Real Time Revolution

In today’s episode of Real Time Revolution , we reveal a powerful way to boost architectural profitability with a strong MEP team. Host Chris Lovett and co-host Clarrissa Webb dive into the critical role that a well-coordinated MEP team plays in not just saving time but also maximizing financial returns for architects. If you’re an architect or part of the construction industry feeling the pressur...

What do shower towels, family breakfast plans, tattoos, and electrical rooms have in common? Somehow, they all made it into an episode about early MEP coordination. In Episode 17 of Real Time Revolution , Chris Lovett and Clarrissa Webb talk about why bringing MEP engineers into a project early doesn't mean starting design early—it means having the right conversations before decisions become e...

Unlock the secrets of multifamily building costs with expert insights from MEP engineers Christopher Lovett and Clarissa Webb. In this episode, they dissect how engineering choices impact both construction expenses and tenant utility bills, revealing why your next apartment's design could determine your financial comfort. Join Chris and Clarissa as they delve into the intricate balance between...

Energy efficiency is not just a code issue - it is a long-term money decision that can make or break an apartment project. In this episode of (R)eal Time (R)evolution, Chris and Clarrissa break down how owners, developers, and renters should really think about MEP choices, from upfront construction cost to the bills, maintenance, and livability that follow for years. The big question at the center...

Most apartment buildings have power systems designed only to meet code—so what happens when emergencies strike? In this eye-opening episode, Chris and Clarrissa reveal how the typical approach leaves buildings vulnerable in real crises—and how forward-thinking designers are reimagining backup power to keep residents safe when it matters most. Discover why relying solely on code-compliant systems c...

How do you keep a brand-new apartment building from feeling outdated just a few years after it's built? In this episode of Real Time Revolution , Chris and Clarrissa explore what it really means to future-proof multifamily buildings. From EV charging infrastructure and fiber internet to smart home technology, renewable energy, and changing electrical codes, they discuss the engineering decisio...

Value engineering is supposed to save money—but what happens when it happens too late in the project? In this episode of Real Time Revolution , Chris and Clarrissa unpack the real-world consequences of late-stage value engineering decisions in multifamily construction. From equipment substitutions and lighting changes to plumbing systems and electrical infrastructure, Chris explains how seemingly...

A building can be perfectly code-compliant and still become a nightmare to construct. In this episode of Real Time Revolution , Chris and Clarrissa dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in multifamily development: constructability . From coordination failures and unrealistic installation expectations to BIM, Revit, budgeting, and communication between design teams and contractors, they e...

In this episode of Real Time Revolution , Chris Lovett and Clarrissa Webb break down the real-world consequences of undersized electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in multifamily buildings — and why those problems usually don’t show up until people actually move in. From tripping breakers and weak water pressure to HVAC systems struggling to keep up, they explain how “saving money” during...

If two apartment buildings look the same… shouldn’t the systems behind the walls be the same too? Not even close. In this episode of Real Time Revolution , we break down why MEP design in multifamily projects isn’t as simple as copy and paste. From changing owner preferences and evolving technology to site conditions, utility requirements, and contractor differences—every project brings new variab...

Gas or all-electric? It sounds like a simple choice—but in multifamily design, it comes with major trade-offs. In this episode of Real Time Revolution , we break down the real differences between gas and all-electric systems in multifamily buildings—from cost and complexity to long-term flexibility and future trends. We also tackle common questions: Is one system more reliable? Is all-electric rea...

In this episode of Real Time Revolution , we dive into why electrical infrastructure in modern multifamily buildings is getting more complicated — and why that matters more than ever. From EV charging and all-electric design to utility requirements, future capacity, and long-term building performance, we break down how electrical planning impacts everything from daily operations to future upgrades...

RFIs, change orders, and construction delays are often treated as inevitable parts of multifamily projects. In reality, many of these issues originate much earlier—during design. In this episode, we explore how thoughtful MEP engineering and early coordination can significantly reduce RFIs, change orders, and schedule disruptions once construction begins. From incomplete system coordination and un...

