m2e has had the distinguished pleasure of working with The Related Group on previous projects.  Needless to say we are thrilled to be working with them again on their latest venture, Apogee Beach Hollywood. This 5 star stunning, 49 luxury residence condo is located directly on the ocean in Hollywood Beach Florida. Designed by world renowned architect, Carlos Ott (also known for another m2e client Jade Beach ) will boast 22 stories of glass parallel to the ocean with spectacular views from every single residence. m2e has been retained to perform peer review for this exciting new project.

We are so excited to announce our newest client, Cavalier Construction Company!

Cavalier Construction is one of the leading construction companies in the Bahamas and m2e has been retained to perform MEP Construction Review for the Princess Margaret Hospital – Critical Care Block.  Cavalier has been in business since 1956 and boasts the same work ethic and product as m2e – integrity and quality.  Managing Director, Mr. Richard Wilson reports they’ve ‘done work in Jamaica, Cayman, and Turks & Caicos and have been asked to work on a variety of Caribbean islands, but we’ve always had enough to keep them occupied in the Bahamas’.  This is certainly the case with their latest project to build the $40 million Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hotel The construction is anticipated to take approximately 20 months.

The New Critical Care Block at Princess Margaret Hospital, Bahamas.

Our esteemed client, The Waldorf Towers Hotel in Miami Beach has achieved LEED for Commercial Interiors Gold Certification!  m2e engineered the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems which helped achieve this outstanding level of performance.  With innovative technologies such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC systems, LED Lighting and a Solar Photovoltaic array, this hotel boasts an energy efficiency level over 25% better than current standards.  We’re proud to have served our client as stewards for an improved environment!  The Waldorf Towers Hotel is the first LEED-CI Gold hotel on Ocean Drive!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

We are most thankful for our loyal clients, friends and colleagues who have supported us through the years.  Without your business and referrals we would not be where we are today.  It is you that keeps us striving for absolute excellence in every project, our close relationships with our clients and providing our staff with an open and creative working environment.

Every now and again we have the pleasure of revisiting a project we’ve worked on in the past.  We couldn’t be more excited about going back to the Traymore Hotel on Miami Beach. This little gem of South Beach Hotel is an REO that we’ll be performing a 40 Year Recertification Inspection on.  Having a history with the property gives us an advantage as we know the building inside and out. This time around we are representing the buyer, SteepRock Capital, of the Traymore and are assisting them in reselling the asset.

Remember when your building is up for its 40 Year Recertification … call your trusty engineers at m2e!

On October 27, 2011, your reliable engineers at m2e Consulting spend the day at Continental Group’s Annual Conference & Exhibition at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  The one day event was a winner with a informative vendor exhibits, presentations and meet & greets.  We got to say hello to a lot of familiar friendly faces and featured guest speaker, Dave Barry kept the crowd laughing. The Expo was a great opportunity to get up to date with the latest industry trends and get some one-on-one time with experts.  We want to thank everyone that visited our booth and we hope to be able to assist you in the future with any of your engineering needs.  Hats off to The Continental Group for putting together a great conference! See you next year!

NOW YOU CAN TELL THE TIDE AS EASILY AS THE TIME™

m2e’s ingenious technology department has developed an iPhone application for ChronGlobal Corp.  “This remarkable application tells the tide, and is going to change the lives of anyone with an interest in water-oriented activity. This application tidal watch face provides an easy and instant graphic approach to tide info, sun and moon information. GPS based, Tidal Chronoscope display actually shows you the current state of the tides and also the moon phase at your location. Included is the optional Lunar Chronoscope face which shows you the moon phase, moonrise and moonset, moon over, moon under and position of the moon in the sky. And the Solar Chronoscope which indicate sunrise and sunset and position in the sky.”

m2e’s technology department can help propel your brand into the new era with an iPhone application.

To see a bit a more of what we can do and ChronGlobal’s cutting edge application, please visit our clients website. You can also buy the application at the Apple store here.

In this industry, we’ve all felt the effects of a slowing economy. m2e is proud to have weathered the storm all thanks to all our amazing clients, our vow to quality engineering and will to constantly progress. Please read this Miami Herald article shedding a little piece of light on the incline of our local construction industry. Go Miami! Go m2e!

Our fearless leader, Misha Mladenovic was a featured speaker at the Sept. 19th workshop that the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce co-hosted with the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  m2e has been a proud member of the South Florida chapter since 2009. Green Builds Business is a national initiative, launched earlier this year by the USHCC Foundation and funded by a $500,000 grant from Walmart, designed to educate Hispanic business entrepreneurs on environmental sustainability and guide them on how to formulate and implement green business plans that hold the potential of creating jobs, growing profits and reducing emissions this year.

Miami company takes deed to 999 Brickell Ave.

That’s right! Yours truly – m2e Consulting Engineers!

Pre-Purchase and Due Diligence Reports are one of our specialties. Our reputation for objective accuracy has earned us the repeat business of many of our esteemed clients.  Make sure to give us a call when you’re looking into your next property.

