We all know that the refrigeration, mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations are key in the operational and financial success of a supermarket.  What we at KMB also know is that ideally few will even take note of these items in operation!  The consumer should feel positive about the environment - impacted by elements including the consistency of temperature; the quantity of daylight, the quality of artificial light, the limited noise impact of systems - while not taking notice of the installation.  The store manager and maintenance director should not have a focus on poor product temperatures or nuisances from mechanical and refrigeration systems, faulty controls, inadequate water temperatures, drainage problems, etc.  The Energy Manager should not be asked to troubleshoot and identify reasons for higher than average utility costs.  The Store Planning/Architecture/Engineering/Construction department leaders and staff should be lauded for their efforts at grand opening of an individual store, or upon completion of a rollout program, for the store(s) as a whole, delivered on time and on budget.

Thus are we content for our rewards to be a quiet aftermath to the design and construction of new supermarkets and retail stores, allowing our clients to exceed their goals and continue with additional opportunities. 

When it comes to the design of retail facilities and programs, we realize that no matter how similar retailers in the same class may appear, each has unique needs, which is why we work closely with each and every client to evaluate their needs. Whether it be new construction or an existing facility, KMB’s expertise in the retail sector allows us to provide innovative designs and practical solutions for all our clients, on budget and in fast-track time frames.

The KMB Engineering staff includes the following in their portfolio of work together:

Whole Foods Market, Sarasota, FL – This progressive supermarket chain achieved LEED Silver certification, one of the first supermarkets so awarded, for their approximately 40,000 sf store.  The MEP engineering services started very early in the process to develop the basis of design and coordinate frequently with all team members as well as vendors.  Prepared an extensive MEP design narrative illustrating the systems involved and their operations and benefits, as well as commissioning plan and checklists.

Pathmark Stores, Inc. - Renovations and new construction for more than 100 stores located throughout NY, NJ, PA, CT, DE.  Amongst these projects were many located in urban areas, particularly New York City, that contained parking garages below or above or other features adding complexities to the engineering.

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. – Managed the engineering effort to create new prototype drawings for a new store concept.  Involved with over 50 renovations and new stores in NY, NJ, MA, CT, RI.  The team mobilized quickly to help convert first the Edwards chain and a year later Grand Union stores to Stop & Shops throughout NY and NJ.

Winn Dixie Supermarkets – The engineering team has been providing field investigations, due diligence reports and construction documents for over 20 renovation projects annually.  Prepared new lighting design and MEP designs for a new store in New Orleans that was devastated during the Hurricane and was pushed forward by the community in need of a grocery store to serve the population returning to the area a couple years after the storm.  The A/E design was prepared to be unique, not in accordance with the Winn Dixie existing prototype, to rival high end competition.

Significant Supermarket Chain Experience also with: A&P, Albertsons, Acme, ShopRite, King Kullen, Hannaford, Price Chopper,  Fairway Market, Foodtown, Fresh Fields, Genuardi, Giant Food Stores, Giant Eagle, Gourmet Garage, Redners, Safeway, Fresh Grocer,

Significant Big Box/Home Improvement/Department Store experience including: Sears, Home Depot, Kmart, Bradlees, BJs Wholesale Club, Caldor.  Involvement ranges from preparing electrical design documents to project management to client management and overseeing the MEP and Structural teams.  Projects range from one-of renovations to many site adapts of a particular retail to unique challenges such as a 6-story, whole block building conversion to a Caldor on Fordham Rd in the Bronx.

Significant Small Box experience including :  Office Depot, Staples, Pep Boys, TJ Maxx, Circuit City, Best Buy, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Marshalls, CVS, Walgreens and more.  Landed and managed the Office Depot account for rollout program in the Northeast, where new stores were constructed in abandoned spaces.  Performed site investigations, client site walkthroughs, and concept designs for all disciplines.