Advantus Engineers

Building Commissioning and Design and Submittal Analysis.

Website

About the firm

Advantus Engineers is a Pittsburgh-based engineering consulting practice founded in 2004, specializing in building commissioning, sustainability consulting, MEP assessments, construction quality assurance, and environmental compliance. It serves public, institutional, and commercial clients across the Pittsburgh region. Over more than two decades, the practice has supported LEED certifications, water quality programs, and on-call MEP engineering for clients including the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Established
2004
Team
Small
Firm type
MEP · Environmental Engineering

People

Alicia AvickPresident

Michael BarnardVice President, Project & Development Services

Julie BargDirector of Environmental Services

Angelica CiranniDirector of Sustainability

Glenn AvickSenior Engineer

Wayne WehrleSenior Engineer

Daniel KatzProject Engineer

Mike DukeCommissioning Assistant

Carmella MarkovichDirector of Administration

Capabilities

Building Commissioning

Service website

Providing systematic verification that facility mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control systems operate as designed. The process spans from initial reviews through functional testing and operator training to ensure long-term energy efficiency and code compliance.

  • Design and Submittal Analysis
  • Controls and Checklist Formulation
  • Functional Performance Verification
  • System Operations Training Oversight
  • LEED and Code Commissioning Compliance

Sustainability

Service website

Guiding design, construction, and operations teams to create and maintain high-performing, resource-efficient structures. Services include crafting sustainability master plans and navigating major green building rating systems.

  • LEED Certification Guidance
  • WELL Building Standard Advisory
  • Living Building Challenge Advisory
  • Fitwel Program Administration
  • Carbon Footprint and Emissions Inventories
  • Pittsburgh 2030 District Target Support

Environmental Compliance

Service website

Navigating federal and state environmental regulations with a focus on clean water standards. Technical services cover pollution prevention plans, permitting, and management system implementation.

  • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Planning
  • NPDES Permitting and Negotiation
  • Wastewater Pretreatment Engineering Studies
  • Environmental Management System Audits
  • Remedial Investigation Reporting

Construction Quality Assurance & Coordination

Service website

Overseeing active build phases to confirm that execution matches design specifications and safety guidelines. Assistance includes tracking schedules, evaluating equipment condition, and managing closeout procedures.

  • Constructability and Bid Document Reviews
  • Equipment Condition Life Cycle Evaluation
  • Construction Progress and Schedule Tracking
  • Safety Practices and Jobsite Monitoring

Construction Inspection

Service website

Ensuring field execution quality through on-site observation, progress documentation, and regulatory coordination. Active inspections cover safety compliance, restoration verification, and spatial data collection.

  • Field Progress Documentation
  • Utility Location and PA One Call Coordination
  • GPS Coordinate and Data Collection
  • Site Restoration and Closing Surveys

MEP Assessments

Service website

Analyzing existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure to identify performance gaps and capital improvement needs. Evaluations combine hands-on site investigation with operational history reviews.

  • HVAC and Mechanical System Evaluation
  • Domestic Water and Plumbing Assessments
  • Facility Energy Auditing
  • Capital Planning and Deferred Maintenance Analysis

Project Management

Service website

Acting as an owner-representative extension to bridge gaps between design, construction, and operational teams. Support covers administrative coordination, schedule monitoring, and stakeholder communication.

  • Project Schedule and Progress Tracking
  • Stakeholder Communication Coordination
  • Owner Representative Advisory

Industries

Government · Commercial · Education · Wastewater · Water Supply · Arts & Culture

Projects

Western Butler County Authority Administration Building

Western Butler County, PA · Wastewater · Client: Western Butler County Authority

Project details

Commissioning and sustainability services for the Western Butler County Authority Administration Building, highlighting the leadership of women professionals in the design and construction phase.

FNB Financial Center

Pittsburgh, PA · Commercial · Client: FNB Financial Center

Project details

Sustainability consulting and building commissioning services for a high-rise project that achieved Gold certification under LEED v4 Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell.

Pittsburgh Public Schools - Water Quality Program

Pittsburgh, PA · Education · 2016 · Client: Pittsburgh Public Schools

Project details

Plumbing system upgrades, water quality sampling preparation, and design of domestic water fixture and filter upgrades across the school district's buildings and facilities to limit lead in drinking water.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA · Arts & Culture · 2023 · Client: David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Project details

On-call MEP engineering and sustainability consulting, including assisting the facility in achieving LEED v4.1 Operations + Maintenance Gold recertification.