Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Partner in Grand Junction
Bighorn Consulting Engineers was founded in 2003 by Blaine Buck and Shawn Brill, both licensed professional engineers with extensive industry experience. Our firm specializes in mechanical and electrical engineering services for commercial, educational, institutional, and residential building clients. With over 200 years of combined industry experience, our team includes LEED-accredited professionals and Certified Energy Managers who deliver tailored solutions for system evaluations, life-cycle cost analysis, and construction documentation. We prioritize client collaboration, maintaining project budgets through early involvement and phased cost estimates while adhering to strict scheduling requirements.Our principals oversee projects from conceptual planning through construction, ensuring compliance with building codes across the Intermountain region. The firm's expertise extends to complex remodels of historic structures, including a 100-year-old courthouse in Aspen, and energy modeling using TRACE 700 software for LEED and Energy Star certifications. We maintain proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit BIM software for collaborative 3D MEP modeling. Our leadership team has participated in multi-discipline design teams for projects valued up to $90 million and continues to serve as trusted advisors for both new construction and renovation projects.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Energy Modeling
LEED Certification
System Evaluations
Life-Cycle Analysis
Construction Documents
Code Compliance
BIM Modeling
Facility Assessments
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Our team has over 200 years of combined experience in mechanical and electrical engineering
- We employ LEED-accredited professionals and Certified Energy Managers
- We offer full-service engineering from conceptual planning to construction documents
- Our principals oversee all projects directly from start to finish
- We maintain expertise in both traditional plan/spec and design/build delivery systems
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- CEM
- Energy Star
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Our mechanical engineering services focus on designing efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for commercial and institutional buildings. We provide comprehensive solutions from initial concept through construction documentation, ensuring optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Our team specializes in complex remodels of historic structures while maintaining modern comfort standards.
Electrical Engineering
We deliver complete electrical system designs for new construction and renovation projects, including power distribution, lighting, and emergency systems. Our engineers ensure code compliance and energy efficiency across all projects, from small residential upgrades to large-scale institutional facilities. We specialize in integrating modern electrical systems with historic building infrastructure.
Energy Modeling
Using TRACE 700 software, we perform detailed energy simulations for LEED certification and Energy Star compliance. Our energy modeling services help clients understand potential savings and optimize building performance. We apply ASHRAE 90.1 guidelines to create accurate baseline and proposed system comparisons for new and renovated buildings.
LEED Certification
Our LEED-accredited professionals guide clients through the certification process for sustainable building projects. We provide energy simulations, material selection guidance, and documentation support to achieve LEED Silver through Platinum ratings. Our team has successfully completed multiple LEED-certified projects in Colorado and surrounding states.
Construction Documents
We produce comprehensive construction documents using AutoCAD and Revit BIM software for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Our detailed specifications ensure clear communication between all stakeholders and accurate project execution. We provide ongoing support throughout the construction phase to address field questions and ensure design intent is maintained.
People
Blaine Buck
President & Original Founder
Mechanical engineer with 22+ years of experience, founding partner of Bighorn Consulting Engineers. Former ASHRAE award winner for commercial building design, with expertise in HVAC systems and energy-efficient solutions for diverse building types.
Mark Harrington
Vice President
Licensed mechanical engineer with 20+ years of experience, LEED-accredited professional specializing in sustainable design. Serves on the Board of Directors for Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Shawn Brill
Original Founder
Mechanical engineer with 30 years of experience in consulting and facilities management. Certified Energy Manager with extensive background in temperature controls and building systems analysis for commercial and institutional facilities.
Art Donoho
Senior Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineer with 30 years of experience in consulting and facilities management. Illuminating Engineering Society member with expertise in power distribution, lighting design, and security systems for commercial and institutional buildings.
Garrett Bowling
Mechanical Engineer
Licensed mechanical engineer with experience in water treatment facilities, school projects, and university renovations. Graduated from Colorado School of Mines and brings technical expertise to complex engineering challenges.
Questions
What types of engineering services do you offer?
We provide mechanical and electrical engineering services for commercial, educational, institutional, and residential buildings, including system design, energy modeling, LEED certification, and construction documentation.
Are you LEED-certified professionals?
Yes, our team includes LEED-accredited professionals who help clients achieve green building certifications through energy-efficient design and sustainable material selection.
Do you handle both new construction and renovation projects?
We specialize in both new construction and complex remodels, including historic buildings like the 100-year-old Aspen courthouse and 50-year-old school renovations in Grand Junction.
What software do you use for design and modeling?
We use AutoCAD and Revit BIM software for 3D mechanical, electrical, and plumbing modeling, along with TRACE 700 for energy simulations and LEED certification requirements.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Grand Junction, Colorado, we serve clients throughout the Intermountain region including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
How do you ensure project budgets are maintained?
We maintain budgets through early client collaboration, phased cost estimates during design phases, and scope adjustments as needed to control costs during bidding.
