Starting a design business
Starting a design business
(OP)
Hey guys,
I am in my penultimate year of my Mechanical engineering degree. I am particularly enjoying my HVAC and thermodynamics subjects and is probably the only section that I really like doing. I actually find the subjects fun.
Now upon graduating, I hope to work as a HVAC designer for a company for 5-10years to gain vital industry experience. However after this I would like to run my own operation. I have no idea about how the HVAC industry works, but here is a description of what I would like to do.
A client/customer who needs an air conditioning or heating system for an existing building or one that is being designed comes to me, I do all the calculations, design layout of ducts, choose all components (from a manufacturers catalogue). However I do not do the installation, maintenance or repairs to the system. Would I be able to start a business that does only that, or does an engineering firm have to be responsible for coordinating installation and repairs?
Sorry if this is a silly question, I just want to gain an understanding of how industry works!
I am in my penultimate year of my Mechanical engineering degree. I am particularly enjoying my HVAC and thermodynamics subjects and is probably the only section that I really like doing. I actually find the subjects fun.
Now upon graduating, I hope to work as a HVAC designer for a company for 5-10years to gain vital industry experience. However after this I would like to run my own operation. I have no idea about how the HVAC industry works, but here is a description of what I would like to do.
A client/customer who needs an air conditioning or heating system for an existing building or one that is being designed comes to me, I do all the calculations, design layout of ducts, choose all components (from a manufacturers catalogue). However I do not do the installation, maintenance or repairs to the system. Would I be able to start a business that does only that, or does an engineering firm have to be responsible for coordinating installation and repairs?
Sorry if this is a silly question, I just want to gain an understanding of how industry works!
RE: Starting a design business
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Starting a design business
HVAC, like most building contracting, is very competitive and commoditized. It will challenge your business talents far more than your engineering skills.
If you are indeed truly gifted at thermodynamics, you can set your sights much higher than HVAC contracting. There are far bigger challenges out there than counting BTUs. The power generation comes to mind. If you really want your thermo chops to grow a pair, try the navy nuclear program as an officer.
RE: Starting a design business
Congrats on finishing up the MechE, wish you luck on your final term in school. Look at this guys site. He has lots of good information and design examples for hvac types.
http://www.tedvollers.com/
RE: Starting a design business
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Starting a design business
You will not be in the money - i.e. no direct relation between you and the real client (the building owner).
Your client will be the cheap architect who does not pay his subs (architetcs are notorious for not paying at all or paying really late).
When someone needs a building, he looks for an architect, not for an HVAC engineer. You will always be begging for work from architects. That is NOT fun at all. Imagine, you will be working for those in your class who could not be accepted to any engineering school when you came out of high school.
If I were you, I'd look into that power generation thing suggested to you by TICK.
I've been in HVAC for over 20 years, and I am still unable to recommend this trade to anyone.
RE: Starting a design business
In my opinion the engineering societies, and State Boards of registration have done a very poor job of properly supporting the image and needs of engineers.
RE: Starting a design business
Expect the unexpected.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Starting a design business
You mean like wanting power outlets halfway up a glass wall? Oh, and let's not forget the requirement that no wires should show...
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Starting a design business
Isn't Engineering fun?
I wish there was a barf emoticon... Keith?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering