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Comprehensive Solutions. Personalized Approach.

No matter how big or small, ms consultants provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to each client and project. Through collaboration, our local architects, engineers, and planners provide custom solutions to meet your needs. As a leader both nationally and in local communities, we serve a variety of markets and project types, from architecture and design to engineering and planning.

See some of our work below.

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Michigan Solar 3rd Party Consultant Review

Michigan

Michigan Solar Consultant Review
American Heritage Farms
Brown Farm
Busy Bee Farms
Pletcher Family Trust
Stumpos Lane
Michigan Legislators want to meet their sustainable energy goals.
  • Site Layouts + Optimization
  • Permitting
  • Solar Production Analysis
  • Environmental
  • Site Selection
  • Interconnection
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Michigan passed legislation to expand the state’s Renewable Energy Standard. Under the new law, Michigan aims to achieve 100% clean energy statewide by 2040. Expanding and citing renewable energy resources, including solar, is key to hitting sustainability milestones. In alignment with this objective, and its own integrated resources plan, a local electric utility solicited a bid to acquire solar generation. A solar developer responding to this RFP asked our team to assess the feasibility of five potential projects in development. Our team’s assessments of these projects included several essential steps. 
Project Approach
To assess the feasibility of these five solar projects, the ms team used the SROPTC method developed by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratories) to identify any fatal flaws. This approach focuses on six factors: Site, Resources, Offtake, Permits, Team, and Capital (SROPTC). Our team assessed each site using this method to identify any issues that could impact the project’s ability to be constructed. A summary of the key services provided follows. 
Solar Production Analysis
Our team, in collaboration with a trusted engineering partner, conducted solar energy production studies at each of the five sites. Then, we used these studies in estimating the monthly average solar energy output, reviewing past and future solar irradiance, shading factors, and expected annual production at each location. The calculated values were used to validate the client’s anticipated output. 
Permit Requirements
Permits for solar facility construction vary by state, county, and depend on the size of the project. The team reviewed the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements for each solar project. Permits for demolition, construction, zoning, architectural compliance, and right-of-way access were identified. We compiled this information into a permit matrix to provide the client a single document outlining AHJ contact, review timeline, and required submittals for each anticipated permit.  
Site Selection Analysis
The team conducted a visual imagery to identify past and present land use. We viewed access to roadways, distance from buildings, and potential challenges from adjacent properties. Proximity to existing infrastructure was vital to ensure feasibility for transport of equipment and electrical interconnection. 
Environmental
Our team provided an environmental desktop review of the constraints that may restrict project development. These constraints included environmental and community factors such as wetlands and streams, threatened and endangered species, hazardous materials, and archeological and historical information. The team reviewed plans against available data to minimize disturbance or provide a mitigation strategy. 
Interconnection
Interconnection studies determine the effects of the injection of new energy generation on the existing electrical infrastructure. When solar power is generated at these sites, it will be added to the grid through the closest circuit. The additional source of energy may require upgrades to the current equipment in the area. The team reviewed the interconnection studies to ensure the developer had identified and were prepared to finance all upgrades necessary to interconnect with the utility. 
A Solar-Powered Future
Upon completion of the review, all sites were found to be feasible for the proposed solar installation. As an independent reviewer, our team provided important assessments for the developer, the investors, and the stakeholders for the project.    The review also provided the developer with important information to help guide their design decisions and provide permitting insight as they progress through the development phase.     Once constructed, Michigan will be one step closer to its 100% clean energy goal.  

