Design Matters: Ensuring Quality and Functionality in Townhome Design

As the populations in Utah and Idaho grow, the need for affordable, high-quality housing has increased. Townhomes have become an important solution to meet this demand. Townhome design presents unique challenges, including maintaining structural integrity, meeting tight timelines, staying within budget, and ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulatory standards. Brad Mason, Structural Department Manager at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, shares how his team addresses these challenges to create successful developments.

Quality and Efficiency in Townhome Design

Designing townhomes requires a careful balance of safety, structural integrity, and functionality. At FOCUS, the Structural department prioritizes high quality, efficient solutions, working closely with architects to meet client expectations while adhering to industry codes and regulations.

“One of the keys to successful townhome design is being able to replicate the plans for future developments,” Brad explains. “When a builder is constructing multiple units, having replicable designs streamlines the process, reduces costs, and helps maintain consistency.” By emphasizing efficiency, FOCUS ensures that each project meets both functional requirements and aesthetic goals without compromising quality.

Overcoming Site-Specific Challenges with Innovative Solutions

Each development presents its own set of complexities, particularly when working with large land areas, where each building brings its own unique considerations. For the Salt Point Townhomes project in West Haven, Utah, a 195-unit development spread across 48 buildings, the FOCUS structural engineers addressed a variety of site-specific issues.

Brad highlights the importance of early collaboration with architects: “By discussing site-specific concerns from the start, we can develop solutions that address the land’s unique challenges and support the architectural vision. Our goal is to ensure that every design is functional and adaptable to the site.”

The Role of Value Engineering in Townhome Design

Value engineering is essential to maintaining high-quality townhome designs while staying within budget. For the 21st Townhomes project in Ogden, Utah, the FOCUS structural team needed to work around local constraints requiring large openings on the ground level. This challenge led to close collaboration with the client to develop the most economical solution for the lateral design while meeting local requirements.

Brad explains, “We focus on finding ways to optimize designs without compromising on quality. By integrating value engineering into our process, we’re able to create cost-effective solutions that meet both the client’s budget and project goals.” This approach is key to delivering projects that are both efficient and sustainable.

Leveraging Technology to Improve Efficiency

Incorporating technology is key to enhancing efficiency and precision in structural design. At FOCUS, the team leverages advanced design software to streamline processes. Combined with a strong emphasis on customer service and prompt follow-up.
Our engineers continually explore emerging technologies to enhance design accuracy and responsiveness. Brad notes, “Adopting new technology allows us to refine our processes, respond more quickly to client needs, and maintain quality standards.”

Supporting the Growing Housing Needs in Utah and Idaho

With the growing demand for townhomes in Utah and Idaho, reliable structural design partners are essential. FOCUS Engineering’s experience helps ensure townhome projects are designed with functionality, safety, and adaptability. FOCUS provides the structural expertise necessary to address these evolving needs.

Brad concludes, “Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, efficient solutions that align with the client’s vision while ensuring the structural integrity of each project. We take pride in providing prompt turnarounds, collaborating effectively, and delivering designs that can be replicated for future developments.”

For experienced, detailed, and expert engineering for your townhome projects, partner with the experts at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying. Contact our team at info@focus-es.com or (801) 352-0075.