Your trusty engineers at m2e Consulting have had the pleasure of working with the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove over the past few years. m2e is now hitting the road and headed over to the West side! We are so excited to announce our latest venture with The Ritz Carlton Beach Residences in Sarasota. The Beach Residences are newly built and situated on the beach and within steps of luxurious Ritz Carlton Beach Club. With over 400′ of Gulf frontage on almost 8 acres, the residences feature magnificent views of the Gulf, Bay & City skyline.

Just like our engineers – this is about as good as it gets!

“Crédit Agricole…expects to add 40 new positions to its current staff of 65 in the next three to five years.”

Please read this great article on our client, Crédit Agricole, that was featured in Miami Today.

How do you know you are choosing the right engineer for your project?  Our fearless leader, Misha Mladenovic, tackled this very subject as a guest speaker on Steven Siegfried’s weekly radio show, “Straight Talk on Condo’s & H.O.A.’s” on WIOD 610-AM.  This episode’s focus was on “Whether for Turnover or Concrete Restoration: The Importance of Selecting the Right Engineer”. In case you missed this informative segment, you can listen to the July 31st show here.

“In understanding our Client’s particular needs, we are able to provide them with the best suited service for a fair price.”

Introducing the latest client to our roster, the ultra exclusive and lavish, The Setai Miami Beach.

Your friendly engineers at m2e got to work this week on the beautiful Setai property.  This deluxe Miami Beach Hotel boasts impeccably appointed guestrooms, an exquisite restaurant, a world-class spa, 3 extravagant pools and beachfront access. m2e is has been retained to perform quality control inspections.

We are so excited to announce our first collaboration with our neighbors, the prestigious University of Miami!  Our m2e electrical team has recently been retained by U.M. for a project at the School of Communication.  m2e has always been a strong supporter of the University, by employing recent graduates, interns and our company President, Misha Mladenovic, sits on the Universities School of Architecture Visiting Committee.

We’re thrilled to be working again with our longtime client, Lennar Homes! We’ve had the pleasure on working with Lennar on such past projects as 360 Condominium in North Bay Village and now proudly serving the Villas at Carmel in Homestead. Built in 2005, the Villas at Carmel is a gated townhouse community located in Homestead, in the Naranja/Leisure City submarket.

Your friendly engineers at m2e Consulting head to Commodore Club South in Key Biscayne.

We are very excited to announce our most recent client located in the north end of the Village of Key Biscayne – Commodore Club South.  This oceanfront condominium was built in 1974 and is bordered by Crandon Park and the Atlantic Ocean. 12 stories high, with direct access to the beach and picturesque views, this makes this Condo as exclusive as it gets.  m2e is proud to have been retained by Commodore Club South for their Concrete Restoration project.

m2e on the Miami River

We are proud to announce the latest addition to our client roster – Latitude on the River. Developed by Edward A. Fish & Associates, this 44 stories high urban sanctuary is located between in Brickell on the southern side of the historic Miami River. m2e Consulting has been retained to perform their Turnover Inspection. For more information on this property, please visit their site.

I hate to tell you this … but we told you so! Check out this recent article out of Professional Builder magazine.

We want to thank all of our friends, colleagues and the Builders Association of South Florida for coming out to a great night of networking on April 28th! Thanks to all of you, the night was a great success.

Keep an eye out for a next event!

You won’t want to miss these mojitos!

Click here for some more great pictures of the event.

We are very pleased to announce our client, Credit Agricole, whom m2e performed the  MEP/Fire Protection Design for, will be the first tenant at 600 Brickell at Brickell World Plaza. The Private Bank will be making it’s new home in the pre-certified LEED Platinum 600,00 square-foot office tower. Credit Agricole Miami Private Bank offers private banking, discretionary portfolio management, advisory and structured products and estate planning.  To read the full Miami Today article, please click here.

On April 8, 2011, your friendly engineers at m2e Consulting spend the day at Condo & HOA Expo at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  The one day event proved to be a great success with non-stop vendor exhibits, demonstrations and meet & greets. The Expo was a great opportunity to get up to date with the latest industry trends and get some one-on-one time with experts.  We want to thank everyone that visited our booth and we hope to be able to assist you in the future with any of your engineering needs.  Congratulations to Cary Martinez-Funcia, Property Manager at The Tiffany of Bal Harbour for winning an iPod at our raffle!

Our client, Waldorf Towers Hotel, located on the famous Ocean Drive, Miami Beach will be debuting its new & improved look this April.  The property had undergone 2 years of renovations and m2e Consulting has been with them every step of the way, providing MEP Design, LEED Certification, Construction Administration & more.    To read the entire article, click here.

Congratulations Carlos!

m2e friend and colleague, Architect Carlos Ruiz de Quevedo has been appointed Chairman for the Coral Gables Green Task Force.  The 11 member group is made up of Coral Gables residents including an architect, engineer, planner, historic preservationist and community activists.  The Green Task Force serves as an advisory panel to the Mayor and City Commission on matters that support sustainability and environmental awareness.  Please read the entire article here and join us in congratulating our dear friend Carlos.