Greenfield: Electric Vehicle Charging Plan

Greenfield, Indiana

Greenfield: Electric Vehicle Charging Plan
The City of Greenfield, Indiana, faced a significant challenge in integrating electric vehicles into its existing infrastructure.
  • Stakeholder + Public Engagement  
  • Urban Design & Community Planning  
  • Utility Coordination 
  • EV Charging Plan Layout 
  • Electrical Load Assessments  
The City of Greenfield, Indiana, faced a significant challenge in integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into its existing infrastructure. While some residents currently own EVs, the city lacks the necessary electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) to accommodate the predicted increase in EVs over the next 5-10 years. To address this increase, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization enlisted ms consultants to develop the Charging Greenfield Plan.   
Greenfield's Sustainable Transition
The Charging Greenfield Plan was designed for the transition to a more EV-friendly infrastructure. The plan involved several key steps:     Evaluating Existing Conditions: Our team assessed the city’s current EV infrastructure. We then gathered community support by collecting public opinions through events and surveys. We identified barriers to EV installation, such as housing types, conditions, and costs.   Predicted EV Adoption Rates: By analyzing current conditions. Our team used scenario planning to estimate the charging ports needed for different adoption rates, ensuring flexible infrastructure development.  Site and Equity Analysis: Our team conducted a city-wide analysis to identify the best locations for EV charging stations (EVCS) based on consumer needs and preferences. We discovered 41 possible EVCS sites throughout the city. Additionally, we performed a housing and equity analysis and created a heat map of areas that will need publicly available stations due to potential barriers to at-home charging.   Identifying Locations for Immediate EVCS Installation: We evaluated the identified sites based on available power, safety, lighting, popularity, and accessibility. From there, we identified six public and three private locations for immediate EVCS installation. 
Making EV Infrastructure a Reality
By implementing the Charging Greenfield Plan, the city can bridge the gap between its current EV infrastructure and the anticipated demands over the next 5-10 years. This plan supports sustainable development and prepares the city to accommodate technological advancements that benefit the community and environment.  

City Of Pittsburgh: South Side Signals Project

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

City Of Pittsburgh: South Side Signals Project
OUTDATED TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN SOUTH SIDE PITTSBURGH, OPERATING ON FIXED TIMINGS AND LACKING PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS, NEEDED MANY UPGRADES.
  • Traffic Engineering  
  • Project Management  
  • Multimodal Design  
  • Public Involvement  
  • Construction Consultation  
  • Traffic Studies 
The traffic signals along the 18th Street/Brownsville Road in the City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver Borough were outdated, having been installed decades ago on old trolley poles. These signals had fixed timings and no pedestrian signals despite the heavy pedestrian use. Limited on-street parking often led to illegal parking, blocking crosswalks and making it even more difficult for pedestrians to cross.    ms consultants provided preliminary and final design and construction consultation for six signals in the City’s South Side area. The project included:    Replacing four signals at intersections along 18th Street.  Replacing one signal at Brownsville Road with Bausman Street/Amanda Street/Hays Avenue.  Adding a new signal at the 18th Street/Josephine Street intersection. 
Project Details
Key project elements included:     Curb Extensions – Added curb extensions at various intersections to provide more sidewalk space, reduce pavement width, and shorten pedestrian crossings, improving safety and defining parking spaces.  Drainage Improvements – Connected new drainage inlets to the existing stormwater system. Removed or converted unnecessary inlets to manholes.  Traffic Control – Developed traffic control plans to maintain vehicle and pedestrian flow through the work zone, including pedestrian detours and temporary signals.  Left-turn Lane Signal Upgrades – Replaced green arrow indicators with flashing yellow signals at the Brownsville Road/Bausman intersection to reduce left-turn crashes by nearly 20% and improve traffic flow.  Bus Loading Pad – Added a bus loading pad to streamline public transportation and ease traffic flow.  
Coordination + Communication
The project required seamless collaboration with utility companies, PWSA, Mount Oliver Borough, and the Pittsburgh Regional Transit to meet deadlines.    Public engagement was vital, with meetings held during the design phases to explain traffic detours and gain consensus, ensuring stakeholders were well-informed and reducing construction disruptions.    The successful completion of the South Side Signals Project has significantly improved pedestrian safety, reduced traffic congestion, and increased community mobility. 
2024 Project of the Year

