More Than Construction | What are "Technical Services?"

If you work outside of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, the term “technical services” may not be familiar to you. In a nutshell, these services ensure facilities operate well.

It used to be that the architects and engineers who designed projects would be very hands-on during construction. Not only did they design the buildings and their systems, they commissioned them as well. Over the last 30 years or so, the industry evolved to where those folks are more focused on design and building commissioning has become an industry within an industry.

Add to that the expectation that buildings be sustainable, and even more services popped up in that area and evolved into what, today, we call technical services. At ICS, our technical services team provides building commissioning, re-commissioning, energy audits, rebate opportunities, facility assessments, value engineering, and utility services.

Although ICS was founded in 2006, the technical services team started in 2014 when Dana Fontaine, Director of Technical Services, joined the firm. Dana has been active in the construction industry for over 30 years. “I came to ICS because I knew the people, and I had worked with them on several projects over the years,” he said, “I liked what they were doing and how they cared about their clients and their projects. They wanted to make a difference in the industry, and so did I. I knew I could bring value to their organization and help them get better results for their projects and their clients.”

GROWING THE TEAM

Building a strong team was the next step to growing this part of ICS’s portfolio. Dana said, “As I worked to find some of the best talent in the industry, I didn’t want to just focus on getting the best mechanical engineers or the best technicians – it had to be a well-rounded team.”

Now, our team includes degreed engineers, technicians, and Engineersin-Training that give us the edge needed to provide successful and professional technical services. Our team has diverse education, experience, and background - that’s what makes us the experts in the industry.

Fontaine said, “We have clients with problems that have been plaguing their facilities for years that other companies haven’t been able to figure out. So, when our diverse team is brought in, we’re able to successfully deliver solutions. For the whole team, it’s very gratifying.”

HOW OUR TEAM IMPACTS PROJECTS

Operating as an independent group within ICS, they provide critical quality control and assurance during the design phases of a project – solving building issues before systems are even installed, saving the clients both time and money. The team also assists with reviewing drawings, value engineering, and ensuring all building systems are designed to code and to the client’s expectations.

The team stays involved through design reviews, submittal reviews for equipment, construction observation, and installation verification. As each project progresses, they begin to transition into commissioning, utility monitoring, and energy benchmarking to set the facilities, and our clients, up for success as they transition into operating their new or improved facilities.

Fontaine said, “Our team can collectively solve the most complex building systems’ issues. What it comes down to is that we deliver solutions and we’re very proud to be a part of our clients’ journeys in facilities that run well.”

For more information about our Technical Services group, contact Dana Fontaine at dana.fontaine@ics-builds.com or 952-288-4880.