We’re proud to announce our newest client, the hip beachfront resort, Solé on the Ocean.  Solé on the Ocean is located in beautiful Sunny Isles with 249 modern guest rooms and suites overlooking the ocean.  Access to their private beach, lavish spa, restaurant and valet parking make this resort a top choice for a memorable getaway.  We look forward to giving them our white glove service! m2e – more than just engineers – problem solvers.  To learn more about the resort or to book your next vacation click here.

With a new year on the horizon and an ever growing technology market, companies are getting with the times and trading in their old portable devices, upgrading software and security – all to maximize efficiency and productivity. Firms keep visitors entertained with iPads in their waiting rooms. Attorneys trade in blackberries for iPhones. Ad Agencies upgrade their websites and create applications to access client date. To read the full article click here. m2e Consulting is on the cutting edge of technology and a registered App developer. We and can help catapult your company to 2011 with your very own iPhone App. Give us a call today!

At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit we say … thank you and best wishes for the holidays and a happy new year. May the joy of this Holiday season bring you peace and thankfulness for all that we have.  We look forward to 2011 and another opportunity to better serve our valued clients.

The December 5th WIOD 610-AM radio show hosted by Steven M. Siegfried featured special guest Miroslav “Misha” Mladenovic, of m2e Consulting Engineers.  The topics discussed included issues pertaining to turnovers, engineering inspection reports, construction defects, major renovations and other construction-related topics for local condominiums and HOA’s.

Luckily you can listen to the show here!

You guessed it! m2e performed Quality Control & Construction Administration during the construction of this beautiful 41-story, Robert Swedroe-designed beachfront condo.  With less than week to inspect, m2e was then again retained by the successful buyer to perform their due diligence inspection before the sale.  Read the entire article here.  Are you looking to inspect a significant asset? If it’s a quick turnaround and reliable engineer you’re looking for – look no further and call us today!

With the onslaught of many Chinese Drywall cases finally reaching settlement, local firms and contractors stand in line for the remediation work.  Read the full article here.

m2e is proud to announce we have been retained by the 500 Brickell Condominium Association to perform their Turnover.  This remarkable twin tower property is located in the heart of Brickell, offering residents amazing views of the Bay and Downtown. “500 Brickell will become the new meeting point for work and play, breathing more life and vitality to the financial district”. For more information on m2e’s newest client please visit their site.

Listen Sunday for Live Conversation on Turnover and Construction Defects with Misha Mladenovic from M2E Consulting

The Siegfried Rivera, Lerner, De La Torre & Sobel Law Firms next edition of “Straight Talk on Condos & HOAs” live radio show on 610-AM WIOD this Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. will mark the first time that we bring a highly experienced and knowledgeable consulting engineer on the show to focus on all of the important issues and questions involving reports of the condition of the building components to associations on turnover from developer control of condominiums and homeowner associations and deficiencies discovered after turnover.

Miroslav “Misha” Mladenovic, a certified Professional Engineer with M2E Consulting Engineers, one of the most experienced and respected engineering firms for condominiums in South Florida, will appear on the show with the firm’s Steven M. Siegfried and Ivette Machado for the full hour to discuss issues pertaining to turnovers, engineering inspection reports, construction defects, major renovations and other construction-related topics. Steven, Ivette, and Misha will answer callers’ questions at 1-866-610-NEWS (866-610-6397), and questions submitted via e-mail at straighttalk@wiod.com will also be considered for on-air responses.

If you miss this show or any of the past shows, visit our online archive by clicking here or visiting www.siegfriedlaw.com. Listen anytime to past shows that you may have missed, and don’t forget to tune in this Sunday for “Straight Talk on Condos & HOAs” from noon to 1 p.m. on WIOD 610-AM for a discussion of some of the most important construction issues affecting South Florida condominiums.

KNAUF SETTLES CHINESE DRYWALL CASE

Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, one of the biggest makers of defective Chinese drywall, has agreed to fix hundreds of homes in a breakthrough settlement of class action claims.

To read the entire South FL Business Journal article click here.

m2e’s Technology department welcomes REO Asset Preservation to our client roster! We’ll be designing & developing a new, high-tech website for this full service REO asset management company. Remember a website is an integral part of your business’s growth – and M2E is your one-stop shop!

m2e has been retained by the beautiful City of South Miami to perform an Energy Audit of its City Hall facility! In the coming weeks m2e will be developing a strategic plan for SoMi City Hall to become more energy efficient and reduce its Carbon Footprint. Thanks to the SoMi Green Task Force for making this very important leap towards a green South Miami!?

m2e is proud to announce that 1060 Brickell has given us the go ahead to implement our B.E.S.T. (Benefit in Energy Saving Technologies) program! In the very near future, 1060 will be lighting their common areas using high-efficiency LED lighting and achieving remarkable savings in energy costs and electric use. Congratulations to 1060 Brickell for allowing our B.E.S.T. program to become your success!

m2e has completed the Lighting Improvement mock-up at 1060 Brickell  and the results are great! The area completed is now benefiting from cutting edge technology in lighting – using LED lamps – and saving 90% energy consumption, not to mention eliminating A LOT of heat from the old lamps! We will soon be completing the remaining improvements throughout the building, and 1060 Brickell will reduce their carbon footprint by 180 Tons annually (the same as removing 35 cars from our roads)! Its the B.E.S.T. program at m2e that’s making waves in South Florida!

