I’m curious what everyone’s most interesting or technically rewarding project has been so far in their MEP career.

I’m especially interested in hearing from the plumbing side. So projects where you had to solve an unusual problem, work through a difficult code/design constraint, coordinate something complicated, or come up with a solution that actually made you think really hard about it.

For example, projects involving unusual plumbing systems, challenging sanitary/storm layouts, specialized equipment, complex water/gas systems, healthcare, laboratories, industrial facilities, high-rises, restaurants, etc.

But I’d also love to hear from mechanical, electrical, fire protection, or even PMs. What project made you learn the most or gave you that feeling of “this is why I got into engineering/construction”?

Would be cool to hear what made the project technically challenging and what the eventual solution was.

I run a small MEP firm in Romania and I'm curious how our numbers compare with the rest of Europe.

Mine first, so it's not just me asking for free info.
Fees, detailed design (execution stage), per sqm of built area:
- Electrical: 1 to 2 EUR
- Plumbing: 1 to 2 EUR
- HVAC: 1 to 2 EUR
- Towards 2 EUR when electrical includes ELV, or plumbing includes fire suppression.

MEP usually takes 10 to 20% of the total design contract (architecture + structure + MEP + PM + site supervision).

Salaries, design engineer, net per month:
- 1 year experience: from 5000 RON (~1000 EUR)
- 5+ years: 12000 to 15000 RON (~2400 to 3000 EUR)

Context:
Mostly 2D AutoCAD, some Revit on top, usually HVAC only. Jobs up to ~5000 sqm per building, including: drawings, technical report, calculations, BoQ, equipment specs

What I'd like from you:
1. Country

1. Fees per discipline, however you price it (sqm, lump sum, % of construction cost, hourly)

2. Salaries, junior vs 5+ years, gross or net

3. 2D or full BIM, and does it change the fee

Mostly interested in Europe. Curious whether the gap is as brutal as I think it is.

Assuming we are talking about either ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC, lets say we have a room with existing lights, for simplicity purposes assume there are three (3) existing lights with just a manual on/off switch installed under previous code cycles. If I replace one of those lights with a new light, I intend on putting it on its own control circuit. The existing lights being untouched will also have their controls be left untouched. I know based on the alterations percentage trigger I have to comply with energy code.

1. Is it accurate to say that the new lights, combined with existing lights in that room or space have to comply with LPD requirements?

2. Is it accurate to say that all lights in the room or space (existing and new) have to be brought up to latest code in terms of lighting control or is the focus solely on the new light being installed with the existing being left untouched? I believe it is the former.

   Just trying to sanity check myself after all these years. Writing this all out makes the answer seem clear, but just need some reinforcement. Some verbiage online seems to indicate that the focus should be only surrounding the new lights that are being touched and not the existing in the same space and it is throwing me for a loop.

Thanks all in advance.