Pyra Engineering delivers sealed MEP for manufacturing facilities across Houston and the wider Texas metro. We're MBE/HUB-certified, TBPE-registered, and write to the codes the Houston AHJ actually enforces — not the generic version.
Process > Comfort
is the rule on Houston manufacturing fit-outs — process equipment dictates power, ventilation, and water before comfort HVAC gets a vote. Pyra Engineering starts with the equipment list, not the floor plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pyra Engineering design fire alarm or sprinkler systems?
No. Fire alarm system design and installation is the fire alarm vendor's scope. Sprinkler design is the fire-protection contractor / FPE scope. Pyra Engineering's scope is mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) only — we coordinate locations and conduit notes for FA/sprinkler tie-ins on our drawings, but we do not stamp those designs.
Do I need a sealed Texas engineer for a manufacturing facility project in Houston?
For most manufacturing facilities of any meaningful size, yes. Texas Occupations Code §1001 requires MEP designs above certain thresholds to be stamped by a licensed Texas Professional Engineer. Drawings without a TX seal can stall plan review or trigger code-enforcement action. Pyra Engineering is a Texas-licensed firm; the drawings we deliver are stamped and ready for Houston permit submittal.
What's typical turnaround on MEP drawings for a manufacturing facility in Houston?
Standard manufacturing facility fit-outs run 2–4 weeks from kickoff to permit-ready package, depending on scope and how quickly architectural backgrounds settle. Fast-track schedules are doable when we surface the deadline at quote — we have a separate workflow for franchise-rollout pace and developer-deadline pressure.
Will Pyra Engineering stamp drawings done by a contractor or designer?
We perform an engineer-of-record review before stamping any third-party drawings. If the design is sound, we mark up the corrections needed and stamp once they're incorporated. If it isn't, we'll tell you up front rather than stamp something we don't stand behind. Stamping fees are scoped to the review effort.
Does the MBE/HUB certification benefit me on a Houston project?
Yes if you're tracking diversity-spend goals on public-sector or large corporate projects. Pyra Engineering's HUB and MBE certifications count toward those goals; many City of Houston, county, and Fortune-500 supplier-diversity programs accept them. Bringing us in lets you both meet the goal and get the engineering.
How does Pyra Engineering quote manufacturing facilities MEP design?
Fixed fee based on conditioned area, scope (full MEP vs. discipline-specific), and project type (shell, TI, or ground-up). Quotes typically come back within one business day of receiving the architectural set or a one-paragraph scope summary. No estimates without scope — we don't do range pricing that creeps.
What dictates MEP scope on a manufacturing fit-out?
The equipment list, before the floor plan. Process equipment defines power (often 480V 3-phase), cooling water, compressed air, and exhaust. We start with equipment schedule and design backward.
Process exhaust and dust collection — your scope?
Exhaust ducting and fan sizing under our stamp. Dust collector itself is owner-furnished, vendor-coordinated.
Compressed air piping — what pressure and material?
90–125 psi typical. Material depends on fluid: copper or schedule-40 black steel for general; aluminum for clean systems.
Acid waste — when does it apply?
Process discharging chemistry below pH 5 or above pH 12: photo developers, etching, plating, lab work. Different drain material (CPVC, glass, polypro) and a pH-neutralization tank.
Service entrance for manufacturing?
Often 480V 3-phase, 800-2500A. We size and forward to utility.
Process power distribution?
Dedicated panels per equipment line; switchgear sized per process load + harmonic mitigation if needed.
Industrial water and drain?
Process water lines, drain trenches, possibly cooling tower coordination. Per equipment requirements.
Lighting per OSHA and IES?
Per IES recommendations for the work being done (typically 50-75 fc at task surface for assembly/inspection).
Fire protection coordination?
Sprinkler is the FPE scope. Fire alarm is the FA vendor scope. Neither is in ours.
Energy code?
IECC 2021 with industrial provisions. Lighting LPD applies.
Permit cycle?
2–3 cycles. Process equipment review may add separate AHJ approvals.
Hazardous-area (NEC Article 500) classification?
Yes — we classify hazardous areas (Class I/II/III, Division 1/2) per process and design wiring methods accordingly.
Do you handle emergency eye-wash / safety shower?
Where required by hazardous materials (OSHA 1910.151). Tepid-water mixing, 60-foot reach radius.
Process exhaust stack height?
Per process need + EPA/TCEQ rules where applicable. Often 10 ft above roof minimum.
Construction administration?
Heavy CA scope — equipment startup, electrical service energization, process commissioning support.
Cost vs warehouse?
Higher per sf — process loads dominate. 30-50% premium typical.
Do you do environmental permit coordination?
TCEQ air permit coordination yes; we provide the calc support but the air permit itself is filed by an air-quality consultant.
Compressed air dryer and tank?
Vendor-supplied; we coordinate utility tie-in and install location.
Boiler / steam scope?
We design distribution piping; boiler itself is owner-furnished.
Do you stamp out-of-state manufacturing?
TX and FL only.