Today we celebrate our 5 year anniversary and we give a heartfelt thanks to all our clients, employees, vendors and friends who have shared our vision and helped us become a leader in this industry … THANK YOU!

Are you looking to expand your small business and reach new customers? Mobile is on track to be the most universal media channel in the world. With more than one million mobile devices sold annually, maybe it’s time to contact m2e to see how an iPhone app can help grow your business.

For expert Computer Repair in Miami and SEO, talk to the experts at Preemo.

m2e continues to work for a green South Florida!  We are kicking off our newest program, B.E.S.T., at 1060 Brickell Condo.  Benefit in Energy Saving Technologies is a program we’ve developed to target strategic energy saving measures for our clients.  Our first phase begins this week at the beautiful 1060 Brickell Condo with the improvement of lighting technologies.  1060 Brickell will soon be enjoying a reduction in lighting energy of approximately 60 percent!  Don’t you want to do the same for your home, office or building?

Investment banking firm, Goldman Sach’s subsidiary Archon Group has hired m2e for their Downtown Dadeland project.  We are ecstatic about the opportunity to work with Archon Group and look forward to teaming with them on future projects.

Welcome back Catalfumo! m2e heads back to Singer Island for the turnover of the luxurious 2700 North Ocean Drive. What a great way to round up the month!

“2700 North Ocean Drive began as a vision of Catalfumo Construction and Development, Inc. to provide an unparalleled lifestyle for its discerning clients. 2700 North Ocean will rise as two 27-story towers on 8.8 acres of pristine oceanfront property on beautiful Singer Island, providing residents with direct beach access and an upscale resort lifestyle. This truly elegant oceanfront complex sets a new ideal for Singer Island residences. And the onsite sales center offers a first glimpse into that promise.”

We are very pleased to announce the newest addition to our team – Carlos Esteban.  Carlos comes to us with over seven years of design experience and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Did you know that all non single family buildings over 2,500 square feet have to be inspected for life safety items after 40 years? This 40 Year Recertification program is designed to ensure the structural and electrical integrity of a building for its continued safe use. Non-compliance with the electrical  and structural components of this safety program can result in not only safety issues, but also a costly and time consuming process. M2E has the in-house expertise to get your certification and repair recommendations, if needed. Call us today!

If you’ve been to Sunny Isles Beach recently you’ve probably noticed the newest addition to the skyline – the spectacular Jade Beach Condominium. m2e is very excited to announce the beautiful Jade Beach as one of our newest clients! Brand new Jade Beach Condo is a unique, 51-story, 248 unit tower on the ocean, perfectly located in the heart of Sunny Isles Beach between Bal Harbor Shoppes & Aventura Mall. Superbly designed by a team of world famous architects & interior designers, including award winning Carlos Ott, recognized internationally as one of the leading design architects of the last 20 years, Luis Revuelta, designer of Jade Residences Miami, Santa Maria Miami. Jade Beach was just completed the end of 2008 and is considered to be the most luxurious condo on Sunny Isles Beach.

m2e is proud to announce our newest client, World International. We have been retained as their development consultant for the world-class destination resort and planned community of Diablo Grande located in Patterson, California.

A dozen prominent architects, developers and community leaders are advising the School of Architecture as it shapes its programs for the future. The Visiting Committee was created as the School explores ways to build on its national reputation for architectural and urban design and to expand its offerings to best prepare students for professional leadership.

m2e President, Misha Mladenovic, was invited to participate on this esteemed committee and was on hand for their meeting on April 8th at University of Miami campus. Other committee members include Jorge Perez of teh Related Group, Robert Behar of Behar Font & Partners, Bernardo Fort Brescia of Arquitectonica and Nitin Motwani of Miami World Center Group.

M2E has been awarded “Best Places to Work” by the South Florida Business Journal. We are so proud of this accomplishment!

To Miroslav “Misha” Mladenovic, president of m2e Consulting Engineers, human resources are the firm’s biggest asset, “and we act accordingly”. As such, the company’s generous benefits” include a 5 percent matching 401(k), among other incentives, as well as company-provided laptops so employees can work from home.

But, what makes the company unique is its collaborative, creative and fun environment, “where thinking outside the box is encouraged. While people might think about engineering as boring, our culture of innovative approach to problem solving in the fields of construction and real estate development motivates our staff to contribute over and above any expectation, “Mladenovic says. This creates a “muted” hierarchy.

At our weekly company-sponsored happy hours”, he says, “we share snacks and drinks, as well as professional challenges of the week past.

“While money is important, intelligent people realize that they spend more time at work than with their families,” Mladenovic says. “Consequently, fostering a challenging, ever-changing and yes, fun place to work is essential”

~ South Florida Business Journal, February 26, 2010

We are proud to announce m2e’s latest green project and partnership with RTKL Associates. The project consists of LEED commissioning services for a 25,000 square foot commercial office space located in the Met 2 building in downtown Miami. m2e proudly contributes to the overall energy conservation efforts and environmental sustainability in our communities. We are a member of the US Green Building Council, and have LEED Accredited Professionals, Commissioning Agent (CxA), licensed individuals in all areas of engineering and licensed contractors on staff.

Our words to live by – the m2e Mantra.

We distinguish ourselves as the premier multi-disicplinary engineering firm in our consulting areas of expertise, and seek to establish ourselves as the recognized leader in our industry worldwide. We will accomplish this by providing superior work products at a reasonable price with an uncompromising dedication to serving our clients’ needs. M2e fosters a nurturing and challenging work environment, with a keen focus on personal and professional integrity, which reflects our sincere commitment to serve our community, respect and preserve our environment.

m2e is pleased to see one of it’s first and long established clients, ZOM Florida, Inc., back on the roster. We are proud to have worked with ZOM since our inception on such majestic projects as Madison at SoHo, Madison at St. Pete, Waverly Las Olas and Arbors at Carrollwood.  Their latest project, in which m2e will serve as general consultant, is the grandiose Paramount on Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida. The Paramount is composed of 313 condominiums plus retail and office space and ideally located on Central Boulevard directly across from Lake Eola Park.

m2e Consulting has teamed up with Borges & Associates architectural firm to provide MEP design on a 7,800 square foot, custom private resident on the prestigious Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach. This is the first partnership for the two firms and we look forward to many more successful projects together.

m2e was invited by the law firm of Akerman Senterfitt to host an informational luncheon for their Distressed Properties Group.  We were gratiously hosted by Ronald Kriss, Chair of the Distressed Properties Group, at their downtown Miami office on November 19th. Company president, Misha Mladenovic, spoke to a group of 15 attorney’s on m2e’s in-house capabilities and methods for approaching troubled assets. Our ability to assess and perform the work (including design) in an efficient and economical way makes us uniquely qualified to help acquire or re-align properties that are in need of that very expertise to bring them to market. The luncheon proved to be a succesful event and we are most grateful for the opportunity. Akerman Senterfitt continues to be an esteemed client of m2e.

Have you ever considered opening your windows during a hurricane? It sounds crazy right!?! Well obviously not too crazy because this was the exact question that was put to test on The Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters” with the help of m2e employee Cory Salzano. Follow me, I will explain.

According to the myth, a house would incur less damage during a hurricane if all of its windows were left open. The theory behind the myth is based on wind pressure. The intense winds of a hurricane create a very distinct (and complicated) flow field around a house. The basics….the upwind face of the house experiences a positive pressure load (i.e. acting to push the wall in), the downwind face experiences a negative pressure load (i.e. acting to pull the wall off), and the roof experiences a negative pressure (i.e. acting to pull the roof off). It is these loads that must be resisted by the structural framing of the house. The thought behind the myth is that if all of the windows are open, the surface area of the wall is reduced and thus the pressure forces on these walls will be reduced. In simple terms, the wind will just blow right through. You get it? Good. Let’s debunk with some engineering know how.

While creating open space in the wall will change the pressures on a house, the amount of open space that would be required to reduce the pressure acting on the house could not be reasonably achieved by merely opening the windows. Engineers design houses for wind based on the loads required by ASCE 7-05, Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures. From a design standpoint, in order to significantly reduce the pressures on a house, the open space created by the windows would have to be significant enough to classify the house as an “Open Building” in the design. Based on the provisions of ASCE 7-05, an “Open Building” is a building having each wall at least 80 percent open. Therefore, assuming that you could consider a window as an opening in the design, windows would have to consist of 80 percent of the walls area. Still think it might be a good idea to keep your windows open? Wait, it gets worse.

By opening the windows of your house, you may actually make a bad situation worse (depending on the situation). Remember that flow field we talked about, well with an insufficient amount of windows open the wind will actually begin to create an elevated positive pressure inside the house. This may be thought of as blowing up a balloon. What happens when the pressure inside a balloon gets to high? POP! The elevated pressure inside the house combined with the negative pressure experienced by the roof will have a similar effect. The roof will pop of the house (granted it won’t be as dramatic). But wait, there’s more.

It rains during a hurricane. It rains a lot during a hurricane. Call your home owners insurance company and ask them if they think it would be a good idea to keep your windows open during a hurricane. They just may hang up on you. By opening your windows during a hurricane you are introducing yourself to a whole new world of problems that we engineers like to call water intrusion. Although, technically I guess it is not water intrusion IF YOU INVITE IT IN!! This water intrusion can lead to deteriorated finishes within the home, rotting wood and potential mold contamination.

So, in conclusion, if you didn’t catch the last episode of “Mythbusters” filmed at the University of Florida Hurricane Research Center, let me spoil the ending…please keep your windows closed.

Cory T. Salzano, E.I.

Misha Mladenovic and Dr. Dejan Tepavac, partners in m2e, traveled this October to Serbia for a roundtable conference organized by the Serbian Government. During the one day interactive meeting, which included the President and Prime Minister, attending companies were made aware of the current conditions facing the country’s economy and plans for the future. m2e used the opportunity to showcase its web-based iPhone Application to different institutional and non-institutional entities. As a result, one of the major contracting companies in the country bought the Remote Site Control application.

m2e’s president, Misha Mladenovic has been invited to be a featured speaker at the next roundtable in March, addressing real estate development challenges in the South East European market. In anticipation of this event, a meeting with the Vice-President and Minster of Development has been scheduled.

