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Birinder Walia, Founding PrincipalEmbodying the mantra of ‘inspire, lead, collaborate,’ the company fosters a fresh thinking culture, driving the boundaries of what’s achievable in the industry. Rejecting cookie-cutter approaches, the company encourages an environment that promotes collaboration, proactivity and partnerships, embracing the entire building cycle to seek innovative solutions that yield mutual benefits.
“We prioritize meaningful associations beyond engineering expertise by staying super responsive to client needs,” says Birinder Walia, Founding Principal of Archos Engineering Consultants. “For clients who need responses within hours or a day, we are just one call away.”
Archos specializes in a spectrum of electrical engineering solutions, covering lighting, controls, power distribution, communications and life safety components in commercial construction projects. The company’s forte lies in navigating the intricacies of tenant improvements and special projects like renovations and modifications to existing buildings while maintaining safety and efficiency.
In an industry where engineers often operate within silos, large-scale projects get more importance. This emphasis results in inefficiencies and delayed responses, impacting project timelines and client satisfaction. Archos advocates for breaking out of silos, placing utmost significance on being proactive and averting the conventional reliance on intermediaries to bridge communication gaps. Fostering a culture of responsiveness and active engagement, it has earned the trust of clients who demand swift, efficient solutions.
A notable example was when a client faced roadblocks in obtaining a new electrical service for their cold storage facility from a British Columbia-based utility service provider, BC Hydro, which was already piled up with multiple service requests. When the client reached out to Archos for a solution, it proactively leveraged its reputation and relationships to escalate the pending service request to the BC Hydro authorities and prioritize the application without any delays. However, the utility company did not have the infrastructure available then to accommodate the magnitude of the service they wanted for the establishment.
Central to the company’s success is the technical proficiency of its team and the comprehensive understanding of building codes, a facet often overlooked in traditional engineering practices. A Certified Professional, Birinder’s building code knowledge enables him to navigate complex regulatory frameworks with precision and foresight. Integrating building code knowledge into the electrical codes allows for a holistic approach to project delivery that optimizes functionality and compliance.
Archos developed a phased approach where BC Hydro provided them with a 600 amp service. The client operated the facility at a reduced capacity for the initial months. Once the utility company completed its upgrades on the site, the transmission capacity was increased to 1600 amps, which was the service requested originally. The infrastructure was constructed so that the client did not have to engage in any equipment upgrade when they scaled the service.
We prioritize meaningful associations beyond engineering expertise by staying super responsive to client needs
Beyond technical expertise, Archos has ingrained leadership values into its corporate ethos. The company’s name, ‘leader’ in Greek, reflects its commitment to mentorship. It goes the extra mile and ensures its engineers are adept in leadership, people management and communication. Archos actively cultivates opportunities to develop a well-rounded team through high-level engagement, formalized training and hands-on client interactions, empowering members to excel in the intangible aspects that impact project implementation beyond engineering expertise.
Keeping a steadfast focus on core values that define its identity, Archos continues to set standards and continually raises the bar in commercial construction. Transcending conventional boundaries with innovation, it remains the go-to choice for clients in search of top-notch electrical engineering solutions.
