Meet Chad Faber, MPE Engineering Director

At Iconica, we thrive on collaboration, innovation, and building spaces that work. That’s why we’re proud to highlight Chad Faber, our MPE (Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical) Engineering Director, who’s been part of the Iconica team for over 18 years.

With nearly two decades of experience in design-build commercial construction, Chad brings more than technical expertise. He brings a passion for problem-solving, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and designing systems that align with both vision and budget.

Building Better Through Collaboration

Chad emphasizes that strong results come from ongoing collaboration between the architecture and engineering teams.

“Collaboration between the architectural and engineering departments, if done correctly, happens early and often and continues through the design process. This helps eliminate rework and costly fixes during construction.”

Chad explains that this early and continuous collaboration is one thing that sets design-build project delivery apart from design-bid-build.

“Early collaboration with the entire team in a design-build scenario helps engineers understand the owner’s needs and guides the design and subsequent cost so we can deliver the final project on time, without breaking the budget.”

Rather than working in silos, Chad and his team work hand-in-hand with architects, project managers, and construction professionals to ensure seamless integration of MPE systems throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Smart Planning Starts Early

When asked what matters most during the initial phases of a project, Chad says it’s all about understanding the owner’s budget and the limitations of the site.

“Plumbing design can be challenged by issues such as sanitary inverts being too low or water pressure being too low. HVAC design can vary greatly with ceiling heights, lighting, and exterior glass. All those types of things can have a big impact on budget. Being able to identify those challenges early can greatly impact the success of a project.”

A Career Inspired by Family and Academic Discovery

Chad’s journey into MPE engineering was shaped by a mix of personal inspiration and academic discovery.

“My father was a steamfitter. In college, I took an environmental engineering class which I realized had a lot of crossover between what my dad did and what I did, and I decided that was the type of field I wanted to go into.

Whether it’s designing a complex HVAC system or troubleshooting on-site challenges, Chad finds the most satisfaction in solving problems.

“Solving problems has always helped me grow as an engineer, and I never want to stop increasing my knowledge.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Engineers

With years of experience under his belt, Chad shares advice that’s as practical as it is timeless:

“First, never be too proud to admit you don’t know something. Being an engineer means you have the ability to find solutions, and sometimes the solutions come from not assuming you already know the answer.”

“Second, the relationships you build will pay dividends over time. The people you meet in all aspects of your job become an extension of you and help lead to successful projects. Never burn bridges because you never know when you may have to cross that bridge again.”

Building Relationships Beyond Engineering

Outside of work, Chad brings the same enthusiasm to tailgating. His passion for sports is reflected in the well-organized and elaborate tailgate parties he likes to host before games. Chad’s love of sports also shows up at the office, where he runs an annual March Madness bracket challenge packed with prizes, spirited competition, and the ultimate “honor” for last place—the infamous blue-haired basketball hat.

Work With Chad and the Iconica Team

Chad’s approach to collaborative engineering, site-specific design, and building lasting partnerships is part of what makes Iconica stand out in the design-build industry. If you’re looking for an engineering team that’s practical, proactive, and passionate about solving problems—you’ve found it.

Looking to start your next project? Contact us  and view our services here.