IN GROWING DEMAND | A CONVERSATION WITH REED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

Reed Consulting Engineers (RCE) is a multidisciplinary firm offering turn-key structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire (MEPF), and geotechnical engineering services. RCE has recently appointed Eric Cameron (EC), P.Eng., former head of its MEPF division, to lead the expansion of its Civil Engineering practice. He has welcomed Nigel Daley (ND), P.Eng., to succeed him as head of the MEPF team. Eric and Nigel discuss these changes and how they will benefit RCE’s approach to complex projects across the Cayman Islands.

RL: Eric, congratulations on your new role leading the Civil Engineering division. Could you tell us a bit about your background and the transition from MEPF?

EC: Thank you! My career began in civil engineering in 1994, initially focusing on infrastructure, site development, and water/wastewater. After moving to Bermuda in 1999, I had the opportunity to become a shareholder in a local MEPF contracting firm, which led me to expand my expertise in the building services field. Having specialised in treatment plants, a pivot to MEPF came naturally, as the fundamental principles of the two disciplines are closely aligned. When I joined RCE in 2019, my primary focus was launching the MEPF division, which has grown into a thriving practice group. Now, I’m shifting my focus back to civil engineering and aim to grow that division similarly, while maintaining the multidisciplinary approach RCE is known for.

RL: What drove RCE’s decision to focus on expanding its Civil Engineering division?

EC: As we’ve been saying for years, Cayman’s public infrastructure needs to keep up with its rapid growth. Since expanding the civil division, I’ve worked with some of the finest engineers in the public sector I’ve ever worked with – but the volume of work that needs to be done is staggering, and we see this as an opportunity to contribute.

RL: Can you explain what civil engineering is and how it differs from MEPF?

EC: Civil and MEPF engineering are closely aligned. Civil engineering provides the foundational infrastructure – such as site development, utilities, and stormwater management – while MEPF systems deliver essential building services like power, water, and climate control.

Simply put, MEPF is indoors and vertical, while civil is outdoors and horizontal. Expanding our Civil Engineering division allows us to serve the growing demand for turnkey solutions better, ensuring that everything from underground infrastructure to mechanical systems is integrated and optimised. This is particularly important as larger developments and more complex facilities are being constructed across Grand Cayman.

RL: Can you explain how Civil and MEPF engineering complement each other in complex projects?

EC: Civil and MEPF disciplines are highly interconnected, especially on larger building projects. Having both disciplines under one roof can streamline the process and solve challenges early on.

We use advanced software and modelling programs that enhance our ability to coordinate structural, civil, and MEPF elements effectively. This reduces delays and cost overruns, and delivers fully integrated solutions, particularly crucial in high-rise and complex developments.

RL: Nigel, you’ve recently joined RCE to lead the MEPF division. How do you plan to build on Eric’s success in this area?

ND: Eric did an outstanding job establishing RCE’s MEPF division as a key part of the firm, and I am excited to build on that foundation, focusing on sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. I have over 30 years of experience as a professional electrical engineer and have spent the last 20 years owning and operating a consulting engineering firm in Bermuda, specialising in MEPF services. This background has allowed me to bring a multidisciplinary approach to projects, ensuring seamless integration of systems and infrastructure.

Moving forward, I see a significant opportunity to educate clients on the benefits of auditing their existing MEPF systems as part of a broader predictive and preventative maintenance strategy for their facilities.

RL: How do MEPF audits benefit clients?

ND: Many properties lack proper documentation for their MEPF infrastructure, which not only poses life safety risks but also complicates future investments and permitting. Conducting thorough audits ensures that systems are well-documented, code-compliant, and in good working order.

By integrating MEPF audits into a predictive maintenance plan, clients can continuously monitor system performance, address potential issues before failures occur, extend equipment life, reduce emergency repair costs, and improve operational efficiency. This approach also enables better planning for future capital expenditures, ensuring their buildings operate safely and efficiently in the long term. It aligns with our commitment to sustainability and strengthens RCE’s position as a leader in delivering innovative, client-focused solutions.

RL: What new initiatives or strategies will RCE implement to enhance the capabilities of its expanded Civil Engineering division?

EC: We’re committed to enhancing our service offerings through targeted initiatives. One key area is investing in advanced training and professional development for our team, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, particularly design and analysis software with embedded AI capabilities. We also plan to enhance our collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders to refine our design processes and address specific community needs. By fostering these relationships, we aim to identify opportunities for innovative infrastructure solutions that can improve the resilience and sustainability of our projects, ultimately benefitting the wider community.

ND: Additionally, I’ll focus on integrating smart technologies into our MEPF systems, which can complement the civil infrastructure being developed. This approach increases operational efficiency and aligns with our commitment to sustainability. By pursuing these strategies, we will ensure that RCE continues to deliver exceptional results and maintains its reputation as a local engineering leader.