Professional Engineering That Supports Your Vision
Through thoughtful engineering and creative design, our award-winning engineers find forward-thinking solutions to bring the most complex projects to life. Find out why we’re Utah’s top professional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) Engineering Firm. Get started on your next project today.
For engineering projects big and small, our team is the most trusted source for expert engineering knowledge and experience in Utah and across the Intermountain West. Browse our professional engineering services to see what VBFA can do for you.
With versatile skills and diverse specialties, our mechanical engineers offer solutions for HVAC and plumbing systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and more.
Electrical Engineering
Experts in electrical equipment and design, our electrical engineers solve complex problems in power systems, telecommunications, utility coordination, and much more.
Lighting Engineers
We develop comprehensive lighting solutions that enhance architectural design and employ the latest technology for superior innovation and efficiency.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering team is experienced in creating the infrastructure – like flood control, road design, and earthwork – to support new municipal or private projects throughout the West.
Building Commissioning
We'll handle quality control for your project by ensuring the design and construction meet critical engineering standards for safety and performance.
Fire Protection Engineering
Our highly-specialized fire safety engineering team designs solutions to reduce the risk of fire, while helping to analyze and reduce fire-related risk with your current structure.
Geothermal Engineers
VBFA is one of the few engineering firms with extensive experience in these innovative HVAC systems, allowing us to introduce greater efficiency and lower maintenance to your project.
Refrigeration Engineering
To implement and manage large-scale refrigeration systems the right way, you need effective engineering solutions built on years of experience. Our team understands design requirements inside and out, from evaporators to cooling towers.
Business Information Modeling (BIM)
Our ability to use Revit effectively saves time and money for our clients by solving problems early in the design phase, resulting in a substantial decrease in RFIs and change orders.
Energy Modeling
For upgrades to existing buildings or new construction, our early energy analysis can help you understand, edit, and improve the long-term energy implications of your design.
About Us
A Culture of Innovation Since 1972
After 50 years in the industry, we know just how important it is to never stop evolving. From every level of leadership, we foster an environment of quick problem-solving and continuous improvement, both of which have become hallmarks of the VBFA identity. This commitment to progress is what allows our team to step up and deliver impressive and unconventional projects other firms can’t. Thanks to the creativity and courage of our newest generation of engineering professionals, we are sustaining the hard-earned VBFA legacy as a prominent industry leader.
“We pursue new and innovative technology-driven engineering strategies, and remain on the forefront of energy efficient design, including LEED, Net Zero, and Zero Carbon building standards.”
– Wade Bennion, Principal
We Work With the Best
From healthcare, education, and sports to arts and culture, hospitality, and places of worship, we design projects for some of the region’s most recognized and respected organizations.
Engineering Projects
Explore Our Portfolio
Whether they are around the corner or across the world, these noteworthy projects give a closer look at the varied capability and creativity of the VBFA team.
We see our talented team as our greatest asset, and so we treat each member that way. When you join our firm, you’ll find the support to achieve even your most ambitious career goals. We’re proud that many on the VBFA team have a 10+ year tenure in the firm, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our employees’ satisfaction and professional fulfillment. If you’re looking to work on unique projects with an accomplished team, VBFA is the right place for you.
Lewis (Wong) can easily communicate to clients and is very knowledgeable about electrical engineering. He is always willing to brainstorm creative ways to meet budgets and schedules on projects. He is considerate of the client’s budget and works hard to make the project successful.
– Stacy Hamm, UVU
The creation of a healing environment excels when there is an integrated team to push boundaries and challenge everyone to strive to do better. Since 2000 I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Jeff on nearly a dozen such healing environments in Utah. Jeff has proven to be an instrumental leader and collaborator in the creation of environments that reflect the community in which they serve and stand the test of time.
– Todd Tierney, HDR
For many years VBFA has been a vital part of Intermountain Healthcare’s design team. Their rich experience combined with an expert’s eye for engineering detail have helped deliver state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in the communities we serve throughout Utah. When challenges arise, as they inevitably do in large and complex projects, VBFA has been instrumental in helping us find and resolve the causes.
– John Ellis, Intermountain Health
VBFA was chosen for the job because of their reputation for excellent service and quality work. Throughout the project, from concept through construction documents and final punch, I was quite satisfied with our decision to work with VBFA.
– Florence Hawkinson
I appreciate the engineering skills of Jeff Watkins and David Baranowski and their VBFA teams and their ability to provide constant and timely input to the design and construction team. Precision engineering expertise and systems were both critical to the success of our project and the team delivered.
