In the News
Reflecting on Egress Lighting for Commercial Property
Three years before the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium complex near Miami, Florida, a consultant found alarming evidence of “major structural damage” to the concrete slab below the pool deck and “abundant” cracking and crumbling of the columns, beams and walls of the parking garage under the 13-story building.
The consulting engineer’s report helped spur plans for a multi-million-dollar repair project that was scheduled to begin more than two-and-a-half years after the building managers were warned. Tragically, the building suffered a catastrophic collapse in the middle of the night on June 24, 2021, crushing sleeping residents in a massive heap of debris.
Thorough, accurate engineering reports on building structures are vital. I believe that two other components of safety are equally important in commercial buildings: emergency lights and emergency egress lighting
Volunteering for Those Who Fought
Whitcraft Engineering Solutions joins ranks
I like to say I was recruited for one of the best military operations in San Diego, California.
With a mission to create safe and beautiful cottages for injured military veterans, this project had my name written all over it; at least that’s what Sandy Lehmkuhler thought. She founded the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station in 2004 with a vision and clarion call for volunteers. I heard this call in 2016 when I was on site for a small electrical design project at the original WFFS campus on 28th St. in the Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego.
Electrical Engineer Advises on Selection Process
Construction Monthly San Diego, Special San Diego Build Expo Show Edition, September 2019
John Whitcraft, PE, CLD, LEED AP BD+C, President of Whitcraft Engineering Solutions, Inc. is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) expert who designs electrical systems, including lighting, wireless telecom and energy harvesting. Construction Monthly spoke with John recently about what commercial construction decision-makers should consider when hiring a contract electrical engineer for their projects.
Dark Sky Regulations and Title 24 Outdoor Lighting Requirements – January 2020
AIA San Diego, May 17, 2019
John Whitcraft, P.E. summarizes critical information on Dark Sky Laws, which are aimed at reducing light pollution (or in other words, minimizing glare) into the night sky. While dark-sky laws may not be enforced everywhere in California, Title 24 requirements are. California’s new residential Building Energy Efficiency Standards take effect on January 1, 2020. Known as “California CEC Title 24,” this building standard is meant to significantly reduce energy use by enforcing cost-effective criteria that sets a minimum level of efficiency. John wrote a comprehensive blog for the AIA of San Diego to share with the construction community.
Code Updates, Streamlining Title 24, CalGreen and the Code Adoption Process With Effective Software
AIA San Diego, May 25, 2018
John Whitcraft, P.E. summarizes critical information on California Title 24 and CalGreen Code Updates scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2018. John attended a recent workshop led by Deputy Director, Michael Nearman of the California Building Standards Commission, and wrote a comprehensive blog for the AIA of San Diego to share with the construction community.
On Time and Within Budget – Whitcraft Invests in Best Software
John Whitcraft, PE, knows that the right software tools can help keep his work on time and within budget. One of his must-use tools is Bluebeam Revu workflow and construction management software. Among its many capabilities, Bluebeam enables John to electronically stamp and sign off on a construction document so that his signature is verifiable immediately. It works within AutoCAD as a high quality PDF creator. Bluebeam has the ability to count reference points with a certain shape or label, as well as create tables or schedules of lighting fixtures, skylights, and other construction materials. The multi-level program saves clients time and money while ensuring the highest quality of service from Whitcraft Engineering Solutions, Inc. Visit Bluebeam’s website for additional information.
John names Bluebeam as one of his “Can’t Do Without It…” tools when interviewed by Construction Dive Magazine .
For more information about how your project can be delivered on time and within budget, contact John at (858) 229-8722.
Improving Audio – Bells Ring at Veterans Tribute Tower
AIA San Diego, January 12, 2018
The Veterans Tribute Tower at San Diego’s Miramar National Cemetery was a project John elevated with superior light and sound design. The blog post featured on the American Institute of Architects of San Diego site provides more insight into John’s creative approach to achieving best results.
Electrical Plan Challenges With Older Buildings
AIA San Diego, October 7, 2017
Designing the electrical plans for the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station was a chance to improve the safety and living conditions for our injured veterans. This was a volunteer project that not only enlightened John on the merits of this non-profit organization, but also allowed him to explore the underside and inner walls of a cluster of old buildings.
John’s Community Involvement and Volunteer Work for the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station
John Whitcraft, P.E., is proud to serve his country’s military by designing a new power system replacement for the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a 12-bungalow housing complex, (circa 1920) located in the Golden Hills neighborhood of San Diego. “I am grateful to the wounded warriors who are fighting for our freedom,” he explains. “They need our help more than ever, and I’m happy to donate my engineering skills.”
John submitted his plans to Sandy Lehmukuhler, President of the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station in early March 2017. “We are so appreciative of what Mr. Whitcraft has done for us. Thank you so very much,” says Sandy.
This patriotic charity offers injured soldiers, sailors and Marines a recovery transition center and housing facility where they can safely heal from war-related physical and mental injuries. This housing was selected partly for its location just minutes away from the Naval Medical Center, San Diego. The proximity to the hospital allows easier access for the Warriors to receive the medical treatment that is so important to their physical and emotional recovery.
For more information on this charity, please visit their website to view the photos of the Freedom Station.
Wired up: CA electrical engineer selectively plugs into job site tech
Construction Dive, March 22, 2017
Read John’s one-on-one interview with Construction Dive reporter Chris Wood. He mixes paper with tech when offering his perspective on best practices for keeping a construction site on task and on time.
Subcontractors sound off: 5 ways to improve job site tech adoption.
Construction Dive, January 4, 2017
John Whitcraft shares his insight on technology with Construction Dive Magazine.
The paperless revolution is in full swing in AEC, but to provide job-site subs with the level of detail they’re used to from construction drawings, the screen size and usability of smart phones hasn’t proven ideal. John Whitcraft is the president and founder of San Diego-based Whitcraft Engineering Solutions, which provides Title 24 compliance and electrical engineering to projects across California. He questions whether job sites will ever be entirely paper-free. If they are, he said, it will be because of tablet technology.
Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
Center for Online Education, November, 2016
Profiled by BestColleges.com in their “Meet The Expert” series, John Whitcraft shares his insight on electrical engineering with students considering this field.
If you enjoy math and science, and have a passion for design, you may be interested in electrical engineering. One of the newest branches of engineering, electrical engineering is a broad field that covers the application of electricity and electronics. As digital technology became more prevalent throughout the twentieth century, the number of subfields in the discipline grew alongside. Today, electrical engineers study electronics, digital computers, power electronics, biomedical instrumentation, communications, circuitry, microelectronics, and much more.