Like so many industries throughout the world, the construction sector has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, as lawmakers begin to slowly ease lockdown restrictions and the public attempts to coexist with the virus – we must remain vigilant about adhering to safety measures on construction job sites in order to prevent […]
As 2019 came to a close, leading economists predicted that the growth within the U.S. architecture, engineering and construction industry, while modest, would be steady in 2020. Fast forward to May 2020 and those predictions look a bit different. According to Dodge Data and Analytics, contractors across the globe, not just the U.S., are girding […]
With strict travel restrictions in place throughout the world because of the on-going spread of COVID-19, the VP Engineering team has been grounded for a large portion of last month. All non-essential travel has been suspended until further notice. Needless to say, it’s been an adjustment for us, just as it has for so many […]
On the surface, the components comprising commercial and residential mechanical engineering design, electrical engineering design and plumbing engineering design (MEP) appear similar. Whether the scope consists of an architecturally creative design, retro-fit work, a complex renovation or upgrades to an existing system, the two specialties both must adhere to strict building regulations. However, this is […]
In 1999, director and creator Mike Judge released Office Space – a cinematic satire of corporate America that anyone who’s ever worked in an office may – unfortunately — be able to relate to. It follows Peter Gibbons, a thoroughly frustrated office employee who loathes his job and the cubicle in which he is forced […]
Most of us are familiar with the story of the Pilgrims. In September 1620, nearly 100 people set sail from England on the Mayflower. They traveled on uncharted waters, determined to find religious freedom in the New World. Rough seas and storms impeded their journey, forcing them to change course and sail for present-day Massachusetts. After […]
During this time of year, being frightened is expected; at times, maybe even welcomed if the encounter results in a chocolate-covered treat. What isn’t welcomed, however, is the horror of opening your mailbox only to find unexpectedly high utility bills awaiting you. The question is how can you avoid this Halloween worthy fright-fest? The answer […]
My parents immigrated to the United States from Greece in the 50’s and 60’s and made Charlotte, NC their new home. As a child, I travelled to the old country often, visiting the family and friends that still lived there. I continue that tradition today with own family — most recently travelling to Greece this […]
The use of LED lights in electrical design has improved a lot over the decades. In 1879, Thomas Edison introduced the first commercially available incandescent bulb to the masses. In the decades that followed, lighting options remained fairly unchanged until 1962 when General Electric’s Nick Holonyak Jr. invented the first light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Today […]
By Kosta Pappas Whether for work or family, we travel a lot here at VP, so much so we’ve created a blog series titled “Travels with VP” that reflect on our adventures — whether it’s as simple as a recommendation for a brewery with a great IPA on tap or the exploration of a MEP-related […]