Mid-Atlantic Section of ITE

Pittsburg Avenue Roundabouts

Jackson Township, Ohio

Pittsburg Avenue Roundabouts
As businesses around the intersection of Pittsburg Avenue grew, improving infrastructure and traffic flow became essential.
  • Environmental Planning  
  • Geotechnical Engineering 
  • Preliminary + Final Design Services  
  • Environmental Site Assessment  
  • Traffic Planning 
  • Site Surveying  
  • Right-of-way Plans + Acquisitions 
  • Asbestos Inspection Services   
The intersections of Pittsburg Avenue with Shuffel and Orion Streets in Jackson Township, Ohio, are crucial for local businesses. With ongoing and future developments, improving this corridor’s infrastructure became a priority for the local economy.    Pittsburg Avenue, a two-lane road next to the North Canton Cemetery, had two signalized intersections 450 feet apart at Shuffel and Orion streets. Persistent traffic congestion during peak hours caused long queues and frustration for drivers.    Traffic on Shuffel Street between Whipple Avenue and Pittsburg Avenue had more than quadrupled due to the nearby I-77/Shuffel Street interchange and new industries. This led to traffic volumes exceeding 25,000 vehicles per day, increasing queuing issues, compromising safety, and causing 42 reported accidents between 2015 and 2017.    To address these challenges, Stark County Engineer enlisted the team to improve the roadway, including a safety study, environmental planning, preliminary and final roundabout design, and right-of-way planning and acquisition services. 
ROUNDABOUT DESIGN: IMPROVING SAFETY + TRAFFIC FLOW
The initial feasibility study concluded that constructing roundabouts at both intersections would optimize traffic flow and significantly improve safety.    Previously, left turns to and from Pittsburg Avenue into the Dunkin’ driveway caused traffic bottlenecks. By adding splitter islands and a raised concrete median, the team prevented left turns into the driveway, increasing traffic control. Customers can now safely access Dunkin’ via U-turns at the roundabouts, easing congestion. 
NAVIGATING STAKEHOLDER COMPLEXITIES
Public involvement was vital for this project, as it affected a substantial number of residents, businesses, and nearby neighborhoods. Key stakeholders included the North Canton Cemetery, Dunkin’, Advantage Home Health, and residential sites, each presenting unique challenges.     Open communication and collaboration between the affected parties and the design team was necessary to instill a sense of ownership among those involved, leading to successful coordination with residents, businesses, and stakeholders.    A critical priority was ensuring no impacts to the North Canton Cemetery roadway-adjacent headstones. Detailed electronic mapping of the cemetery plots pinpointed crucial headstone locations. Plan notes explicitly outlined restrictions to working near the gravesites, providing clear guidance to the contractor on where their equipment could operate. 
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
The project’s innovation centered on developing a design that accommodated the steep 9% grades along Pittsburg Avenue and Shuffel Street. These grades required close study to meet sight distance requirements, avoid the cemetery plots, and minimize disruptions to Advantage Home Health.    A strategic purchase of the parcel at the northeast corner of Orion Street allowed for adjustments to the roundabout’s location. Relocating the roundabout into the newly acquired property reduced impacts on Advantage Home Health. It also provided additional clearance from the North Canton Cemetery and eased construction constraints.     Aesthetics and sustainability were also integral to the project. The splitter islands feature stamped, coral-tinted concrete finishes, providing a modern design, while the retaining wall incorporates a decorative, stained brick treatment in warm tones. Native flowers, grasses, and bushes support environmental sustainability and improve the central island’s aesthetics by contributing to a unified visual theme.    Lastly, the project included the following additional design elements:     Lighting  Storm sewer systems  Waterline installations  Curbs and gutter installations  Complex MOT planning  Full-depth roadway reconstruction  Asphalt paving and pavement markings  Signage    The completed project has revitalized the Pittsburg Avenue corridor by alleviating congestion, reducing queue lengths, and improving traffic flow and safety. It also eased connections between the Akron-Canton Airport, industrial centers, and I-77, enabling efficient travel and supporting economic growth in Stark County. Additionally, integrating aesthetics and sustainability features further enhances the corridor’s appeal. Positive community feedback reflects the project’s success in meeting the needs of residents, businesses, and commuters alike. 
2025 Engineering Excellence

ACEC Ohio

Popeyes Expansion

Columbus, Ohio

Popeyes sought a partner to provide comprehensive site development solutions that aligned with their brand standards, franchisee requirements, and local regulations.
  • Architecture
  • Brand Standards
  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Admin
  • MEP Engineering
  • Permitting
  • Project Management
  • Site Adapt
  • Site Survey
  • Structural Engineering
As part of a strategic growth plan, Popeyes is expanding their footprint across the U.S. and Canada. To ensure a consistent brand experience and meet the unique requirements of each site, they chose to team up with ms consultants for comprehensive architecture and engineering solutions.
The Partnership
ms consultants has partnered with Popeyes franchisees to deliver customized site development solutions that align with both the franchisee’s vision and the overarching brand standards. Balancing the franchisee’s desire for a unique location with Restaurant Brand International’s (RBI) commitment to a consistent brand experience across the portfolio presents a common challenge of any franchised location. ms consultants navigates this by working closely with both parties to develop site feasibility studies, conceptual site and building design, and construction drawings that meet the franchisee’s specific operating needs while adhering to brand guidelines.   Typical projects begin with site selection assistance and conceptual layouts to determine the specific site’s feasibility. After conceptual approvals from both the franchisee and corporate office, the project moves into the permitting drawing phase. Each project is adapted to the site and kitchens are tailored to the specific demands of the local market and needs of each franchisee. ms then provides architectural, site-civil, MEP, and structural plans.   During the construction phase, ms provides assistance to the franchisee and awarded contractor until project completion.  
Design Highlights
The new Popeyes restaurant in Lewis Center offers a modern and inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of customers. The exterior features a striking combination of glass, wood and brick styled panels, creating a visually appealing and inviting façade.   Inside, the restaurant offers a comfortable and convenient dining experience. The spacious seating area features a variety of options, from bar stools to traditional tables and booths, ensuring there’s something for everyone.   To enhance customer convenience even further, the restaurant features a designated mobile order pick-up area and self-serve ordering kiosks. For those in a hurry, the dual-lane drive-thru provides efficient service and minimal wait times. These options allow customers to place their orders quickly and easily, whether they’re dining in, taking out, or staying in their vehicle.   The design also incorporates key elements of the Popeyes brand, such as the iconic chicken image and the familiar slogan “love that chicken.” This helps to reinforce the restaurant’s identity and create a strong brand association.
Project Video
Click here for some footage from this project!
Architecture and Engineering Solutions
Read our recent article, Another Grand Opening Delay, to learn more about how ms consultants completes projects 25% faster and avoids costly unwanted delays.