Misha Mladenovic, president and founder of m2e has joined the Coral Gables Cinematheque Board, headed by Steven Krams, as Technical Adviser. Mr. Mladenovic will lend his firm’s engineering expertise vested on multiple installations of audio visual systems in projects ranging from parliaments to recording studios and multi-use concert halls. The Coral Gables Cinematheque is a partnership between the City and private parties in securing a unique venue for independent and still undistributed films, in a small size setting in the heart of the city.

Besides structural and MEP engineering, m2e provides consulting services in the areas of Acoustics, Noise Control and the implementation of complex audiovisual systems. For more information on these specialized services, please contact us at nbowman@m2econsulting.com

Our staff is the foundation of our success and we encourage continual education. m2e attended a ‘Mediation & Arbitration of Construction Disputes’ seminar held by Siegfried, Rivera, Lerner, De La Torre & Sobel law firm and hosted by the Daily Business Review. The seminar was attended by a large number of attorneys and mediators and explained in great detail the many different ways to handle and resolve construction disputes. We learned about the positives and negatives of tools like Mediation and Arbitration in our industry.

The event was a success and a great learning experience for the staff. m2e continually makes an effort to educate the staff in hopes to better serve our clients and maintain the expertise which gives us the edge in the industry.

Richard Camino, CRC

m2e Consulting Engineers is the proud recipient of  South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  ‘Engineering Company of the Year Award’

On November 6th m2e attended the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 15th Annual Sunshine Awards Luncheon. The event was held at the beautiful Hilton Bentley South Beach on a perfectly sunny and breezy South Florida day.  m2e President, Misha Mladenovic, was on hand to receive the honorary ‘Engineering Company of the Year’ award. The Keynote Speaker at the Sunshine Awards Luncheon was Frank Alvarez, President/CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Coral Gables Community Foundation Masquerade Ball

m2e was pleased to attend the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s inaugural Masquerade Ball on October 23rd.  The black tie and gown event hosted over 200 Gables Foundation patrons at the beautiful Comber Hall at 1251 Palermo.  Bacardi generously sponsored the event and upon entering Comber Hall you were greeted by  masked Jesters on stilts. There was a silent auction preceeding the dinner and dancing that showcased items donated by local businesses and individuals all in support of Foundation.

I encourage you to read more about the Coral Gables Community Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who live and work in Coral Gables.

Lighting Retrofit

m2e is currently performing a lighting retrofit at the ICON Condominium in South Beach. The retrofit will consist of replacing all of the building’s 50W halogen bulbs with more efficient 6W LED bulbs. The retrofit will reduce the total electrical power consumption for the building not only by lowering the total wattage for lighting but also by reducing the amount of heat generated by the lights, thus lowering the electrical power consumption of the air conditioning system. Halogen bulbs produce a lot of heat and tend not to last very long. LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps are a fruit of the latest lighting technology, which was first introduced in the automotive industry. They produce insignificant amounts of heat and have a life span of up to 50,000 hours. Another benefit of LED lighting is the reduction of man hours spent on replacing the halogen bulbs. The retrofit is expected to provide savings of up to 25% of the original electrical bill. With its ability to perform Energy Modeling, m2e plans on repeating this success story in other commercial structures throughout the community. For more information contact vmarkoski@m2econsulting.com.

Miami 21 stands for the “Miami of the 21st Century” and details a new age approach to land use and urban planning. It will provide a clear plan for the City that will be supported by specific guidelines and regulations so that future generations can enjoy the benefits of well-balanced neighborhoods and a better quality of life. With this important step, we are laying the foundation for a better, more walkable, bikeable and livable City of Miami. The plan will consider all aspects of economic development, parks and public places, transportation, historic preservation, and arts and culture in its total development and implementation.

“I believe in the big picture – that a Mayor’s ultimate task is to make a city livable – not just while we are in office, but to establish a vision that will continue for generations to come . . . to be the architect of a city’s future. “  ~ City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.

Flags on Ponce

The Flags on Ponce Program is hosted by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and is a visual display of Coral Gables’ rich diversity and international business community. Each year, flags from over 120 countries are flown along Ponce de Leon Boulevard during the months of January through June. m2e sits on the International Affairs Committee, which maintains the program.

m2e was proud to sponsor the Serbian Flag this year on Ponce. Our president and founder, Misha Mladenovic relocated from Belgrade, Serbia to Coral Gables over 20 years ago. Our principal; Dejan Tepavac and Vice President; Vladimir Markoski are also of Serbian descent.

M2E and the FBC

m2e was privileged to attend the Florida Building Commission (FBC) meeting on August 10 and 11, 2009 in Melbourne, Florida to speak in front of the Window/Wall workgroup. This was the second meeting of the Window/Wall Workgroup which is scheduled to meet regularly at the FBC to discuss window/wall initiatives and to identify and evaluate code amendment options regarding windows and the window wall interface. The workgroup was initiated following the insufficient water penetration resistance of the window/wall interface observed during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons. Participation is a key factor at the meetings as they serve as the only opportunity in which companies, such as m2e, may provide guidance or influence decisions made regarding the Florida Building Code.

