Modern society takes a lot for granted. We expect that when we flip the switch, push the lever, turn the knob, key in the numbers, or press the button that the lights will come on, the elevator will open, phones will ring, the room will be heated or cooled, the toilet will flush and, if we are threatened, alarms and sprinklers will get our attention. Few people stop to think about how these and many other more complex systems work in the buildings that we inhabit. As long as it's all working, it's all comfortably out of mind. Not so for the engineers and designers of Optima Engineering, a full-service electrical, mechanical and plumbing engineering firm, who not only spend their talents designing electrical and mechanical systems, but also work to make sure that they function in the most environmentally friendly and most cost-effective manner. "We support the built environment industry by designing systems most people never see," says Keith Pehl, Optima Engineering's founder, president and chief electrical engineer. "It's not just about having these systems work; it's also about designing an environmentally sustainable building. We call them high-performance buildings; designed to use the least amount of water, electricity and natural gas." Read the full Greater Charlotte Biz article read more
Western Carolina University held a rededication ceremony Saturday, Sept. 22, to celebrate a $15.5 million renovation to Harrill Residence Hall that enhanced student rooms and community areas while incorporating energy-efficient features. "This was designed to be a space for students to live and learn in for many years to come," said Sam Miller, vice chancellor for student affairs. The yearlong renovation project reconfigured the now 77,296-square-foot residence hall built in 1971 into modern suites of rooms for 354 students, added kitchenettes and living and gathering spaces, and featured a 6,000-square-foot addition with an upscale meeting venue. Harrill Hall resident Kristy Decker, a junior from Maiden majoring in secondary education, said students have been impressed. Read the full article read more
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Keith Pehl has been nominated for a community sustainability award from Sustain Charlotte. Read the Full Article read more
Optima Engineering is a 2012 Silver Sponsor for the USGBC Charlotte Region Chapter. read more
Kathi Hart - Operations Coordinator Brian Winkler, P.E. - Electrical Engineer Dennis Rorie - Electrical Construction Administration read more
Thank you so much for attending and all you did for the toys for tots campaign this year. Optima Engineering collected over 100 toys. The Marine delivered all the toys to Statesville Road Elementary in Charlotte (exit 16). The counselor was overwhelmed with all the toys. Thanks again! read more
Optima Engineering would like to congratulate Walton Teague, AIA for receiving the 2011 William H. Deitrick Service Medal. The AIA North Carolina William H. Deitrick Service Medal will be presented to an AIA North Carolina member who exhibits extraordinary service to the community, profession or AIA North Carolina. The medal is named in honor of the late William Henley Deitrick, FAIA, a former president of AIA North Carolina. http://tffarchitects.com/ read more
