Engineering Consulting & Technical Analysis
Expert engineering analysis, technical diagnostics and MEP system documentation for retrofit and renovation.
Reality capture without engineering interpretation is just a pretty point cloud. Where we add the most value is in the layer between the data and the decision — the analysis that tells you whether a wall can come out, whether a rooftop unit can be added, whether a slab can carry a new load, whether an existing MEP system has spare capacity.
DCMS operates as a licensed engineering firm (OIQ, Québec) with in-house structural, MEP and civil engineers. Our consulting practice combines measured data from our LiDAR crews with engineering analysis, so recommendations are grounded in the real building, not the drawings someone hopes still match.
Where measured data meets engineering judgement
Retrofit projects fail most often at the interface between what the drawings say and what the building actually is. Our workflow bridges that gap.
- Measure with LiDAR — establish ground truth to ±3 mm
- Model in Revit or a structural analysis package
- Analyze — capacity, clashes, code compliance, spare capacity
- Report — stamped opinion, options with costs, risk register
- Deliver — DWG, RVT, IFC and a written engineering brief
Consulting services we provide
- MEP as-built documentation with capacity analysis
- Retrofit and adaptive reuse feasibility studies
- Tenant fit-out coordination and clash detection
- Structural load path analysis for renovations
- Building envelope thermal and moisture reviews
- Code compliance reviews (CNB, CCQ, CBC, RBQ)
- Peer review of third-party engineering deliverables
- Expert witness and technical dispute support
Typical Montréal engagements
- Adaptive reuse of Old Montréal heritage buildings for hospitality
- Adding rooftop mechanical equipment on downtown office towers
- Hospital MEP retrofits requiring occupied-space coordination
- Retail chain fit-out programs with standardized engineering packs
- Industrial facility expansions in Saint-Laurent and East End
- Institutional research building upgrades on the McGill campus
How we work with your existing engineer
About half of our consulting work is done in parallel with an existing engineer of record. We are comfortable as a specialist subconsultant — providing the measured data and analysis while another firm holds the seal. We are equally comfortable as engineer of record when the project scope suits us.
A short checklist before commissioning an engineering study
- Be clear on the decision the study needs to support
- Confirm which discipline is critical — structural, MEP, envelope or civil
- Assemble any existing drawings, permits and prior reports
- Identify the intended reader — owner, permit authority, insurer, court
- Decide up front what ‘good enough’ looks like — perfection is expensive
- Agree on a stamped-versus-informational deliverable early
Explore related DCMS services and projects
Every capture project usually connects to two or three of these — click through for the details.
Frequently asked questions
Are DCMS engineers licensed in Québec?+
Yes. Our lead engineers are members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). We also hold licensure in Ontario (PEO), New York, Texas and select Latin American jurisdictions.
Can you stamp drawings?+
Yes, when the scope is within our discipline and jurisdiction. When it is not, we work under another engineer of record.
Do you do MEP-only projects?+
Yes. MEP documentation and capacity analysis is one of our largest consulting practices.
How much does a feasibility study cost?+
Small studies (single retail unit) start around $6,500. Complex mid-rise adaptive reuse feasibility studies typically run $25,000–$65,000.
Do you support permit applications?+
Yes. We regularly support permit applications with the Ville de Montréal, RBQ and various boroughs.
Can you do expert witness work?+
Yes. Our engineers have provided expert testimony on structural, envelope and construction defect matters in Québec and Ontario.
Can you work as a subconsultant?+
Yes — a large portion of our work is in support of another firm holding engineer of record.
Do you provide construction administration?+
Yes, on projects where we are engineer of record or specialist subconsultant.
We also serve these areas
Crews mobilize daily across Greater Montréal. We regularly run engineering consulting & technical analysis projects in Vieux-Montréal, Downtown Montréal and out to the West Island. Same scope, local logistics — pick your neighbourhood below.
Browse other DCMS capabilities
All services are delivered by the same in-house engineering team, so scopes can be combined into a single mobilization.
LiDAR, Photogrammetry & Drone Surveying
High-precision 3D laser scanning, aerial drone surveys and photogrammetry for comprehensive site documentation.
As-Built Documentation & Reality Capture
Fast, accurate as-built surveys delivering AutoCAD plans and Revit BIM models with industry-leading turnaround times.
Digital Twins & BIM Models
Cloud-hosted digital twins and BIM coordination models (LOD 200–300) for long-term asset management.
Building & Structural Inspections
Comprehensive envelope inspections, deflection analysis and structural assessments using advanced LiDAR.
Forensics, Condition Assessment & Remedial Planning
Technical investigations, heritage documentation and condition reports for remedial engineering.
Petrochemical / Mining / Aggregates Services
Specialized volumetric analysis, plant documentation and safety compliance for heavy industry operations.
Get engineering support on your Montréal project
Tell us what decision you need to make. We will scope a proportionate engineering study — no over-engineering, no fluff.