Most multifamily projects don’t run into trouble because of bad design intent or lack of effort — they struggle because of coordination breakdowns that start early and compound fast. In this episode, we unpack the most common MEP coordination failures in multifamily projects, from late MEP involvement and shaft chaos to undersized electrical rooms, inconsistent unit layouts, and misplaced trust in...

In multifamily projects, construction costs are often locked in long before a project goes out to bid — and most teams don’t realize it until it’s too late. In this episode of Real Time Revolution , we break down how early MEP decisions around electrical service size, system selection, value engineering, and layout coordination can quietly determine whether a project runs smoothly or spirals into...

Low MEP fees might feel like a win at the start of a project—but they rarely feel that way during construction. In this episode of Real Time Revolution , we break down what actually gets sacrificed when engineering fees are pushed too low, from reduced flexibility and coordination to increased RFIs, change orders, and delays. We dive into why MEP design should never be treated as a commodity, how...

Is hospitality experience overrated when it comes to multifamily design? In Season 3, Episode 2 of Real Time Revolution , we explore why assuming multifamily projects are “basically hotels” can lead to costly mistakes. From code requirements and metering differences to amenity overdesign and long-term operational risks, this episode breaks down where hospitality expertise helps—and where it can hu...

Season 3 starts with a bold statement—and we’re not backing down. In this episode, we tackle a common (and costly) misconception in the AEC industry: MEP is not a subconsultant. From blurred roles and undervalued expertise to coordination challenges and project risk, we break down why this mindset persists and how it impacts schedules, budgets, and outcomes. We’ll talk about where the confusion co...

Getting your first MEP project can feel like trying to crash an invite-only club where everyone already knows the bouncer. You’ve got the skills—but without a big portfolio or fancy client list, the real challenge isn’t talent… it’s trust. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to hustle smart —not desperate. From building credibility and finding your first client to turning that one opportunity...

Multifamily electrical design is more than just pulling circuits and lighting up rooms. It’s about designing safe, reliable, and efficient systems, all while staying within budget. Unlike single-family homes, multifamily buildings present unique challenges. It’s easy to make mistakes—some minor, others costly enough to delay projects, fail inspections, or require major rework.  In this podcast, we...

When you've never heard of or worked with a recruiter before, it's something that can be hard to grasp. Why pay someone else to look for a candidate when you could do it yourself?! In this week's podcast, Chris and Clarrissa welcome Kathleen Quinn Votaw as their first-ever guest. As the owner and founder of Talentrust, she talks with us about recruiting, retaining employees, and the be...

Nowadays, energy efficiency is more than a buzzword—it's a design imperative. With rising utility costs, evolving building codes, and increasing tenant demand for sustainable living, energy-efficient electrical design is no longer a luxury for multifamily developments—it's a necessity.   In this week's podcast, we'll explore key strategies for integrating energy-efficient technolog...

One of the most underrated and impactful ways to retain top talent in the MEP engineering world is through professional development. Engineers are naturally curious, analytical, and driven to improve their skills. When employers invest in their personal and professional growth, employees feel valued, motivated, and connected to the firm's future. In this week's podcast, we'll explore t...

In the high-demand world of MEP engineering, retaining top talent is one of the biggest challenges small and mid-sized firms face. The industry is growing, the labor market is tight, and skilled engineers have more options than ever. That's why competitive compensation and benefits are no longer optional—they're essential. Firms that offer attractive salary packages, meaningful benefits, and flexi...

Building a successful MEP firm is about more than securing projects and delivering high-quality engineering—it’s about people. In a small MEP firm, every hire matters. Each team member makes a significant contribution to your culture, workflow, and client experience. Hiring the right talent isn’t just a task—it’s a strategic move that can define the future of your business. In this week's podcast,...