Smart Building Technology for Architects and Engineers: Boost Efficiency in Commercial Projects

Smart building for architects and engineers is no longer optional—it’s a critical approach to designing efficient, connected, and future-ready spaces. In recent years, the role of commercial building architects and engineers has evolved beyond structural integrity and aesthetic design. In today’s increasingly digital world, clients demand more than square footage—they want efficient, sustainable, and intelligent spaces. This shift makes smart building technology not just a value-add, but a necessity in both new construction and expansions of existing commercial facilities.

Whether you’re designing a high-rise office, mixed-use complex, or retrofitting a warehouse into collaborative space, incorporating low-voltage systems, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and Fault Managed Power (FMP) can position your project for the future. These technologies don’t just benefit occupants—they streamline operations, reduce costs, and create infrastructure that adapts with time.

What is Smart Building Technology?

Smart building technology refers to the use of interconnected systems that monitor, manage, and automate building functions such as lighting, HVAC, access control, security, and energy usage. These systems are typically powered by a combination of IoT devices, centralized software platforms, and real-time analytics to deliver more responsive, efficient, and sustainable environments.

Unlike traditional commercial buildings, which rely on siloed, manual, and high-voltage infrastructure, smart buildings are designed with integration and automation in mind from the ground up.

Why Architects and Engineers Should Care

As building codes evolve and energy standards become more stringent, architects and engineers are under increasing pressure to meet green certifications, support operational efficiency, and design for flexibility. Incorporating smart building technology into your projects answers all of these needs—and more.

  1. Design for Sustainability and Efficiency
    Clients and building owners are seeking better ways to manage energy consumption, reduce their carbon footprint, and meet environmental certifications like LEED. By integrating smart lighting controls, occupancy sensors, and automated HVAC systems—all powered by low-voltage infrastructure—you can deliver a building that actively contributes to those goals.
  2. Meet Growing Expectations from Tenants
    Today’s commercial tenants expect their environments to be adaptive and digital. Whether it’s automatic lighting adjustments, mobile-controlled room temperature, or secure wireless access, intelligent spaces are fast becoming the industry norm. Smart buildings increase tenant satisfaction, and satisfied tenants are more likely to renew leases and recommend the property.
  3. Improve Building Lifecycle Value
    From predictive maintenance alerts to data-driven energy usage insights, smart building systems enable owners to extend equipment life and reduce long-term operating costs. Architects and engineers who plan for these integrations during design set the stage for decades of value.

Request a quote, schedule a demo, or simply get in touch!

The Case for Low-Voltage DC Power

Modern devices—LED lighting, sensors, AV equipment, and smart thermostats—natively run on DC (direct current) power. Yet traditional building systems still deliver high-voltage AC (alternating current), requiring each device to convert AC to DC individually, which creates inefficiencies and heat loss.

By implementing a low-voltage DC power distribution system, buildings can:

  • Reduce energy waste from unnecessary AC-to-DC conversions
  • Simplify wiring and installation during construction or retrofit
  • Enhance electrical safety and reduce fire risk
  • Support scalable, modular upgrades as technology evolves

Designing with DC power in mind is especially useful in open office plans, collaborative workspaces, and digital signage-heavy environments where device density is high.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Fault Managed Power (FMP)

PoE has already become a proven and scalable way to power smart building devices. It enables the delivery of power and data over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment and offering centralized control for a range of systems including:

  • LED lighting
  • Wireless access points
  • Security cameras and intercoms
  • Environmental and occupancy sensors
  • Access control systems

As PoE standards evolve (e.g., IEEE 802.3bt), they now support higher wattage loads, making it feasible to power larger devices such as motorized blinds, advanced AV systems, and HVAC zone controllers.

But there’s another powerful tool architects and engineers should keep in mind: Fault Managed Power (FMP).

FMP is an emerging class of Class 4 power systems that enables the safe delivery of high wattage, low-voltage DC power over longer distances. Unlike traditional low-voltage systems, FMP continuously monitors for faults and can safely shut off power before damage occurs—eliminating the need for conduit or special enclosures in most use cases.

For commercial projects, FMP offers significant design advantages:

  • Safe transmission of up to 450V DC over extended cable runs
  • No need for expensive conduit or complex safety protocols
  • Supports a broader range of building systems, including HVAC components, motorized lifts, and distributed building controls
  • Ideal for larger buildings or expansions where centralizing smart power distribution makes sense

FMP fills the gap between PoE and traditional AC wiring, giving engineers and architects a powerful new option for delivering power safely and efficiently in smart environments.

Retrofitting and Expanding with Smart Infrastructure

When expanding or renovating an existing commercial building, integrating smart systems doesn’t have to mean gutting infrastructure. PoE, low-voltage DC, and FMP are ideal for retrofits because they’re flexible and minimally invasive. Engineers can tap into existing cable paths or overlay new zones without the disruption of full rewiring or panel upgrades.

This modularity allows older buildings to become “smarter” over time—enhancing building performance, tenant comfort, and operational savings without major renovation costs.

Future-Proofing Starts at the Drawing Board

Clients increasingly prioritize buildings that are adaptive, sustainable, and responsive to occupant needs. As an architect or engineer, incorporating smart building technology early in the design process demonstrates thought leadership, improves project marketability, and meets modern expectations for commercial development.

Designing with PoE, low-voltage DC power, and Fault Managed Power (FMP) creates a flexible foundation that’s ready to scale with future technologies—whatever the next decade may bring.

MHT Technologies: Your Partner in Intelligent Building Design

At MHT Technologies, we specialize in delivering flexible, future-ready smart building solutions that integrate seamlessly with modern commercial architecture. Our patented Inspextor platform, combined with deep expertise in PoE, low-voltage DC power, and partnerships that support FMP implementation, gives engineers and architects the tools they need to lead in smart building innovation. 

Whether it’s a new build or an expansion project, MHT helps bring your intelligent building vision to life. Let’s design the future—smarter, safer, and more connected.