Tim Hortons + Convenience Store

Lancaster, Ohio

A travel center and c-store operator wanted to leverage its strengths, such as location and speed, to complement its core business and attract new customers.
  • Site Adapt
  • Architecture
  • Prototype Design
  • Interior Design
  • MEP Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Site Survey
  • Permitting
  • Construction Administration
  • Vendor Management
  • Project Management
DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR QSR + C-STORE INTEGRATION
ms designed a custom solution to seamlessly integrate the beloved Tim Hortons brand into a fuel and convenience store, creating a dynamic one-stop shop for customers. The design ensured adherence to brand standards while achieving a functional and visually appealing space that optimized customer flow and experience. The ms team achieved this by:   Optimizing space planning: The interior of the building features efficiently allocated spaces to maximize functionality and ensure smooth traffic and customer flow. Establishing a clear connection: A key component of the layout is an interior corridor that serves as the connection for the two concepts. This corridor ensures easy access for customers to navigate between the convenience store and the Tim Hortons restaurant. Strategic use of common areas: Site adaptation of the Tim Hortons prototype was necessary to make use of shared restrooms and utilities between the two distinct spaces. This strategy maximized efficiency and reduced both construction and operational costs by eliminating the need for duplicate facilities in each space.   The ms team provided site planning, architectural and interior design, and incorporated the engineering systems with the store infrastructure. ms also provided construction administration services and coordinated the communication and cooperation among the operator, the contractor, and the Tim Hortons franchise team.
TIM HORTONS RESTAURANT DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
The Tim Hortons portion of the establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere for both dine-in and to-go customers. Key features include:   Inviting Indoor Seating: Travelers can relax while enjoying their Tim Hortons favorites in a comfortable indoor seating area. Outdoor Patio Space: A dedicated outdoor area provides an alternative dining option when weather Convenient Drive-Thru Design: The project incorporates a drive-thru lane, catering to customers on the go who prefer to grab their coffee and food without leaving their car.   This integrated quick service restaurant, fuel, and c-store offers customers a variety of options and maximum convenience. The easy flow between the two spaces creates a seamless and time-saving experience.   The project successfully enhances the customer experience and strengthens Tim Hortons’ competitive position. By combining our design expertise with a deep understanding of customer needs, we have created a dynamic environment that caters to the modern consumer. The Tim Hortons + Convenience Store is a prime example of our ability to deliver exceptional results.
A PREFERRED DESIGN CONSULTANT
Tim Hortons has identified ms consultants as a Preferred Design Consultant in their rollout program.   The Preferred Design Consultant classification allows franchisees to come to ms consultants first, knowing they are getting a full-service architecture and engineering team who understands the program and the expectations of the Tim Hortons team.   By partnering with ms consultants, the franchisee benefits from a reduced project delivery timeframe, a simplified process, and a strong partnership throughout the project.   Read our recent article, Another Grand Opening Delay to learn more about how ms consultants completes projects 25% faster and avoids costly unwanted delays.  

