Real Time Revolution

Gas or all-electric? It sounds like a simple choice—but in multifamily design, it comes with major trade-offs.In this episode of Real Time Revolution, we break down the real differences between gas and all-electric systems in multifamily buildings—from cost and complexity to long-term flexibility and future trends. We also tackle common questions:Is one system more reliable?Is all-electric really the future?And what should developers and owners actually consider when making the call?If you’re designing, building, or investing in multifamily projects, this episode gives you a practical, real-world perspective on making the right choice for both today—and the future.

In this episode of Real Time Revolution, we dive into why electrical infrastructure in modern multifamily buildings is getting more complicated — and why that matters more than ever.From EV charging and all-electric design to utility requirements, future capacity, and long-term building performance, we break down how electrical planning impacts everything from daily operations to future upgrades. We also talk about why retrofitting later is rarely simple, how utility companies shape design decisions, and why investing in stronger electrical infrastructure early can help future-proof a building for years to come.If you work in multifamily design, development, or construction, this episode is a practical look at how today’s electrical decisions affect tomorrow’s building.

RFIs, change orders, and construction delays are often treated as inevitable parts of multifamily projects. In reality, many of these issues originate much earlier—during design.In this episode, we explore how thoughtful MEP engineering and early coordination can significantly reduce RFIs, change orders, and schedule disruptions once construction begins. From incomplete system coordination and unclear design intent to late utility coordination and repeated unit mistakes, we break down the most common drivers of construction-phase problems.We also discuss how experienced MEP teams approach multifamily design differently—focusing on early system strategy, repeatable solutions, and clear documentation that supports construction sequencing.If you’re an architect, developer, contractor, or engineer working on multifamily projects, this conversation highlights why the smoothest construction phases usually start with better decisions in design.Because in multifamily projects, less chaos in the field often begins with better coordination on the drawings.

Most multifamily projects don’t run into trouble because of bad design intent or lack of effort — they struggle because of coordination breakdowns that start early and compound fast.In this episode, we unpack the most common MEP coordination failures in multifamily projects, from late MEP involvement and shaft chaos to undersized electrical rooms, inconsistent unit layouts, and misplaced trust in BIM alone. We explain why repetition amplifies mistakes in multifamily buildings, how small disconnects turn into RFIs, change orders, and delays, and what proactive coordination actually looks like in practice.If you’ve ever been asked to “make it work,” wondered why issues keep repeating floor after floor, or dealt with coordination problems that surfaced far too late, this episode breaks down how to spot the risks early — and avoid them altogether.

In multifamily projects, construction costs are often locked in long before a project goes out to bid — and most teams don’t realize it until it’s too late.In this episode of Real Time Revolution, we break down how early MEP decisions around electrical service size, system selection, value engineering, and layout coordination can quietly determine whether a project runs smoothly or spirals into RFIs, change orders, and budget overruns. Through real project stories, we explain why small assumptions become massive problems in multifamily buildings — and how early MEP involvement helps teams avoid them.If you’ve ever been told to “make it work,” this episode explains why that mindset costs more than it saves.

Low MEP fees might feel like a win at the start of a project—but they rarely feel that way during construction.In this episode of Real Time Revolution, we break down what actually gets sacrificed when engineering fees are pushed too low, from reduced flexibility and coordination to increased RFIs, change orders, and delays. We dive into why MEP design should never be treated as a commodity, how this mindset especially impacts multifamily projects, and what project teams should be evaluating instead of just comparing numbers.If you’ve ever wondered why “saving money upfront” costs more later, this episode connects the dots.

Is hospitality experience overrated when it comes to multifamily design?In Season 3, Episode 2 of Real Time Revolution, we explore why assuming multifamily projects are “basically hotels” can lead to costly mistakes. From code requirements and metering differences to amenity overdesign and long-term operational risks, this episode breaks down where hospitality expertise helps—and where it can hurt.If you’re an owner, architect, or developer navigating multifamily projects, this conversation will help you ask better questions, spot red flags early, and choose the right experience for the job.

Season 3 starts with a bold statement—and we’re not backing down.In this episode, we tackle a common (and costly) misconception in the AEC industry: MEP is not a subconsultant. From blurred roles and undervalued expertise to coordination challenges and project risk, we break down why this mindset persists and how it impacts schedules, budgets, and outcomes.We’ll talk about where the confusion comes from, what MEP engineers actually bring to the table, and how better collaboration starts with changing the conversation. Whether you’re an owner, architect, contractor, or engineer, this episode sets the tone for smarter teamwork and more successful projects.Let’s reset expectations—and start Season 3 the right way.

