to pursue architecture. We explore the challe...

In this episode of Made with Brilliance , I sit down with Jeff Ackerman, the founder of Rise Architecture, to discuss his incredible journey from studying architecture to leading a multi-state firm renowned for its client-focused design and innovative solutions. Jeff shares how his entrepreneurial spirit, shaped by early experiences in the industry, led to the creation and evolution of Rise Archit...

In this episode of “Made with Brilliance,” I sit down with Ross Spivak, founder and CEO of RES Consulting, a project management and owner’s representation firm based in New York. Ross shares his unique journey from architecture to construction management, revealing how an early internship changed his career path and led him to focus on turning clients’ visions into reality. We discuss his core val...

In this special episode of “Made with Brilliance,” I, Chelseyann Bepat, take a seat on the other side of the mic to be interviewed by our marketing expert, Brian Chaney. We dive into MWB Engineering’s philosophy, exploring our client-focused approach, the importance of clear communication, and the commitment to quality that defines our projects. I share insights on what we look for in client partn...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” Chelsey sits down with Alex Badalamenti, President and CEO of BLD Architecture, to discuss his journey in the world of architecture and the incredible projects his firm is working on. We explore BLD’s approach to architectural design, their core services, and how they balance artistic vision with practical constraints. Alex shares his insights on problem-...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann delve into the complex topic of energy modeling, particularly in the context of New York City’s stringent energy codes and regulations. They discuss the different compliance paths available, such as ComCheck and energy modeling, highlighting the benefits of each. The conversation explores how energy modeling can lead to signif...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” host Jahnavi is joined by Grayson Jordan, principal at Paul Castrucci Architects, to discuss the critical topic of sustainability in architecture and how evolving regulations in New York City are shaping building designs. Grayson shares the journey of his firm, which has been a pioneer in sustainable and passive house construction, particularly in afforda...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann delve into the critical importance of project kickoff meetings at MWB Engineering. They discuss how these meetings set the tone for the entire project, ensuring that all stakeholders—from architects to engineers—are aligned on goals, expectations, and technical requirements. The conversation highlights the detailed planning th...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann dive into the origins of MWB Engineering, a women-owned MEP firm based in New York City, and the journey that led them to establish the company. They discuss the importance of processes in engineering, the challenges of building a strong team, and the significance of being organized in a fast-paced industry. The conversation a...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” Chelsey is joined by Alex Loyer Hughes, co-founder of KURV Architecture, to discuss the evolving landscape of energy efficiency in New York City. Alex shares his journey into architecture, inspired by early experiences and shaped by his background in energy-conscious environments. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies involved in retrofitt...

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” co-hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann are joined by special guest Eugene, the founder and principal of IMC. Eugene shares his journey into architecture, blending his love for the technical and artistic sides of the field. The conversation delves into the importance of effective communication and collaboration within project teams, particularly between architect...