ODOT Research: Benefit Analysis of Barrier Screen Inlet

Ohio

ODOT Research: Benefit Analysis of Barrier
Screen Inlet
ODOT needed assistance determining the best method for providing a safe, efficient, and cost-effective device to keep litter and debris from clogging the urban highway drainage system.
  • Data Analysis and Research
  • Highway Design
  • Hydrology and Hydraulics
  • Stormwater Flow Monitoring
  • Standards and Specifications
  • Project Management
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) roadside drainage features are imperative in assisting the stormwater collection systems to keep roads safe and dry. When small items, such as fine soil particles and grass clippings, and large items, such as tree branches and tires, block inlet openings on the roadways, they obstruct the gutter line and ultimately reduce the hydraulic capacity of the sewer system. Eventually, ponding on roadways and increased stormwater spread becomes a hazard to drivers.   Roadway barrier inlets are particularly vulnerable to these issues, given their close proximity to the travel lanes and the size of their openings.   ms facilitated roadway research and prepared a comprehensive report in which the team provided analysis and recommendations.
FIELD TESTING
The Ohio State University (OSU) performed field tests at various monitoring sites on interstate highways across the state of Ohio. By utilizing remote sensing technology, the team could analyze debris accumulation, water ponding depth, spread, etc. They also were able to compare devices based on installation, maintenance, and long-term durability so that ODOT may choose the most quality and cost-effective solution.   In addition to OSU measuring performance metrics, the University of Iowa performed full-scale physical modeling by constructing a full-scale 12-foot wide, 50-foot-long test channel to evaluate the hydraulic performance of the various devices. The university tested debris removal efficiency and the impacts of hydraulic capacity by utilizing simulated trash in the test channel.
THE COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS
After analyzing inlet blockage and potential protection devices, ms will provide ODOT with a report detailing the findings and actionable recommendations. The report will address the following:   How clogging of the barrier inlet screens impacts hydraulic capacity and spreads into road lanes. The environmental and anthropogenic factors that impact litter and debris conveyance to an inlet. The efficacy of the various inlet protection devices at separating litter and debris from stormwater. The durability of the barrier inlet screen devices. Product/practice recommendations to alleviate ODOT’s barrier inlet litter problems and the anticipated required maintenance. Cost-benefit analysis of the product/practice recommendations, including maintenance, compared to current ODOT practices.   Due to ms’ facilitation and expertise, ODOT will be able to effectively manage roadside debris and litter, ultimately creating a safer roadway system for motorists. ms is proud to create efficient and innovative solutions for our clients so that communities can continue to develop and flourish.

Discover Financial: Customer Care Center

Whitehall, Ohio

Discover needed to transform an existing space into a community-centric customer care center with innovative design solutions.
  • Architecture
  • Brand Standards
  • Conceptual Design
  • Construction & Bid Administration
  • Design Development
  • Facility Scan/Survey
  • MEP Engineering
  • Permitting
  • Renderings & Visualization
Discover Financial Services owns and operates Discover Bank, an online bank that offers checking and savings accounts, personal loans, home equity loans, student loans, and credit cards. Their new Customer Care Center, located in Whitehall, Ohio, is one of Discover’s five 100% U.S.-based centers and includes a public community center.   ms worked hand in hand with Discover to bring their vision of building a community-centric Customer Care Center to life. To keep the process organized and moving smoothly, we followed a specific set of steps to ensure nothing was overlooked.
FACILITY SCAN AND SURVEY
  To begin the process, we started by helping Discover choose a location. After narrowing it down to three options, Discover selected a building on Broad Street in Whitehall, Ohio. This center is a part of Discover’s strategic site selection approach, which “seeks to enhance high-quality employment opportunities and increase equity in the communities in which it operates.”   ms then completed a 3D scan of the 103,000-square-foot building using the Faro System. This unique system combines our advanced 3D targeting scanner with drones, modeling, and GIS technology. Using billions of points of light that quickly capture visible aspects of the space, ms provided Discover with a workable point cloud and realistic views of their future space. The resulting scan gave ms architects highly detailed images of all visible building elements, inside and outside, and the specific measurements they needed to begin the design process.  
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
  Using the 3D scan and road maps provided by Discover, ms architects were able to create multiple layouts, working directly with the client until they landed on a design that fit the company’s needs and wants.   By utilizing the 3D scan, instead of the traditional surveying methods, like tape measures or laser distance meters, ms was able to save Discover a significant amount of time and money. Traditional surveying methods have a fair degree of uncertainty and error; Just being a few degrees from perpendicular to the measured surface could result in being several inches or even feet off on a large project.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT PHASE
Once the client signed off on the layout, ms architects began to drill down specific details and finishes within the facility; This will provide the construction team with a clear and concise path, ensuring that the project will reach its budgeting and timeline goals.   The 3D scans taken by ms will also ensure these goals are met, as these scans can protect Discover from potential future errors. These scans allow architects to document all existing building elements, meaning fewer surprises during construction, more accurate bids, and fewer or no construction change orders.  
CONSTRUCTION AND BID ADMINISTRATION
Although this is the final step in our process, ms’ involvement in the project continues through the construction phase. We work directly with the selected construction crews to answer any questions that may arise, work out specifics, and sign off on completed work. Throughout the process, ms employed multiple check-ins to ensure the Discover’s vision of success aligns with standards. 
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
  Along with providing job opportunities for the City of Whitehall and surrounding communities, the new center aims to benefit community-based organizations, offering them free access to its state-of-the-art facilities.   With the influx of people living and working in the growing area, small businesses will see an increase in foot traffic and customers. Discover has also made a commitment to be a good neighbor to the city and supports various local nonprofits, both financially and through volunteerism.   Highlights of the redesigned space include:   103,000 square-foot renovated building that provides ample space for operations. A dynamic space for community interaction and collaboration, open for public use. Modern and flexible workspaces, eco-friendly designs, and inclusive accessibility features that support sustainability and functionality. On-site amenities, training facilities, and community spaces for local events.   By working with ms, Discover had a partner to assist them in bringing the new Customer Care Center to life. From the beginning stages of choosing a location to the construction of the building, ms was there to help Discover accomplish their goals in not only the construction of their facility but in positively impacting the surrounding community.    