Getting your first MEP project can feel like trying to crash an invite-only club where everyone already knows the bouncer. You’ve got the skills—but without a big portfolio or fancy client list, the real challenge isn’t talent… it’s trust.In this episode, we’re breaking down how to hustle smart—not desperate. From building credibility and finding your first client to turning that one opportunity into long-term growth, we’ll show you how to make your mark in the MEP world (no secret handshake required).

Multifamily electrical design is more than just pulling circuits and lighting up rooms.It’s about designing safe, reliable, and efficient systems, all while staying within budget.Unlike single-family homes, multifamily buildings present unique challenges. It’s easy to make mistakes—some minor, others costly enough to delay projects, fail inspections, or require major rework. In this podcast, we break down the most common electrical design mistakes in multifamily projects and offer practical insights to help you avoid them from the start. 

When you've never heard of or worked with a recruiter before, it's something that can be hard to grasp. Why pay someone else to look for a candidate when you could do it yourself?!In this week's podcast, Chris and Clarrissa welcome Kathleen Quinn Votaw as their first-ever guest. As the owner and founder of Talentrust, she talks with us about recruiting, retaining employees, and the behind-the-scenes work that her team does to ensure your next hire will stick around for years to come!

Nowadays, energy efficiency is more than a buzzword—it's a design imperative. With rising utility costs, evolving building codes, and increasing tenant demand for sustainable living, energy-efficient electrical design is no longer a luxury for multifamily developments—it's a necessity. In this week's podcast, we'll explore key strategies for integrating energy-efficient technologies into multifamily electrical design, their benefits, and how to maximize their long-term return on investment (ROI) for developers, owners, and tenants.

One of the most underrated and impactful ways to retain top talent in the MEP engineering world is through professional development.Engineers are naturally curious, analytical, and driven to improve their skills. When employers invest in their personal and professional growth, employees feel valued, motivated, and connected to the firm's future. In this week's podcast, we'll explore the role of professional development in employee retention, the benefits it brings to your firm, and practical strategies you can implement to support your team's growth.

In the high-demand world of MEP engineering, retaining top talent is one of the biggest challenges small and mid-sized firms face. The industry is growing, the labor market is tight, and skilled engineers have more options than ever. That's why competitive compensation and benefits are no longer optional—they're essential.Firms that offer attractive salary packages, meaningful benefits, and flexible work arrangements have a significant edge in attracting and retaining high-performing employees. In this week's podcast, we'll explore why compensation matters, what benefits move the needle, and how small MEP firms can stay competitive without breaking the bank.

Building a successful MEP firm is about more than securing projects and delivering high-quality engineering—it’s about people. In a small MEP firm, every hire matters. Each team member makes a significant contribution to your culture, workflow, and client experience. Hiring the right talent isn’t just a task—it’s a strategic move that can define the future of your business.In this week's podcast, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hiring for a small MEP firm, from sourcing skilled engineers to fostering a collaborative, team-driven culture that supports growth and retention.

Running a small MEP engineering firm is no easy task. When you’re trying to grow, stay competitive, and keep projects moving on tight timelines, you need tools that save time, reduce errors, and increase profitability.The right software can make all the difference.In this podcast, we’ll explore top software tools for small MEP businesses that can help you operate like a much larger firm, without the overhead.

Designing electrical systems for multifamily buildings requires a deep understanding of National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatoryapproval. Whether you’re working on an apartment complex, condominiums, or a mixed-use development, adhering to NEC guidelines is crucial to avoiding costly redesigns, failed inspections, or legal complications.This week, we will break down the key NEC requirements for multifamily buildings, discuss common pitfalls, and provide best practices to streamline compliance during design and construction.

The success of an MEP engineering firm isn’t just about delivering high-quality designs—it’s also about keepin your employees engaged. Creating an attractive company culture is crucial for keeping employees motivated, engaged, and committed in the long term.In this week's podcast, we’ll explore building a strong company culture in the MEP industry by fostering a positive work environment, implementing mentorship programs, encouraging continuous learning, and cultivating a collaborative atmosphere.

