Design/Build
From a fast-track tenant fit-out to an $8 million cogeneration facility, Walton has the Mechanical Engineering expertise to provide our customers a complete project within budget constraints and schedule requirements. Utilizing a Design/Build approach to the installation of your mechanical systems, Walton’s staff of Professional Engineers, Mechanical Designers, and CAD Draftsmen will work with you to customize your HVAC, Plumbing, and Process Piping projects ensuring a complete design along with proper coordination in the field with Walton’s Construction Services Group. Changes to the scope can be accomplished seamlessly “in-house,” eliminating schedule delays and impact costs. Licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia, Walton can also provide computerized energy usage calculations and return on investment (ROI) analysis, green and alternative energy designs and LEED certification, Internet-based DDC automatic temperature control systems, and AutoCAD drawings that will assist in the coordination of other trades work including electrical and fire protection.
Facets of Design/Build
Collaborative Planning & Engineering
With in-house or partnered engineering teams, mechanical contractors engage early in the project. This allows them to provide expert input, ensure feasibility, and align design with installation best practices.
Value Engineering
Design/Build supports continuous value analysis. Contractors can suggest cost-effective alternatives, materials, and designs that improve system performance while keeping the budget in check.
Streamlined Communication & Accountability
Owners benefit from a single point of contact, reducing friction and miscommunication between designer and builder. Accountability is clear, which minimizes delays and disputes.
Cost & Schedule Control
By integrating design and construction, project budgets are established early. Contractors can plan phases in advance, helping to fast-track construction and avoid change orders.
Constructability Reviews
During the design phase, experienced construction teams review the plans to ensure they are buildable, safe, and efficient. This reduces costly revisions later in the process.
Prefabrication & Modular Integration
Mechanical systems can be designed with prefabrication in mind, allowing for assembly in controlled environments. This saves time on site, improves safety, and enhances quality.
BIM & VDC Utilization
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) are critical tools in Design/Build. They help coordinate systems, detect clashes, and support facility management after completion.
Commissioning & Turnover Support
Design/Build teams stay involved through testing and balancing, controls coordination, and documentation handoff. This ensures systems perform as intended on day one.
Post-Construction Support
Many contractors offer service and maintenance agreements, with access to as-builts and O&M documentation. Long-term support is a key benefit of the Design/Build relationship.
Design/Build is more than a method—it's a mindset that brings together innovation, collaboration, and execution. It's how modern mechanical contractors deliver smarter, more efficient buildings.
How a Complete Design/Build Department Helps Customers
Single Source of Responsibility
With one team handling both the design and installation of mechanical systems, there’s no confusion about who’s accountable. This eliminates finger-pointing and accelerates problem-solving.
Faster Project Delivery
Design and construction happen concurrently instead of sequentially. This reduces overall project timelines and allows for fast-tracking when needed—ideal for time-sensitive builds or renovations.
Cost Predictability & Budget Control
The in-house team can lock in accurate budgets early in the process with less risk of change orders. They’re building to their own designs, which cuts out costly interpretation errors.
Design That Works in the Field
Designers collaborate with field experts from day one, ensuring that what’s drawn on paper can be built efficiently and cost-effectively. You get practical, constructible solutions—not just theoretical ones.
Enhanced Collaboration
The Design/Build model fosters a team mindset. Everyone—engineers, estimators, project managers, and foremen—works toward the same goal, improving transparency and project harmony.
Prefabrication Opportunities
Having the design in-house allows for systems to be created with prefabrication in mind—saving time, improving safety, and delivering higher quality control.
Improved System Performance
Mechanical contractors who design their own systems are more likely to focus on efficiency, serviceability, and long-term performance. They build with operations in mind, not just code compliance.
Early Value Engineering
Contractors can suggest better materials, routing options, or energy-saving systems from the beginning—before the design is finalized—so you benefit from smarter decisions upfront.
Reduced Risk
With less dependence on third-party consultants, there’s less chance of miscommunication, coordination errors, or incompatible systems. The team owns both the vision and execution.
Jeremy Shughart, P.E.
Director of Engineering
Jeremy Shughart, P.E., is the Director of Engineering at Walton & Company and a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and brings more than 24 years of experience in mechanical design and project management across commercial, industrial, government, and educational sectors.
Known for his innovative problem-solving and energy efficiency expertise, Jeremy has led major initiatives such as an energy savings program at Virginia Commonwealth University and a chilled water study at the Pentagon. His work spans HVAC and plumbing design, commissioning, and developing sustainable mechanical solutions that align with client goals.
In 2025, Jeremy stepped into the role of Director of Engineering, continuing Walton & Company’s legacy of quality and collaboration. Outside of work, he enjoys hands-on projects with his family and once had the unique experience of being in the eye of a hurricane while on vacation.