Lilker works to adapt itself to New York's changing landscape.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Lilker Associates, a full-service, multi-disciplinary mechanical/electrical/plumbing and technology engineering firm based in New York City.

From the outset, Lilker understood that to succeed in an urban environment an engineering firm must adapt to changing markets. In fact, the firm's growth and diversification mirror that of New York City in the last 20 years--from the financial sector boom of the 1980s to growth in the early 1990s of the commercial, retail, education and healthcare markets and later of the dot-coms and the emergent technology companies. An expert at in incorporating state-of-the-art technology and MEP systems into both new and old structures, Lilker has flourished in the city's ever-changing construction environment.

"As we look back, we see that our founding principles--responsible engineering, developing solutions that respect client needs and budgets, and prompt and attentive service--have been on target," says Bruce Lilker, PE, the firm's founder and president.

Two market sectors in particular--commercial and residential--have consistently thrived in the city. From the beginning Lilker's work in these markets has been front and center, in both new construction and renovations.

The firm's exceptional commercial projects include the restack of the Sony Building at 550 Madison Ave., which was followed by MEP work for over 100,000 s/f of expansion space for Sony's corporate headquarters and the design of its new recording studios, and Tower 49, a 45-story commercial high-rise for which Lilker added a 2000 kW emergency generator, a 900-ton cooling tower and a 300-ton supplemental chiller.

The firm takes special pride in its work on the 23-story Louis Vuitton Tower on E. 57th Street. Featuring an asymmetrical facade, an unusual floor configuration and an opalescent glass curtain wall, the project presented extremely complex MEP challenges, including the fact that it was one of the first projects to qualify as a "smart" building--i.e., each floor had its own mechanical room to customize supply and return of heating, air-conditioning and ventilation.

In the residential sector, Lilker has worked with leading architectural firms to provide MEP and technology services for a number of high-profile, high-end buildings throughout the New York area. Recent standouts include a new 1.2 million s/f, 900-unit high-rise condominium complex in Long Island City and a 21-story rental residence at 88 Leonard St. Lilker has also converted many existing buildings to condominiums.

The dot-com bubble, in which Lilker thrived, heralded an emerging and fast-growing market in technology work, which, with its characteristic flexibility and adaptability, Lilker pursued. In 2001, the company formed a technology solutions group--a wholly owned subsidiary that serves today's IT, cabling, audio visual and security design needs--allowing Lilker to offer a single source for all MEP and technology needs.

Since TSG's debut, Morais Miranda, RCDD, the firm's principal and director, has presided over the group's successful expansion nationwide, from the first formal project, a 400,000 s/f headquarters for Read Elsevier on Park Avenue to projects for the West Point Military Academy, Fiduciary Trust and Pace University.

Lilker attributes its success to client service, careful decision-making, direct involvement of its principals, adaptability and sound business practices. The firm continually invests in staff development and recently named three new principals: Steven Hammer, PE, Martin Bowen, PE, and Mr. Miranda. They join longtime principals Philip Yee, PE, senior vice president, Serge Budzyn, PE, executive vice president, and Mr. Lilker to round out the leadership team.

Lilker's latest initiative is endowment of the Engineering with Vision scholarship at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, to be awarded annually to qualified MEP students.

"In the end, nurturing young MEP professionals who care as much as we do about client service, excellence and flexibility is our first priority," notes Mr. Lilker.