In today's fast-paced world, finding and keeping the bestMEP engineering talent can feel impossible. But what if I told you that you could transform your firm into a magnet for top-tier engineers with the right recruitment strategy? In this week's blog, Chris will share the secrets to building a strong recruitment strategy to help you attract and keep the brightest minds in the MEP industry. And trust me, these strategies work. Let's dive in!

In today's competitive market, standing out as an MEP engineer requires more than just technical prowess—it calls for specialization. By identifying and focusing on a niche market such as hospitality, healthcare, or multifamily housing, you can differentiate yourself from competitors, build a strong reputation, and secure more targeted projects. Today, Chris explores how to find your niche in MEP engineering, the benefits of specialization, and practical steps to carve out your space in this dynamic field.

Transitioning from a large MEP firm to a smaller one can feel like stepping into a completely different world. This week, Chris breaks down the 5 surprising things you may not know about transitioning and how you can make your decision to move based on facts.

Starting a small MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineering business is a significant step toward building a rewarding career. With thoughtful planning and strategic execution, you can position your firm for success in a competitive industry. In today's podcast, Chris explains the key steps to starting your business and how adopting a Results-Based Workplace (RBW) culture can set you apart from the competition.

For business owners, personal challenges such as healthissues, family crises, or other life disruptions can deeply impact both their focus and the operation of their businesses. However, maintaining momentum during such times is crucial for personal resilience and business survival and growth. This week Chris talks about how you can stay focused and keep pushing your business forward during personal upheavals.

Navigating client relationships in the world of consultingengineering requires a nuanced approach. It's about fostering trust, ensuring clear communication, and delivering value consistently.This week Chris reveals his 6 keys to mastering client management and how following these six keys can ultimately lead to better client relationships and more projects.

When you design a building, you want it to be around for a long time. In order for it to be around for years to come and work efficiently during that time, you'll need to future-proof your design.Don't know what future-proofing is? Don't worry, we didn't either, but this week Chris breaks down all things future-proofing. What it is. Why you should do it. What it entails. Why doing it now can save the owner money. He even talks about how it can build confidence between you and clients and potentially lead to more work down the line.

Designing electrical systems for multifamily buildings in the United States involves a complex interplay of technical requirements, local regulations, and client needs. Whether you’re an engineer, developer, or project manager, understanding the challenges and opportunities of these projects is crucial. This week Chris tells us how you can stay relevant and compliant with your design.

How do you go from being an Electronic Warfare Tech in the Air Force to owning an Engineering firm? That's the journey Chris took to get him to where he is today. We're kicking off Season 2 with a bang! This week Chris discusses how his electrical engineering career began in a somewhat unconventional place and how he still relies on skills he learned in the Air Force during his work today.

In a constantly changing world, the key to success lies in mastering both your inner and outer worlds. Last time, we discussed taking action to achieve your vision. This week, Chris discusses how becoming ridiculously in charge can cultivate a mindset of leadership in your personal and professional life.

In a world that is always changing, the key to success lies in mastering both your inner and outer worlds.Last time we talked about adopting a warrior mindset. This week Chris talks about taking action and how it can ultimately lead to a life of fulfillment and success.

If your days have you feeling ruff then maybe it's time to adopt a warrior mindset and get your life back on track. You may not be trying to catch your tail but you may be trying to catch that coworker who wants the same promotion you do, or you might be trying to wipe away your old self in the mirror and find someone new. This week, Chris talks about how you can start cultivating a warrior mindset to help you win your days, weeks, months, and years.

Do you work at a large corporation and wonder what it would be like to work for a small company? Or do you work for a small company and wonder what it's like at the big businesses? This week Chris breaks down the differences between working for a big company and a small company and how you can make the decision easier for yourself based on your values.

We got the chance to have our entire team in the Las Vegas office at one time and we're introducing you to some of them over the next two weeks! This week we introduce you to Christopher "Levi" Jones, the third tallest person in the office, dirt biker extraordinaire, and the go-to man for Mechanical. You won't want to miss it!

We got the chance to have our entire team in the Las Vegas office at one time and we're introducing you to some of them over the next two weeks! This week we introduce you to Kristen Butler, time travel queen, shortest person in the office, and the one who will fight you to the death for your job. You won't want to miss it!

