Constructing public structures requires meticulous planning, coordination, and top-notch execution to appropriately spend tax dollars. Global government infrastructure spending is projected to reach $3.2 trillion in 2024, driven by investments in transportation, energy, and public buildings. From schools and airports to courthouses, the electrical and low-voltage infrastructure that services these structures needs to be kept at safe and high levels of performance and also sustain other aspects of the build. However, executing large government projects is no cakewalk, with many challenges such as intricate design, scheduling, and regulations to contend with.
Electrical Engineers are a major part of such high-profile constructions. One such engineer, Krupal Shah, has led significant projects like LaGuardia Airport, the New York Supreme Court, and New York City Pre-K schools. The reason behind the success of this infrastructure is Krupal Shah, who is an electrical engineer and a project manager. He has contributed immensely to designing, managing, and developing electrical and low-voltage systems for these high-profile projects.
“My job is not just electrical design, also making it efficient, and that saves my company and the government time and money,” Shah says. “By applying skills in project management, cost estimating, and technical design, I make sure things run smoothly, stay on schedule, and reduce errors.”
Apart from design, the role of Shah as the lead electrical engineer involves assisting in deciding on project expenses, determining the number of personnel required, and communicating with government agencies, subcontractors, and on-site construction staff. His AutoCAD, Procore, Bluebeam, and Autodesk software skills have reduced the expense of drawing production, collaboration, and documentation while improving its efficiency.
One of the best new concepts Shah brought to his firm was to develop new building plans that consolidate all the trade data into one updated set of documents. This prevents miscommunication, eliminates unnecessary work done with outdated blueprints, and enables more collaboration among contractors. By remaining up to date with field workers through the most recent information, his system reduced delays and costly errors by a huge margin.
“My objective has been to minimize waste on government projects,” Shah says. “When everybody, from the contractors to the inspectors to the engineers, is working off the same up-to-date and coordinated drawings, it results in improved coordination, fewer issues, and faster project completions.”
He has considerable experience working on large projects with complex logistical issues. During the reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport, Shah estimated electrical, fire alarm, and low-voltage system budgets, which helped his employer company secure a major government contract. His organization and planning enabled it to seamlessly collaborate with numerous subcontractors and government agencies and accelerate the approval and installation process.
For the New York Supreme Court, Shah played a key role in developing shop drawings, site visits, and government inspections. His prompt resolution of design and regulatory matters prevented expensive delays. Through the development of in-house as-built records, he reduced outsourcing costs, keeping the project within budget and in compliance with stringent National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations.
As part of the Pre-K school project, Shah adopted a clever tactic of conducting electrical work outside school hours. This kept the disruption to the teacher and students at a minimum, and the firm also saved on costly overtime. With fewer workers being hired, improved operating efficiency, and elimination of scheduling conflicts, he has helped the company win new government contracts and expand project sizes.
“My skill at handling many aspects of a project, design, budgeting, and fieldwork, has been a huge advantage to ARK Systems Electric,” Shah says. “Rather than waiting for experts to complete their portion, I can correct design flaws, spot field issues, and determine costs in real-time, so projects get done on time.”
Shah has helped his fellow employees in numerous ways, besides the completion of projects. He has installed new software programs that ease work for everyone in the company. Through exposing his team to the application of Procore, Bluebeam, and Autodesk software, he has helped ARK Systems Electric evolve towards a more online method of conducting projects. The change has minimized the need for paperwork and conventional methods for the company.
As government infrastructure projects grow more sophisticated and involve new technology, Shah’s keen solutions and problem-solving skills have made ARK Systems Electric a leading cost-effective and quality electrical design and construction provider. Not only does his work guarantee that projects are completed successfully, but also shows a keen interest in public infrastructure development and taxpayers’ money savings.
“Ultimately, what we do affects the lives of a lot of people, whether they are commuters at LaGuardia or students in New York City classrooms,” Shah says. “By prioritizing efficiency, creative thinking, and collaboration, we are not just completing projects – we are constructing a smarter and more reliable infrastructure for the future.”