During the meeting m2e was allotted a time slot to introduce its newest employee, Cory T. Salzano, a building envelope specialist from the University of Florida. Cory gave a presentation on noted deficiencies in the window/wall interface and the cutting-edge research that is being conducted to remediate them.

By attending these meetings m2e seeks to remain current on any proposed changes to the Florida Building Code and to serve as a liaison between its clients and the FBC. After all, m2e’s success may only be measured by the satisfaction of its clients.

Cory T. Salzano, E.I.

Junior Engineer

m2e Consulting Engineers

According to recent study conducted by Goodkin Consulting/ Focus Real Estate Advisors, the outlook for Miami’s downtown skyline is not as grim as it seems.  62% of the residential units completed in downtown Miami since 2003 are occupied and closings are steadily accelerating. The study consisted of 73 condominium buildings and 7 rental apartment buildings and account for 22,959 units in downtown Miami. The encouraging news in accredited to increasingly attractive pricing and the centralized, urban location of downtown Miami.

Highlights of the study:

• Of the total inventory of residential properties for sale in Miami-Dade County last month, 26% are located in Downtown Miami.
• During the four year period from 2004 through 2007, an average of more than 2,000 condo units were absorbed annually; in 2008, more than 4,200 units were sold, despite the collapsed housing market and general economic recession.
• During the four year period from 2004 through 2007, an average of more than 2,000 condo units were absorbed annually; in 2008, more than 4,200 units were sold, despite the collapsed housing market and general economic recession.
• Of the 21,616 new condominium units studied, 13,337 have closed and 98.6% of the closed units are occupied.
• The average monthly sales and leasing activity of new units has been averaging approximately 350 units per month.

The Residential Closings & Occupancy Study was commissioned by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  m2e president, Miroslav ‘Misha’ Mladenovic sits on the Board of Directors for the DDA.

On September 25th, 2009 the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Ceremony for the Hispanic Heritage Expo and Festival. m2e was in attendance and delighted meet to their special guest, His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ali Al Nuaimi. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ali Al Nuaimi, otherwise known as the ‘Green Sheikh’ thanks to his zealous interest in environmental conservation, is a member of the ruling family of the Emirate of Ajman in the U.A.E.

It is with great pleasure that we announce that m2e has joined the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was founded over fourteen years ago and is one of the largest Hispanic Chambers in the State of Florida providing its members with a variety of benefits, services and activities. The Chamber emphasizes the importance of being involved with a vibrant and active chamber of commerce and by becoming a member of this organization, you will be able to network with the finest best recognized business men and women of our county.

To learn more about the Chamber, please visit their website www.sflhcc.com

Did you know that the Chinese manufacturers responsible for the defective drywall shipped into the U.S. in 2004 and 2005 are ignoring all the U.S. suits against them? Lawyers are now considering filing suits against the U.S. companies that financed these Chinese manufacturers.

To read the full Miami Herald article on this click here!

m2e Consulting has been hired to perform turnover services for the Trump Towers project.  We will be providing the requisite Developer Turnover Report for the condominium association as well as providing a Pre-Turnover Assessment Report in order to assist the developer with completing all items to the highest standard of quality.  The beautiful project was carefully inspected in order to provide a quality assessment in conformity with M2E’s engineering philosophy of excellence. Eduardo Cocina, m2e’s Senior Project Manager has been assigned to this project.

m2e joyously celebrated our 4 year anniversary on September 15th at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in South Miami.

Miroslav “Misha” Mladenovic, president and founder of M2E is no stranger to the construction industry with more than 25 years of experience. He began as a project manager at Energoprojekt in Belgrade, Serbia and worked on projects throughout Europe and Africa ranging from security designs to equipment commissioning. After relocating to the United States, Misha was a principal engineer for 7 years at Atkins Engineers in Miami, FL. He departed from the company to start his own firm named M2E Consulting Engineers in September of 2005. Misha brought 6 employees from his team with him, as well as numerous clients including attorneys, developers and general contractors.  Today, our firm has expanded to a staff of fifteen professionals committed to providing our clients with the only the highest quality of work.

Our staff enjoyed a little competive team spirit at our Anniversary party and “spared” no expense. The talented grand prize winner was Vincent Sancho, P.E.

m2e is proud to announce our certification as a Small Business by Miami-Dade County.

After an extensive application and verification process, m2e is now certified as a Community Business Enterprise (CBE) by the Department of Small Business Development with Miami-Dade County.  CBE certification is reserved for A/E Firms only and for small businesses whose actual place of business is in Miami-Dade County.  This great program was designed to afford opportunities to small businesses to participate in the County’s construction of public improvements and give small business like ourselves a chance to gain the experience, knowledge and resources necessary to compete and survive in this trying market.

For more information, please visit the Small Business Development office of Miami-Dade County.