We got the chance to have our entire team in the Las Vegas office at one time and we're introducing you to some of them over the next two weeks! This week we introduce you to Rachel Defouri, Director of Production, organization queen, newlywed, and Project Management perfectionist. You won't want to miss it!

We got the chance to have our entire team in the Las Vegas office at one time and we're introducing you to some of them over the next two weeks! This week we introduce you to Zakary Bondy, new dad, singer/drummer boy, Mechanical aficionado, and the leader you want in your corner. You won't want to miss it!

We got the chance to have our entire team in the Las Vegas office at one time and we're introducing you to some of them over the next two weeks! This week we introduce you to Justin Lovett, the Star Wars fanatic, the son of the business owner, the dog dad extraordinaire, and the one who could win a "who looks the most like Chris" contest. You won't want to miss it!

We got the chance to have our entire team in the Las Vegas office at one time and we're introducing you to some of them over the next two weeks! This week we introduce you to Derek Thornhill, an automotive expert, the office handyman, the one who is always laughing, and one of the nicest people you will meet. You won't want to miss it!

Giving feedback is easy, but it's not so easy to accept. Are the haters getting you down? This week Chris gives you some tips on how to take the criticism thrown your way, whether constructive or not, and turn it into a positive to help you grow.

Anyone can own a business, but what makes your business stand out from all the rest? What are the three things your company does differently that will keep it running for years to come instead of pointing clients away? This week Chris discusses (R)evolution Engineering's unique abilities, how one could be a detriment to the business, and gives you an idea of how to figure out your business's unique attributes.

Keeping your team motivated isn't an easy task, especially when the workload increases and they are flooded with work to do. This week Chris tells us the top 3 things he does to keep his team motivated and moving toward the same goal.

Have you ever had a boss and thought "When I'm a manager one day, I won't be like them!" You always remember the things bad bosses do, but was there ever a manager you wanted to be like because they did great things? This week we talk about how to become a great leader that people will want to follow!

Hiring is never an easy process, especially in a post-COVID world. This week we discuss the changes in hiring since 2020 and how you can make sure you are picking the right people for the right seats in your organization.

As a new manager, you don't get all the training you need when it comes to having hard conversations with people, including people you used to work alongside and potentially became your friend. In this week's episode, we talk about how to navigate those hard conversations and still keep your friendships. We also discuss how it can impact your life outside of work and how you can push past the discomfort to get more confident when having those hard talks.

Owning a business isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Sometimes people leave and it causes a moment of panic and chaos throughout the company. (R)evolution Engineering is currently in a phase of transition and growth as we let go of some employees and gain new people who are helping to steer the ship back in the right direction. This week we're talking about how our team is weathering the storm until the clouds part and we can get the right people in the right seats to continue pushing us forward.

Whether it's in the AEC industry or working in a kitchen, the perfect project does not exist. At least according to Chris. Some projects go well, and they all have a few things in common. This week we talk about what you can do to help a project go according to plan and how to get back on track when things to sideways.

Dreams often mimic reality. That's not always the case for Chris, but they do often have meanings that mimic his reality. Do you feel overwhelmed or out of control, and have dreams about water? So does Chris, but this week he tells us how you can overcome those feelings and take control of your life.

Do you ever get FOMO? Opportunities can come in many ways. The biggest challenge is finding which opportunity is right for you. So, how do you find the right one to avoid FOMO by listening to this week's episode!

Make no mistake about it. Life is difficult. The big question is: How do I overcome these challenges? What can I do to push past these obstacles in my life? This week we talk about how you can handle challenges and push past them to turn them into something good in your life. Listen to Chris on BLN Podcast here: https://sites.libsyn.com/414512/site/christopher-lovett

Ethics in our industry are often described as how we treat our clients. Did we give them a fair price? A safe and viable design? Honest in our conversations with them? We forget that professional ethics extend to our colleagues, vendors, employees, and our community as a whole.  This week we talk about how you can stick to your ethical code while remaining competitive.

Every great hero, and heroic team, has an origin story. Batman had his parents murdered before his eyes. Superman’s planet was destroyed, and his parents sent him to Earth an orphan. Deadpool was a lethal assassin diagnosed with cancer with a face like an old avocado due to a government experiment gone awry. Revolution is no different. Well, except for death, destruction, and avocados. Tune in to learn more about how Revolution Engineering got its start and where it is going in the future!