Design Consultancy & Value Engineering | BrickBolt

Design Consultancy & Value Engineering

The Challenge

Engineer teams, design firms, and project stakeholders often face:

• Design Optimization – achieving performance while controlling costs
• Value Engineering Opportunities – identifying redundancies and alternative material strategies
• Constructability Risks – designs that are theoretically sound but field-challenging
• Code Compliance Verification – ensuring designs meet all applicable standards
• Multi-discipline Coordination – resolving conflicts between structural, MEP, and architectural intent
• Schedule & Cost Pressures – delivering solutions that satisfy tight constraints
• Risk Management – de-risking delivery through early peer review

Independent expert consultancy identifies optimization opportunities, reduces delivery risk, and ensures robust, buildable designs.

Our Solution

BrickBolt provides independent design consultancy and value engineering to optimize projects across cost, schedule, and constructability. We deliver:

• Design Reviews & Peer Checks – independent validation of designs against standards and best practices
• Value Engineering – material and construction method optimization to reduce cost
• Constructability Input – practical guidance for smoother on-site execution
• Code Compliance Review – verification across building codes and industry standards
• Multi-Discipline Coordination – resolving structural-MEP-architectural conflicts
• Cost & Schedule Optimization – identifying efficiency opportunities without compromising quality

Detailed Capabilities

Design Review & Peer Checking

Structural Design Validation:

• Complete review of calculations, assumptions, and load cases
• Verification against applicable codes (AISC, Eurocodes, IBC, IS standards)
• Connection design adequacy and constructability assessment
• Material efficiency and member sizing optimization
• Research of alternative design approaches and best practices
• Identification of risks and mitigation strategies

Interdisciplinary Coordination:

• Structural-MEP coordination between building core, equipment loads, and routing
• Architectural-structural alignment on aesthetic and functional intent
• Foundation-MEP-landscape integration for site development
• Cumulative load and constraint analysis across disciplines
• Conflict identification and resolution strategies

Robustness & Resilience Review:

• Risk scenario analysis for extreme events (wind, seismic, flooding)
• Single-point-of-failure identification and mitigation
• Redundancy and ductility verification
• Durability and lifecycle cost analysis
• Maintenance accessibility and serviceability assessment

Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

Material Efficiency Analysis:

• Member sizing rationalization – identifying oversized elements
• Span and grid optimization – shorter spans vs. cost-effective depths
• Connection simplification – standard vs. specialist connections
• Sequence optimization – identifying fast-track opportunities
• Alternative material strategies – concrete vs. steel trade-offs

Construction Method Optimization:

• Modularization opportunities – pre-fabrication and assembly efficiency
• Temporary works cost reduction – eliminating unnecessary shoring or bracing
• Erection sequence – optimizing crane time and labor deployment
• Material sourcing – leveraging procurement leverage and supplier capability
• Schedule compression – identifying critical path and accelerating activities

Constructability Enhancement:

• Detailing for fabrication – shop-friendly connection and assembly design
• Tolerances and fit – realistic specifications for field conditions
• Access and logistics – staging areas, material flow, equipment deployment
• Safety integration – eliminating hazardous construction sequences
• Quality and inspectability – clear specifications for verification

Standards & Compliance Verification

Building Codes Review:

• IBC, Building Regulations, or local code compliance
• Wind, seismic, dead/live load requirements verification
• Fire rating and egress requirements
• Accessibility and universal design compliance
• Hazardous location or specialized occupancy requirements

Industry Standards:

• AISC, Eurocodes, IS standards alignment
• Sector-specific standards (API, ASME, DNV, PIP for industrial)
• Material and product technical data verification
• Installation and workmanship standard alignment
• Professional indemnity insurance requirements

Specialized Compliance:

• Seismic design verification and damping system review
• Wind tunnel study interpretation and structural response
• Soil-structure interaction and geotechnical coordination
• Flood resilience and climate adaptation compliance
• Heritage and conservation area constraints

Industries & Sectors

Industrial & Commercial:

• Oil & gas facilities and infrastructure
• Power generation and utility projects
• Manufacturing and processing facilities
• Warehouse and distribution centers
• Data centers and mission-critical infrastructure

Residential & Mixed-Use:

• Multi-family residential developments
• Mixed-use commercial/residential complexes
• Hotel and hospitality projects
• Student housing and institutional facilities

Infrastructure & Specialized:

• Bridge and transportation structures
• Water and waste treatment facilities
• Utility and telecommunications towers
• Sports and entertainment venues
• Heritage building adaptations

Software & Analysis Tools

• FEA Modelling: SAP2000, ETABS, STAAD.Pro, Autodesk Robot
• Code Checking: Specialized design software for AISC, Eurocodes, IBC verification
• Cost Optimization: Quantity takeoffs, material pricing, schedule analysis
• Visualization: 3D modelling for coordination and constructability review
• Documentation: Detailed reports with findings and recommendations

Consultancy Process

1. Scope Definition – Understand design status, review objectives, specific concerns
2. Design Documentation Review – Structural calculations, drawings, specifications
3. Analysis & Assessment – Detailed review, testing of assumptions, optimization opportunities
4. Stakeholder Consultation – Discussions with design team, contractors, owners
5. Findings & Recommendations – Detailed report with prioritized value opportunities
6. Implementation Support – Guiding design modifications, verification of improved design

Why Choose BrickBolt for Consultancy

• Independent Perspective – Objective assessment without internal politics or constraints
• Broad Experience – 50+ projects across sectors, codes, and geographies
• Multi-Discipline Expertise – Structural, civil, and coordination proficiency
• Constructability Focus – Practical validation for field reality, not just theory
• Value Creation – Optimization that improves cost and schedule without risk
• Risk Mitigation – Early identification of issues prevents expensive rework

Real-World Example: Pipe Rack Value Engineering

A major EPC contractor received a pipe rack design from a design consultancy. Cost estimates came in 15% over budget with a 12-week fabrication timeline.

BrickBolt’s value engineering review:

• Identified oversized members in non-critical load paths
• Rationalized connection details to standard bolted connections
• Optimized foundation loads and embedded bolt coordination
• Suggested modular fabrication approach reducing lead time

Result: 12% cost reduction, 8-week fabrication timeline, improved constructability. Design validated for all codes and client requirements.

Ready to Optimize Your Project?

Whether you need a peer design review, value engineering opportunity identification, or constructability guidance, independent consultancy adds significant value to your project.

Request a consultation:

• Email: support@brickboltengineers.com
• Phone: +353 89 9819675
• What we need: Project scope, design status, review focus, budget/schedule constraints