Richard Long
Richard Long, PE, CEM, is a Senior Mechanical Engineer and Mechanical Systems Subject Matter Expert at KAI Engineering's Dallas-Fort Worth office, appearing on the Plumbing & Mechanical podcast's "The Modern Mechanical Room" episode.
2
APPEARANCES
2
PODCASTS
Sep 22, 2026
Richard LongGUEST
I mean, we started experimenting with prefab systems back in the early 2000s, early, late 90s.
Richard LongGUEST
The main value I find in the system in prefab or even skid mounted is the fact generally the fab shops are going to produce better quality than the field is.
Richard LongGUEST
So we kind of, one of the things we were pushing as well as they do it at a lower labor cost because they've got their jigs already set up.
Kristen BellsHOST
But how are you seeing the growing role of those kind of changing what engineers need to consider when designing today's modern mechanical room? Richard, I see you smiling and laughing, so I'm curious.
Richard LongGUEST
I mean, we started experimenting with prefab systems back in the early 2000s, early, late 90s.
Richard LongGUEST
The main value I find in the system in prefab or even skid mounted is the fact generally the fab shops are going to produce better quality than the field is.
Richard LongGUEST
So we kind of, one of the things we were pushing as well as they do it at a lower labor cost because they've got their jigs already set up.
Kristen BellsHOST
But how are you seeing the growing role of those kind of changing what engineers need to consider when designing today's modern mechanical room? Richard, I see you smiling and laughing, so I'm curious.