Project Overview

Designed and coordinated the electrical systems for the renovation of two floors within a four-story, 50,000-square-foot office building in Groton, CT. The project involved the removal of plant steam connections to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, implementing heavy electrification to modernize the facility. New rooftop mechanical equipment was installed for heating and cooling, requiring careful power distribution planning. The renovation aimed to meet the client’s current and future workspace needs while aligning with global corporate standards.

Role & Responsibilities

🔹 Power Distribution & Electrification – Evaluated the existing electrical infrastructure and determined that the basement substation had sufficient capacity to support full electrification. Reused existing panelboards where feasible and provided new feeders for rooftop HVAC equipment.
🔹 Lighting & Controls – Designed and integrated energy-efficient lighting systems, including daylight sensors and open-office space controls, ensuring compliance with client workspace standards.
🔹 Fire Alarm & Life Safety – Designed fire alarm system modifications to accommodate the renovated layout while maintaining code compliance.
🔹 AV & IT Infrastructure – Coordinated late-stage AV system design with vendors to align with global company standards for power, data, and audiovisual infrastructure.
🔹 Rooftop Equipment Coordination – Worked within strict spatial constraints to accommodate modular chiller systems, ensuring tight coordination with mechanical teams.

Key Challenges & Solutions

🔹 Late-Stage AV Vendor Coordination – The audiovisual system design was introduced late in the project, requiring rapid design adjustments.
✔ Solution: Accelerated design efforts and collaborated closely with vendors to integrate AV infrastructure without delaying the project schedule.

🔹 Limited Rooftop Space for HVAC Equipment – The available area for new modular chillers was highly constrained.
✔ Solution: Conducted detailed spatial coordination with mechanical engineers to optimize equipment placement while maintaining service clearances.

🔹 Global Standards Compliance – The client required strict adherence to corporate standards for lighting, power, and workspace infrastructure across multiple locations.
✔ Solution: Worked with regional offices to select lighting fixtures and reviewed designs with the client to ensure consistent aesthetics and performance.

Outcome & Impact

✅ Electrification strategy executed successfully – Removed plant steam connections and transitioned to a fully electrified HVAC system while verifying substation capacity.
✅ On-time project delivery – Met accelerated design timelines to accommodate late-stage AV coordination without impacting construction schedules.
✅ Efficient and future-ready workspace – Designed modern electrical and lighting systems that support flexible, energy-efficient office environments.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Looking for an electrical engineering partner for your next office renovation or electrification project? Let’s connect to discuss how NLS can support your project needs.

Office Renovation Electrical Design

(Groton, CT)