The Hilton at Easton Renovation

Columbus, Ohio

First Floor Lobby Entrance
First Floor Lobby Bar and Cafe
Fifth Floor Guestroom
Fifth Floor Bathroom
A national hotel company dreamed of a modern renovation while continuing business as usual.
  • BIM + 3D Scanning
  • Architectural Services
  • Construction Administration
  • MEP Engineering
  • Permitting
  • Project Management
  • Structural Engineering
  • Feasibility Study

 

The Hilton at Easton sought the help of the ms team to renovate the 71,760 square-foot first floor and to expand guest rooms to the hotel’s fifth floor, converting unoccupied space into a valuable expansion for this land-locked hotel.

Contemporary Transformation
  The ms team designed with Hilton’s brand standards in mind and customer satisfaction first. The first-floor renovation included:   Herb N’ Kitchen Urban Kitchen Hilton’s Gourmet Marketplace Classy Bar and Lounge Wood-fired Pizza Oven   To make these modern spaces possible, the ms team executed the architectural and engineering design to replace the existing kitchen. Our consultants updated a 2,700 sq. ft. kitchen for an efficient layout, relocating the plumbing and electrical systems to install new equipment for a state-of-the-art kitchen. These renovations increased revenue by allowing the hotel to expand catering opportunities.
Customer-First Renovation
ms consultants met the challenge of keeping the existing facility open and operational throughout design and construction. During the renovation, the ms team and subconsultants did the following:   Maintained a safe, clean, quiet, and functional environment. Consistent communication with hotel operators and construction partners. Created efficient schedule to honor existing event space reservations. Placed customer satisfaction as our top priority.  
Energy Updates
In addition to the guest experience and aesthetic enhancements, the Hilton at Easton’s entire first floor also received a complete lighting system upgrade.   Beyond energy inefficiency, the banquet facility’s previously existing halogen downlights burned out regularly and caused weekly maintenance. Upgrading the lighting system included several notable effects:   Reduced the lighting load by 219,000 watts. Projected to save $80,000 in annual utility costs. Awarded case utility incentives apart from monthly utility bill savings.
Transforming an Attic into Guestrooms
The goal of the transformation – to create 26 modern guestrooms out of an old attic space. Overall process:   Our consultants studied existing building systems and ensured the additional rooms would not require increases in the water, heating, or other systems. We then recognized the need to extend the west stair for access and emergency egress on the fifth floor. To enhance customer experience, dormers were added to each guestroom for natural light to complement the Georgian architectural style.  
BIM 3D Scanning Technology
To better understand the existing fifth floor space, ms used 3D scanning to document the existing conditions. The 3D point cloud was then used to create a Building Information Model (BIM) using Revit.   While using 3D scanning, BIM, and Revit, the design team quickly learned that the existing drains and vents in the floor varied dimensionally from room to room. These seemingly small issues would have major consequences for the Hilton at Easton renovation.   These dimensional variations in the floor caused individual room sizes to vary by as much as three inches from room to room. This had immediate consequences on the design of the floor plan.   The value of using these technologies was quickly realized by identifying the issue early in the design phase.  
A Common Challenge – Shower Doors
  In hospitality projects, shower doors are one of the largest lead-time construction specialties other than furniture.   By understanding and documenting the as-built dimensional characteristics, the construction team was not surprised by the disparity in room sizes for the Hilton at Easton. This resulted in a more accurate bid and a construction schedule that accounted for variations in a long-lead-time element.   With the use of 3D scanning and other technologies, the Hilton at Easton’s fifth-floor renovation was completed efficiently and without any unwanted surprises.  

