AG’s long-term client relationships and track record of success are attributed to the team’s ability to provide vision, build consensus and deliver certainty and predictability. Part of what makes this possible is the firm’s process-oriented organizational structure and collaborative approach. Another key factor to AG’s success is the collective expertise, with every professional on the AG Team having experience designing places where people live. This extensive experience includes AG Engineering. The firm’s in-house MEP engineering services are integral to project success. Whether or not AG Engineering is the designated engineering consultant, the team is an invaluable resource to the design and project management process.
Tony Luciano has been the fearless leader of AG Engineering since 2010.
Tony’s broad technical knowledge base and keen business sense provide innovative design and meticulous project organization to satisfy a variety of clients, building types and regulatory requirements. With over 29 years of experience in plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems design, fire protection and utility coordination, he brings a personal touch that garners the respect and admiration of industry peers. Tony is recognized for his ability to communicate well with internal architectural, structural and mechanical designers and with outside consultants, clients and construction professionals. Furthermore, he has shared his expertise as a speaker at industry events, such as LeadingAge Wisconsin, served as a guest lecturer at Milwaukee School of Engineering, and been honored by The Daily Reporter as Engineer of the Year.
Luciano knows that engineering is oftentimes an unsung design hero, but he wants clients to know how committed his team is to the end-user experience. “People may want to visit an attractive building, but they will not want to stay inside if we don’t make good design decisions to provide the right interior environment. Comfort, safety and a healthy building, these are the important factors that drive us,” says Luciano.
He commends his team’s ability to work together like a well-oiled machine and accomplish a lot of work under demanding deadlines. “The way they pull together when a deadline nears is great to see. Each team member has a long list of tasks, yet they don’t get tunnel vision. They see each other’s concerns and work together to cross the finish line,” describes Luciano. “I respect them and trust them, and they respect each other’s strengths and mental superpowers.”
AG’s design and project management teams also respect the expertise of the AG Engineering team and value their input in the early phases of design, while preparing construction documents and when troubleshooting construction site challenges.
“You can’t put a price on the benefit of having an engineering team so closely related to the architectural team,” says AG Senior Associate Dave Trinkner. “It’s not just the convenience of having an experienced group of people just steps away, it’s also the value of their knowledge. They understand the very specific needs of our type of projects and share in the process (and the pain). They really do get what we’re trying to achieve on our projects, and they work to find solutions when we run into roadblocks. This not only makes my life easier but makes the projects better.”
When it comes to working with AG Engineering, Luciano wants to emphasize that he and his team bring decades of experience and insight to each design. This expertise allows them to advise, collaborate and integrate critical systems and functions early, avoiding costly delays and oversights during construction. “Our knowledge and expertise support AG Architecture, helping projects work smoother, from early master planning through construction,” says Luciano.
Meet the AG Engineering Team
“All the members of the engineering team are very proficient in their respective disciplines. As a team, we have a great depth and breadth of knowledge in MEP systems and a basic understanding of structural engineering, civil engineering, and architectural design. Having an in-house engineering team allows us to provide not only a quality single-source project from conceptual design to construction but also provides the architectural team with a resource to ask questions about engineering issues and coordination.”
“Having engineering professionals in-house improves the coordination between all the various disciplines that make a building constructable. By having thoughtful engineering solutions baked into the initial design, we provide a more complete project from start to finish. We all care about the final product and the quality of life we are providing for those living in the spaces we create. Our team trusts each other to provide the best possible work, and together, we ensure the engineered systems in any project are the best they can be.”
“Simply stated, when working with AG Engineering, you can count on receiving an MEP design that will meet the code and address client needs to the best way possible given the constraints of the project.”
“When working with AG Engineering, clients can count on receiving a thorough project. We explore many design options and choose what best fits the client’s needs. We keep in mind the end user and create a product that is thoughtful and effective. Having in-house engineering fosters more collaboration, including providing early input in the design process as concepts evolve and code implications are considered. Integrating the engineering perspective early supports a smoother design experience and better overall project. What makes me proud of our team is how knowledgeable each member is and how willing they are to share, mentor, and support each other.”