Over the past year Chinese drywall has become an extremely controversial issue in the Florida construction industry. The tainted building material causes the accelerated corrosion of the copper and metal materials contained in the homes mechanical and electrical equipment resulting in costly repairs. Also, long term exposure to the product has been associated with such adverse health issues as respiratory problems, sinus infections, headaches, asthma, and fatigue. To date, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) have received approximately 1,311 reports of defective Chinese drywall from residents in 26 States and the District of Columbia. Approximately 76% of these reports are from residents in Florida.

In short, Chinese drywall is drywall that was imported from China and later found to contain strontium sulfide. Strontium sulfide (SrS) is an inorganic sulfide that reacts in moist air to produce the corrosive gas hydrogen sulfide (H2S). It is this gas that is responsible for the sulfurous odor (commonly compared to the smell of rotten eggs) typically reported in affected homes. Several theories have been developed to explain the presence of this material in the tainted drywall; however, the exact source remains unclear.

The Chinese drywall controversy most likely started as a result of a post-hurricane construction/reconstruction boom following 2004.  The increased construction caused an American-made drywall shortage that spurred a large influx in imported drywall. Shipping records indicate that more than 500 millions pounds of tainted drywall was imported from China between the years 2004 and 2007. According to some estimates this drywall may have been used in more than 100,000 homes.

The full extents of the financial losses that will be incurred from the various effects of Chinese drywall have yet to be realized. Based on publicly available information, National Underwriter has estimated that these losses could fall in the range of $15 billion to $25 billion.

Cory Salzano, E.I.
Junior Engineer
m2e Consulting Engineers

An Engineer in Hell
An engineer dies and reports to the pearly gates. St. Peter checks his dossier and says, “Ah, you’re an engineer – you’re in the wrong place.”
So the engineer reports to the gates of hell and is let in. Pretty soon, the engineer gets dissatisfied with the level of comfort in hell, and starts designing and building improvements. After a while, they’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and the engineer is a pretty popular guy.
One day God calls Satan up on the telephone and says with a sneer, “So, how’s it going down there in hell?”
Satan replies, “Hey, things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there’s no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next.”
God replies, “What??? You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake – he should never have gotten down there; send him up here.”
Satan says, “No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I’m keeping him.”
God says, “Send him back up here or I’ll sue.
Satan laughs uproariously and answers, “Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?”

m2e President, Misha Mladenovic, puts his cooking skills to the test at the Coral Gables Chamber Interactive Luncheon.

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosted an Interactive Luncheon with Chef Nino Pernetti from Caffe Abbracci on August 28th at the Biltmore Hotel.

Cooking and good eating just so happen to be one of Misha’s favorite pastimes so it’s no surpise that he gladly volunteered to cook for his table. Misha made a strawberry risotto (risotto alle fragole) and veal scallopini in wine and cheese sauce. Mmmm!

Along with all the delicious fare there was also great networking as he had the opportunity to meet and cook for the President of Research Management Group, a professional property management group located in Coral Gables.

Our chefs hat goes off to the Chamber for another wonderful event!

On August 11, 2009, Eddy Cocina, Senior Project Manager at m2e was asked to be a guest speaker at a National Business Institute conference held at the Ft Lauderdale Sheraton.  The conference “Community Associations in a Distressed Market” outlined the 558 process for condominium turnovers and warranties under §718 of the Florida Statutes.

Eddy’s portion of the presentation covered construction defects, their identification and remediation along with directions that different defects require in order to mitigate further consequential damage to the building components and unit owner interiors.

The conference was attended by attorneys and building managers and provided continuing education credits.

M2E signs contract with The Atrium at Aventura.

m2e is pleased to announce the newest addition to our client roster, The Atrium at Aventura.  The Atrium is an elegant boutique water-front residential community, located in Aventura, Florida.  It offers two 12-story towers on the peninsula of Dumbfoundling Bay with 96 residential units per tower. m2e has been retained by the Developer, G.M. Atrium, LLC to provide Turnover Services.

M2E Going International…Again

M2E Consulting Engineers is proud to announce its first European project. The Technology Division of M2E, headed by Dr Dejan Tepavac, has sold its iPhone based inspection application, “i2inspect by M2E”, to one of the foremost general contracting company in Serbia, Deneza M. Deneza M will be using the iPhone application to track progress of its remote sites from the Headquarters in Belgrade. It will also use it to assure quality and conformance to established regulations. This is quite a coup for Miami-based M2E, which also has an office in Belgrade. For more information on various iPhone applications developed by M2E, see www.m2econsulting.com, or contact Jonas Blake at jblake@m2econsulting.com

This is the second international project awarded to M2E this year. They have been recently selected to provide full design engineering services, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems to the Antigua Power and Utility Agency (APUA), for redesign and retrofit of their headquarters. This project is another fruitful collaberation between M2E and Altiva International, with whom M2E has had numerous projects.

America’s Small Business Summit brings together business owners and local and state chamber executives in Washington to rally for free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. Over the course of three days, Summit attendees will network, meet with their elected officials to advocate for pro-growth policies, and hear from Washington insiders and business experts on policies that are impacting American businesses.

For more on the 2009 conference, click here.

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