– Russ L. Bachmeier, AIA
One of the most remarkable features in the building (Syracuse High School) is the geothermal heating and cooling systems. This is one of the largest projects that has used the thermal mass of the earth to heat and cool the building. This is a very efficient system that results in significant energy savings.
– Dennis Forbush, Hogan and Associates
VBFA was a very important team member, of a very successful design of one of the most uniquely designed theatres in the world…They helped to provide a constant “actor” in every play, which is the building and its systems that in so many ways participate in every production.
– Lyle Beecher, AIA
VBFA provided insightful, practical, creative, and responsible design to each of their disciplines from concept phases through construction documents, always in support of our architectural design objectives.
– Stephen Dayton
I personally appreciate VBFA’s expertise and teamwork. For twenty-five years this team has been my first choice mechanical consultant, and they have continued to push the envelope of what is possible in mechanical systems design.
– Jeanne Jackson, VCBO Architecture
Jeff (Watkins) has always been a very technically sound and trained engineer and has been an amazing partner in helping us solve some very complicated projects and situations. His attention to detail and knowledge of our buildings and their systems is crucial to the success of treating thousands of patients safely and effectively.
– Jerry North, U Health
Jake (Beck) demonstrates skill levels in engineering, problem solving, and interpersonal relationships generally evident in engineers with many more years’ experience. We recently worked together on two Net Zero Energy fire stations for Salt Lake City. These award-winning fire stations are the first two Net Zero Energy fire stations in the United States, and we are proud of that accomplishment and thankful for Jake’s role in our success.
– Brian Backe, AIA
Jared (Smith) is an integral and invaluable component of the design/construction team. His ability to visualize and address complex mechanical issues/assessments/solutions in an expeditious manner has proven his capabilities beyond his years.
– Gary Lukaszewski, HDR
Scot (Muir) is knowledgeable, efficient, and trustworthy in his design and management of his mechanical engineering team. He has always met timeline schedules, been respectful of budget constraints while providing innovative mechanical designs and is an eager participant during value engineering or problem solving if needed.
– Mike Vela, AIA
Energy costs are monitored very closely by the Davis School District. Money saved in energy costs goes directly back into the classroom. At the same time, school buildings must be comfortable for student learning to be at its peak. Wade Bennion has been very successful balancing between comfort and energy efficiency. He is an integral team member with the District. Due to Wade’s leadership, the District regularly uses, with great success, several innovative HVAC systems such as, ground source heat pumps, thermal air displacement, and indirect evaporative cooling in many buildings.
– Bryan Turner, FAIA
VBFCx took their responsibility as Owner’s Representative to heart. We were kept in the loop through the whole process and their persistent communication with the entire team is key to the success of the project today.
– Weston Weeks, Davis School District
You can and should choose a commissioning team based on evidence of performance, and I whole-heartedly recommend VBFCx. I’ve had the good fortune to work with them on projects with significant size, scope, and complexity, projects like Adobe Phase II and the Rehabilitation Hospital at the University of Utah, and their constant and proactive presence contributes to our success.
– Ron Keller, Okland Construction
Our Blog
Recent Stories & Events
There’s always something new happening with the inspiring people and projects at VBFA.
Article Originally Written and Posted By PRNewswire.com. To view the original article, please click here: Proton Therapy Opens in Utah The new Proton Therapy Center at the Huntsman Cancer Institute…
By Elizabeth Currey, of VBFA. This article was written for Reflexion AIA Utah Magazine. As the subject of sustainability has become increasingly prevalent throughout governments, businesses, and communities, the question…
By Brad Fullmer, of Utah Construction and Design. This article was written by Utah Construction and Design, who gave permission to VBFA to post this article. When J. Howard Van…
Engineering is using scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items. There are several types of engineering: structural, civil, mechanical, industrial, and more which all use science and mathematics to develop bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings.
Engineers are professionals who invent, design, analyze, build, and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets, and materials. Engineers are hired by engineering firms to develop innovative methods and construct components and systems that will fulfill functional objectives while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, regulation, safety, and cost.
Systems engineering combines science, mathematics, and engineering principles and competencies. Systems engineering work affects virtually all industries — from healthcare and manufacturing to retail and transportation. All these industries rely on well-functioning systems for problem-solving and to facilitate operations.
MEP engineering is often associated with building design and stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering. With relevance to these three elements, MEP engineering encompasses building planning, design, and management before construction.
An MEP engineer is a professional who designs and oversees the construction of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in buildings. These Professionals are responsible for ensuring that all systems associated with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling), lighting, power distribution, energy efficiency, plumbing, drainage, and more are installed correctly. They must also meet all safety codes and regulations, and meet the requirements of the building owner and architect.