Mechanical Engineers
Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers
Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers, founded in 1952, is a professional corporation providing mechanical engineering services to Architects and directly to owners for projects throughout Nevada and California.
Featured Piece
Nevada State Health Lab
In the Spring of 2024, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers submitted permit documents for the new Nevada State Health Lab, located on the UNR campus. The three story, approximate 55,000 SF building will serve as a general use laboratory building operated by the Nevada State Health Division. The intended mixed-use nature of the building provided a challenging dynamic to the design as the use of lab functions could vary depending upon the public health concern being addressed. The building features several mixed-use flex lab spaces, Microbiology and Chemical Terrorism Labs, Environmental and Water Testing Labs, Instrumentation Sequencing and Serology Labs, and most impressively: an approximate 3,200 SF BSL-III laboratory for infectious disease and mycology testing. The mechanical systems are comprised of five custom chilled water air handlers with run-around heat recovery coils for the laboratories, and one traditional custom chilled water air handler for office spaces. Precise pressure relations are maintained by highly accurate and quick responding venturi-style airflow control valves and exhaust air from the laboratory fume hoods are safely ejected from the building rooftop via high-plume style vektor exhaust fans. The central plant includes two scroll compressor type air cooled chillers and two high-efficiency natural gas condensing style boilers. The plumbing provisions for a laboratory building of this caliber are no less complicated and include a domestic water booster pump, a two-pass reverse osmosis pure water system for sensitive fluid laboratory processes, a piped industrial hot/cold water system in addition to domestic plumbing provisions, laboratory style air compressors and vacuum pumps, and a pure quality nitrogen generator with a piped distribution system. As we head into the summer months, the NSHL team looks forward to kicking off construction on this large complex laboratory building.
Featured Piece
Procter R. Hug High School opened
The new Procter R. Hug High School opened in August 2022. This exciting project brought the first new high school to our region in nearly two decades and provides a state-of-the-art education space for our high school students. The new 298,000 square foot, three-story building has capacity for 2,200+ students and includes 40 general learning rooms, 11 science laboratories, 15 shared group rooms, 17 specialized labs for art, media, and career tech, a student commons, a 425-seat performing arts center, music suites, 2 gymnasiums, and a JROTC wing. The mechanical system consists of six 6-pipe water-to-water heat pumps that provide heating hot water and chilled water to 11 custom air handlers and various fan coils by accepting/rejecting heat from/to a geo-exchange bore field with 384 holes at 380 feet deep. Construction cost for this project was $252.72 million.
Introducing
Lee Roberts
We are pleased to introduce Lee Roberts as our newest Mechanical Engineer. Mr. Roberts graduated from University of Nevada Reno with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Lee was born and raised in Northern Nevada and has been a key player in the local mechanical contracting industry for over 30 years. In his spare time, Lee enjoys nostalgia drag racing and travel. We are thrilled to have Lee join our team!
Projects
Renown COVID Surge Facilities Task Force
In March of 2020, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers had the honor of being involved in the COVID Surge Facilities Task Force at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV. The task force was assigned with converting the lower two levels of the Renown Mill Street Parking Garage to overflow hospital space in just two weeks which included both design and construction.
Firm Introduction
The primary focus of the firm is in the mechanical design of hospital and healthcare facilities, educational facilities, computer data centers, high-rise hotel/casinos, telecommunication centers, and vacation resorts. Projects encompass both new construction and renovation work. Historically, healthcare design has been approximately fifty percent of the office’s work.
Currently, the Principals of the firm are Steve Ainsworth, Alison Hall, and Roger Gravelle. The office employees include licensed professional engineers, mechanical designers, draftspersons, and technical support staff.
The firm employs the latest technology in building information modeling (BIM) and computer-aided-design (CAD), drafting, and project management. Utilizing state-of-the-art computers and software we have the capability to quickly analyze any building type and select the most appropriate, cost-effective mechanical system for the building being designed.
Professional Engineers
Our Professional Engineers (PE) are licensed by the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors to practice engineering. We are also licensed in California, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, New Mexico, and Hawaii.
Project Management
Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers will efficiently be initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing each project with our talented team to achieve our project goals and meet budget and schedule criteria.
Computer-Aided Design
Our BIM and CAD drafting techniques use the latest in computer software and tools to create, alter, analyze, and optimize each of our designs.
Projects
Healthcare Facilities
Dating back to a large expansion of Washoe Medical Center in 1956, (now known as Renown Regional Medical Center), Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers has always specialized in healthcare design. Our portfolio includes thousands of healthcare-related projects ranging from standalone medical office buildings and surgery centers to large multi-story patient towers complete with central plants. Our healthcare projects utilize the latest technological improvements in HVAC equipment to provide a safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable indoor healing environment.
Projects
Educational Facilities
Our education projects range from K-12 public schools with simple packaged rooftop gas-electric units all the way up to graduate level University buildings with complex laboratories and multi-hundred person auditoriums that included displacement ventilation systems. Designs often include an emphasis on proper volumes of outdoor air being delivered to the Classroom to foster the learning environment. Our education experience also includes many student dormitory buildings, many of which have achieved LEED Silver and Gold certifications.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design has become a large focus of the design and construction industry in recent years. Known by many names, Sustainable Design, Green Design, Environmental Design, the intention is the same: Reduce the negative environmental impact of buildings and spaces through skillful design and implementation of innovative building strategies. Many of these strategies are expected to promote a better and more productive environment for the building tenants as well. When implemented effectively, these tactics have the potential to yield reduced operating costs by increasing energy efficiency and occupant productivity in addition to the reduction in negative environmental impacts. Successful realization of these goals requires more than an arbitrary assortment of environmentally friendly equipment; it requires systematic attention to all aspects of design and operation throughout the entire building life cycle. Selecting the right design team will have a tremendous impact on the success of your sustainable building project.
Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers has been an integral member of many sustainable design teams for numerous projects in both California and Nevada. We have experience working with architects, contractors, and building operations and maintenance staff to provide environmentally-focused mechanical engineering services throughout all phases of the building life cycle. Our staff has been involved with various green design projects including LEED® certification of new and existing buildings, projects following an IPD (integrated project delivery) format, as well as a variety of energy upgrade projects. We have the knowledge and experience to make your transition to sustainable buildings an easy one.
Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers is pleased to offer several green design services, including designing for LEED, Green Guides for Healthcare, Green Globes, Energy Star, and various energy upgrades. We also do our best to stay current on sustainable building design practices with resources such as the Whole Building Design Guide and the Sustainable Design Program (a part of the United States General Services Administration).
If you require a particular service not found on this list, please don’t hesitate to contact any one of our engineers and designers as we are happy to assist in any way we can.
Thank you for considering Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers for your next sustainable building project. We look forward to working with you!
Sustainable Projects Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers Has Been Involved With:
– Ohlone College Student Services Building (LEED Silver Certified)
– Alta Bates Summit Medical Center – New Patient Tower (LEED Silver Certified)
– VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System – Specialty Clinics Building (LEED Silver Certified)
– University of Nevada Reno: Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center (LEED Silver Equivalency)
– University of Nevada Reno: Davidson Mathematics and Science Building (LEED Silver Equivalency)
– University of Nevada Reno: Center for Molecular Medicine (LEED Silver Equivalency)
– University of Nevada Reno: William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building (LEED Silver Equivalency)
– University of Nevada Reno: Pennington Engineering Building (LEED Silver Equivalency)
– University of Nevada Reno: Living Learning Community (LEED Silver Certified)
– Market Center San Francisco: IAQ Calculations (LEED Silver Certified)
– VA Reno Community Living Center Expansion (LEED Silver Designed)
– VA Translational Research Center (LEED Silver Designed)
– VA Reno ICU Remodel (LEED Silver Certified, pending)
– University of Nevada Reno: Great Basin Hall (LEED Gold Certified)
Recent Projects
University of Nevada, Reno
University Arts Building
World-class performing arts studio
Distillery
Bently Rickhouse
Large-scale commercial distillery
Latest News
Luke Friedrichs
Introducing Luke Friedrichs! Luke Friedrichs is joining our team as a Mechanical Intern. Luke just finished his junior year at Iowa State University and is expected to graduate in December 2025 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering along with a minor in...
Ethan Markam
Introducing Ethan Markam Joining our team as a mechanical intern is Ethan Markham. Ethan just finished his junior year at the University of Nevada, Reno and is expected to graduate with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in May of 2025. Coming from Cameron...
Otto Klippenstein
Introducing Otto Klippenstein! Joining our team as a mechanical intern is Otto Klippenstein. Otto just finished his sophomore year at the University of Nevada, Reno and is expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in May of 2026 and...
CLC Sporting
CLC Sporting Clays Shoot AAME recently got to spend a beautiful sunny day at the 10th annual Construction Leadership Council Sporting Clay Shoot benefitting ACE High School. ACE High School is the premiere career and technical focused public high school in Reno,...
Congratulations to Cruz Kerver
Congratulations to Cruz Kerver, our newest CPD! On April 30, 2024, our very own Cruz Kerver, PE, CPD sat for and passed the CPD Examination administered by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). The Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) program is an...
NSHL Design
NSHL Design Complete: Axe Throwing 2024 The pressure of a final deadline on a large, complicated laboratory project is no joke. Meeting such deadlines wouldn’t be possible if the AAME team wasn’t tight knit like a family, but even we need to blow off some steam every...
ASHRAE Scholarship
2024 ASHRAE Scholarship Congratulations to Zane Minore and Max Petrenko for each receiving the 2024 ASHRAE Scholarship! This $1500 scholarship is funded by our Northern Nevada ASHRAE Chapter’s events throughout the year. On behalf of Zane and Max, AAME would like to...
SMART Mentor
SMART Mentor Meet-N-Greet Alison Hall, our company’s president, through the S.M.A.R.T. (STEM Mentorship and Resource Team) Women Committee, recently co-hosted a meet and greet event at the UNR Keck Museum for female students interested in STEM (Science, Technology,...
Rising to the Occasion
Rising to the Occasion! Our AAME office recently had the honor and privilege of taking a breadmaking class from one of our favorite places: Perenn Bakery in Reno! Baking together really helped us loaf around and rise to the occasion! Kneading dough was the perfect way...
Thanks, NDOT!
Thanks, NDOT! Us ski bums would like to say thank you to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for keeping Mt. Rose summit open year-round. Last year, AAME and PK Electrical helped provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (propane) design for the...
Let’s Work Together
Contact and collaborate with us
Reno Office
info@aa-me.com
1420 Holcomb Avenue, Suite 201, Reno, Nevada 89502
Phone: +1 (775) 329-9100