Eric Kley is a Project Manager in DBR’s Houston office, managing a team of engineers and coordinating with other consultants to deliver projects for our clients. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University and is an Engineer in Training (EIT). Eric has developed a wide range of project experience including industrial, schools, and government facilities. Eric is also an associate member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
In his free time, Eric enjoys barbecuing with friends and family, working in his vegetable garden, and exploring local breweries with his girlfriend. Eric is well known for being energized, positive, and a great communicator, which make him a valued leader at DBR.
Q&A with Eric:
Q: What is a project you have worked on that you are most proud of?
A: The most recent one that comes to mind is EPCO Beaumont Marine East control and maintenance buildings. This project was full of unique complexities. One significant challenge stemmed from the Owner’s request to avoid all roof penetrations. We achieved this by mounting all HVAC equipment at grade and by routing plumbing vents through the exterior walls. Additionally, to include all of the Owner’s program requirements, the mechanical and electrical rooms were required to make efficient use of space. The main electrical room in particular required careful coordination to allow N+1 redundancy of power distribution equipment in a tight space.
Q: What are some proven methodologies you have used to ensure DBR delivers projects that go above and beyond our client’s expectations?
A: I am a firm believer that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. The leadership at DBR has gone to great lengths to create dependable tools and processes to help project managers, such as quality control plans and project management plans. These tools are guides to help us plan the project with a schedule for deliverables, responsibilities for quality control, and sustainable design goals. Additionally, the project management plan prompts us to identify building codes, Owner’s standards, and past DBR projects that can be used for reference.
Q: What do you see as key opportunities in the near future and what have you found yourself focusing on most?
A: In the industrial and manufacturing sector we are starting to see clients asking for their facilities to be net zero ready. As energy codes become more stringent, building owners are attempting to future-proof their buildings. This can be a fine line to walk with ever-increasing construction costs, however, there are a few key areas where we can optimize the design without blowing through the budget. For example, by using a tandem approach of conventional HVAC with HVLS fans, we can increase the cooling set point and achieve a similar perceived temperature. By reducing the compressor energy and using marginal fan energy we can reduce the overall energy consumption of the HVAC system. We are also planning for future solar power on many of these projects.