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Statewide Master Planning

Ohio

ODNR Statewide Master Planning
To modernize existing facilities, preserve the natural environment, enhance the visitor experience, and sustain operations and maintenance.
  • Master Planning
  • Project Cost Estimation
  • Project Prioritization Criteria Creation 
  • Asset Management
  • Facility Assessments
  • Project Sequencing Database Creation

 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft manages the facilities at all 75 state parks, nature preserves, and wildlife areas. The state parks include over 800,000 land acres and more than 7 million acres of streams, inland and coastal waters, and rivers.   ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft collaborated with ms consultants to plan for the future of Ohio’s State Parks. The Statewide Master Planning project resulted in 12 park master plans, over 185 prospective projects, and a corresponding statewide database to track and prioritize investment dollars into park facility improvements.   To maintain the popularity of the state parks for the next generation, it was essential to address the various state park challenges. These challenges include aging facilities, changes in recreational trends, and staffing constraints.
EARLY PROJECT STEPS
To begin, our team went to each of the twelve selected parks to document the condition of every facility.   At the same time, the team facilitated two visioning workshops with management staff within the Division of Parks and Watercraft to develop statewide initiatives to be utilized at every state park.   Early project steps included:   Assessing over 1,500 individual facilities at 12 parks. Completing a two-part, in-person statewide goals visioning workshop, resulting in four “Critical Success Factors” to identify, refine, and prioritize project ideas.
MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Once the assessments and statewide visioning workshops were complete, the ms team initiated steps to create park master plans.   These plans would include location-specific project lists, general improvement recommendations/criteria, and an identity statement that would guide any future development.   These master plans included the following steps:   Conducting virtual workshops to identify the core services and distinctive offerings at each location to develop park-specific identity statements that reflect the unique characteristics of each state park. Identifying areas at a park that need improvement, that need to be developed into a park focal point, and areas that may need decommissioning or repurposed. Developing project scopes, costs, and anticipated design/construction durations.    
CAPITAL-PRIORITIZATION DATABASE TOOL
The ms team created a capital improvement project prioritization tool. This database tool sequences projects and prioritizes them across all applicable state parks based on a numerical score.   The plan is to eventually incorporate all 75 parks into the tool to provide ODNR with a statewide priority project list that can be utilized for capital improvement plan refinement.   To help guide ODNR’s future capital budgeting, the tool scores each project according to:   Statewide visioning goals Individual state park priorities and identities Current camping and outdoor activity trends An asset’s remaining useful life and current condition
THE FUTURE OF OHIO’S STATE PARKS
This statewide project compiled technical guidance on a vast array of Ohio State Park features like campgrounds, cabins, marinas, lodges, trails, operations, roadways, water and wastewater facilities, and utilities.   Ultimately, these plans and the statewide database will be used to improve facilities and guide future investments in the Ohio State Park system. This project is a large undertaking and is resulting in a deeper understanding of each park’s potential and unique benefit to all Ohioans and Ohio State Park patrons.

