Looking ahead

Hard to believe that December is here already (except for the few snow storm reminders we've had this fall!). As we begin to reflect a bit on 2009 and look ahead to 2010 we realize that AE&S has been one of the fortunate companies to have a very promising year and we have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful new clients and colleagues along the way. Our number one goal continues to be making sure that our clients are receiving all of the attention and service that they expect. We strive do everything possible on our end to make our client's projects successful ones. Looking ahead to 2010, Altitude Engineering and Surveying is going to continue to actively expand our company's presence in other geographical areas outside of our home base in Colorado. We've continued to add to the list of states that we are licensed in and are eager for ANY opportunities to continue this expansion!!!

Good time for projects

Sure... this time of year gets a bit crazy for everyone, but it is also a great time to think about laying the ground work for your next project. Often times, governing agencies may take months to complete their review (depending on the complexity of the project). Starting some initial due diligence and pre-application meetings will save $$ and time and have you on the ground running come spring. We are willing to attend a pre-application meetings and meet with you free of charge to help steer you in the right direction.

melting snow = good time for site visits!

Most civil engineers know that during a rain storm or after a snow storm is the perfect time for a site visit to observe what is really happening with the drainage system and site grading. We spend so much of our time analyzing theoretical storm events with estimated intensities to design drainage systems that we sometimes forget the importance of a post storm site visit to inspect how the system is actually operating. Snow storms (such as the monster storm we had in Colorado last week) are perfect because the snow melts over a few day period and gives plenty of time for field observations. Plus... who doesn't like site visits when it is warm, sunny, and in the mid-60's in November!! Enjoy

Green Civil Engineering

We all know that one of the latest buzz words surrounding construction is GREEN building. Solar panels, energy efficient windows, appliances, etc, etc....Well, civil engineers can help in many ways too. Although the EPA and most governing jurisdictions already control water quality requirements for drainage discharge it is important for civil engineers to look to incorporate erosion control and water quality features into every design. For example, simply adding a small grass lined swale can help with adding water quality to drainage released from a site and is very cost effective for a client. Especially, on a small site where other applications (ie..water quality pond) may not be possible. Check out Urban Drainage and Flood Control District's website for some of the latest water quality applications: www.udfcd.org

Value Engineering

Saving $$...everybody likes to save a few bucks and especially when it comes to construction. Civil engineers can be an integral part of creating cost savings for a client/developer/project. This starts with the initial schematic design and first meeting. Knowing a client's project goals and visions allows us to understand what our design parameters are from the civil engineering side. For Example, sometimes although underground detention is costly, it is preferred by clients as it will allow for additional parking spaces or other improvements which are critical for the proposed building(s). The additional money spent on underground detention will pay for itself in a short time frame once the project is finished and open for business. However, on the contrary, there is a fine line between functional civil engineering that meets the required codes and gold plating or over-engineering the site improvements. This is why it is very important to understand a client's goals and visions and design something meets their expectations while always keeping in mind opportunities to save money where possible.

contact us to see how we can save you money on your next project--- info@altitudeeng.com

AES is now licensed in Texas!!

Altitude Engineering & Surveying now holds Professional Engineering licensure (PE) in the state of TEXAS!! That now makes it: Colorado (PE & PLS), New Mexico (PE), Arizona (PE), Florida (PE), and now Texas (PE). More info coming as we continue to add to the growing list of states! stay tuned

The right size

Choosing and hiring a consultant is something that is not only reserved for developers and builders. We (meaning architects, engineers, surveyors, etc) are often in a position where we need to hire or recommend (in confidence) a consultant to complete a project team. What we look for when hiring or recommending a colleague is someone that can handle the required work load, will be cost effective, and brings additional experience and insights to the team. Often times, this comes in the way of a smaller sized firm. Many smaller sized firms are set up with more Principal contact, better pricing, and usually equal to or often better practical experience than with a larger firm..... because with a smaller sized firm there tends to be a much more "hands -on" approach.

All that being said, the most important thing is to surround your project team with people that you like to work with and can connect with. As with sports, you can have a roster/team of all-stars, but if the chemistry is missing, the project team will only be as successful as the weakest link.

Success with review agencies

If every review agency/governing jurisdiction operated the same, life might be a bit less complicated for consultants and clients alike. Well....unfortunately... they're not. The key is knowing who you are dealing with and what their expectations are. Some agencies review EVERY small detail, while others only review the major design portions of the project. An upfront meeting with the assigned reviewer often provides some insight into what to expect. Also, from the consultants end, consistent and diligent communication throughout the project (with the review agency and with your client) goes a long way to minimizing unnecessary issues and associated costs. From the clients end, expect that the project scope will sometimes vary and additional project requirements are often added to a project once the review agency gets entrenched in the review process. Bottom line--expect the unexpected and be flexible.

Starting your project.....

It is often intimidating for prospective clients to wrap their arms around the simple question..."what is it going to cost and how much time is it going to take before I have the necessary permits to begin construction?"

We offer FREE up-front consultation and site visits. We will meet with a client, visit the site, complete research with the governing jurisdiction, and put together a project outline and cost estimate FREE of charge. A well informed consultant and an educated client lead to successful projects.

Contact us today to set up a meeting: info@altitudeeng.com or 720.413.9691

civil engineering+surveying = cost savings

Being licensed as both professional engineers and professional land surveyors allows us to offer significant cost savings and drastically helps improve the efficiency of our projects. For example, when we do a site visit at the start of a project we are already thinking about what surveying services are going to be required in order to complete the civil engineering that is needed for that particular project. To that end, we make sure our clients are not paying for what we call "overkill" surveying. In this competitive marketplace there is no need for clients to pay for a surveyor to map three times the required land and spend days upon days of drafting the field data if in the end only a small portion of the mapping was required for the engineering scope. Being licensed in both disicplines helps us understand the big picture and pass the time and money savings onto our clients!

Website is up!

Happy Monday--- Website is up and running!

New website coming soon!!

Keep checking back--- new website coming soon (within a couple of days) compliments of BIG YELLOW TECHNOLOGIES in Vermont!!! www.bigyellowtechnologies.com

more exciting news coming soon as well....

Welcome

Welcome to Altitude Engineering & Surveying, Inc's blog (AE&S)!! We can't promise anything too exciting (after all, we are engineers and surveyors!), but we can promise that we'll offer a different perspective into the land development engineering industry and hopefully a perspective that is refreshing. Our company website is under development and should be fully updated within a couple of weeks. Please keep checking back.

....more to come from our crew at AE&S.....

Oh yeah, almost forgot, GO ROCKIES!!