Michael Kledzik - AIA Seattle

I AM AIA

Michael Kledzik

I am a mechanical designer with 19 years of experience, working with various clients such as the Port of Seattle (SeaTac Airport), Boeing, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions. I also assist building owners in achieving compliance with energy codes. I enjoy collaborating on challenging, complex projects and bringing multiple perspectives to find a well-rounded solution. Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, skiing, and hiking with my wife and two kids.

Why did you join AIA Seattle?

FSi has been an AIA Corporate Allied Partner for many years. This partnership has given us the opportunity to connect with others in the industry, learn about what matters to architects, provide presentations to industry partners, and participate in committees such as COTE and the Diversity Roundtable. We’re looking forward to sponsoring and attending the Honor Awards later this month.

How do you explain what you do for a living?

My job is to develop the systems with moving parts – HVAC, plumbing, and process systems – to create productive, comfortable, and efficient environments. On a day-to-day basis, this means understanding the needs and wants of the project team, incorporating project restrictions such as budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements, and translating all of this into the mechanical systems. As consultants, we don’t make decisions. Instead, we develop options to support the architect’s vision and the owner’s priorities.

It’s also my job to help building owners understand the value of high-performance systems. These systems may cost more initially, but we use our consultant powers to analyze and communicate the long-term value, such as lower utility costs, reduced maintenance, and longer system life.

What project are you working on now?

I’m working with several clients to get their buildings in compliance with the Washington State Clean Building Performance Standards. Each building requires an individualized approach and response when working with the particulars of how each facility operates to meet the state’s standards. I enjoy providing building owners with a detailed roadmap on how to maintain efficiencies within their buildings, and educating them on how these changes and costs will ultimately benefit the building, occupants, and owner.

I’m also involved with many projects at SeaTac Airport. Just last week, I attended the grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony for new airport bathrooms, including a pet relief area and a room for nursing mothers. Very exciting spaces!

What organization do you represent?

FSi Engineers.

What is your favorite Seattle-area structure?

I have a couple. The Smith Tower is one. FSi’s office was there when I started in 2015. My grandfather also worked in the Smith Tower early in his career, so it was fun to share that history with him. Now that FSi’s office is on the waterfront, I am excited to be working almost next door to Colman Dock, a project FSi worked on for nearly a decade. There were interesting design challenges, like developing the piping design in an area exposed to saltwater. Washington State Ferries and WSDOT are very committed to sustainability, and we explored some innovative systems as part of the design process. It was also fantastic to work with such a cohesive and collaborative team.

Where is the field of architecture, construction, or engineering headed?

Due to our local commitments to carbon reduction and minimizing energy use, there is undoubtedly a drive for change. Our job in this industry is to make improvements happen without negative impacts on building owners and occupants. Close coordination with the architect regarding the envelope, maintaining efficiencies, and energy models is key to finding an optimal balance between an enjoyable environment and efficient MEP systems. The goal is to manage the benefits of architectural improvements alongside efficiency improvements in the MEP systems, all within the requirements of the Seattle Energy Code.

What do you hope to contribute from your work?

We should all have access to a clean, healthy, and welcoming environment that doesn’t negatively impact our neighbors. I have this in mind with every project, from study to design and commissioning.

For every project, I want to support the architectural aesthetics and vision, meet the owner’s needs, and create a comfortable environment for building occupants.

What inspired you today?

Seeing my kids grow and change as they develop, and witnessing them discover new things, inspires me every day. If there are things I can control to contribute to that, such as creating spaces where they can thrive and enjoy moments together, that is a major source of inspiration.

Can design save the world?

Absolutely, if we can convince enough people to buy into it. Design can inspire, but we need people to believe in the concepts. The solutions are out there, and I hope we continue to pursue them and make them as accessible as possible for everyone.