Tim Hortons Expansion

Nationwide

Tim Hortons Expansion
Tim Hortons Expansion
Tim Hortons Expansion
Tim Hortons, a Canadian icon, wanted to expand its U.S. presence.
  • Architecture
  • Prototype Management
  • Survey
  • Schematic Design
  • Prototype Design
  • Prototype Management
  • Site Civil
  • MEP Engineering
  • Permitting
  • Structural Engineering
Tim Hortons—a quick-service restaurant serving coffee, donuts, and other breakfast and lunch items—has over 5,300 stores worldwide but is best known in Canada, where it has become an icon of Canadian culture and history. Compared to the 3,500+ stores in Canada, Tim Hortons has over 600 stores throughout the United States. Recently, Tim Hortons has made a push to expand its brand and physical presence within the states. Providing the strength behind the push is the rollout of a redesigned restaurant aesthetic and branding.   During this time of brand growth, ms consultants is providing full-service design solutions for various franchisees and Tim Hortons.
Prototype Management + Drive-Thru Only Design
As part of the new brand expansion, Tim Hortons released a brand new drive-thru only (DTO) prototype, designed by ms consultants. The approximately 900 square-foot building is a space designed exclusively for product production and service, as there is no customer seating inside the store. The efficient building footprint is intended to streamline the drive-thru customer experience while also providing a walk-up window for customers ordering online.   In addition to the development of the DTO prototype, ms consultants has been contracted by Tim Hortons to manage the updates for an additional prototype throughout 2023. Update management for the DTO prototype will be a continual effort to refine the prototype design and functionality.
Full Service Solutions
The Tim Hortons projects vary from ground-up prototype restaurants to convenience-store end caps to major remodels.   A typical Tim Hortons project process:   Project begins with a building and/or site survey of the existing space. Upon completion of the survey(s), ms works with the franchisee and Tim Hortons to develop a concept site plan and a schematic floor plan. After approval of the concept plan and schematic floor plan, ms consultants provides complete architectural, site civil, MEP, and structural design services. The finished product is a set of construction documents that can be submitted for permit and/or used for construction.   ms consultants has worked on multiple Tim Hortons projects throughout the United States, including Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, New York, and West Virginia.   In addition to design services, ms consultants offers permitting coordination and construction management services. The ms permitting team works with local jurisdictions on requirements and regulations so there are no surprises, and Tim Hortons locations can open when expected.
Design Solutions For Fuel + Convenience Stores
In addition to standalone locations, some Tim Hortons locations are paired with fuel and convenience stores. These projects offer a number of unique challenges in environmental compliance, fire and life safety, and traffic circulation.   ms consultants works with the franchisee and Tim Hortons to identify service priorities and to develop an effective customer flow throughout the site and the store.   Read more about our work with Tim Hortons and convenience store collaborations.
A Preferred Design Consultant
Tim Hortons has identified ms consultants as a Preferred Design Consultant in their rollout program.   The Preferred Design Consultant classification allows franchisees to come to ms consultants first, knowing they are getting a full-service consultant who understands the program and the expectations of the Tim Hortons team.   By partnering with ms consultants, the franchisee benefits from a reduced project delivery timeframe, a simplified process, and a strong partnership throughout the project.   Photo Credit: Blake Tarana, Tim Hortons Franchisee

Scioto Darby Road Roundabouts

Hilliard, Ohio

Scioto
Darby Road Roundabouts
Scioto
Darby Road Roundabouts
As multiple intersections became roundabouts, the City of Hilliard needed a construction services consultant for this safety improvement project.
  • Construction Administration
  • Construction Inspection
  • Materials Testing
  • Contract Administration
  • Public Liaison
  • Public Outreach + Social Media Messaging
ms consultants provided the City of Hilliard, Ohio, with construction administration and construction inspection (CA/CI) services for reconfiguring the two intersections on Scioto Darby Road into roundabouts. This included intersections at Leppert Road and Veteran’s Memorial Drive.   The reconfiguration of the intersections included multiple components:   New shared-use path, over 10,000 feet long Two new roundabouts Traffic calming devices Raised crosswalks Two retaining walls 8 new street lights 6,000+ feet of new storm sewer 1,500 feet of new waterline   ms provided full-time, on-site project inspection to observe compliance with the contract documents, plans, and appropriate construction and material specifications.   The ms team also coordinated and documented all required materials testing results.
Keeping Residents in Mind
A critical aspect of the construction inspection duties was maintaining and safely protecting pedestrian access and facilities due to the proximity to schools, neighborhoods, and parkland.   Also important was maintaining communication with property owners and businesses in the area. This included explaining the project phasing and project impacts to driveways or operations, which served as a positive foundation for two-way communication throughout the life of the project.   The team also provided updated project information to the City to post project notifications and information on its website and on social media channels to keep residents updated. Construction was completed and roads were open in December 2019. Landscaping was completed in Spring 2020.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Services
To document construction, the ms team leveraged its in-house unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, services.   ms used the DJI Inspire 2 unmanned aerial system to produce 20-mp camera photos and 4K video of the site. The team completed several flights throughout construction, including a final flight at construction completion.

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About ms consultants. As an award-winning engineering, architecture, planning, and environmental consulting firm, we offer comprehensive and innovative solutions for public and private clients. Our offices are strategically located to best serve local and national needs with teams of experts in their respective fields.