Elevator consultants advise and assist companies that are installing or renovating people-moving equipment such as elevators, escalators, and walkways. New construction, renovations, and reuse plans can all benefit from consulting in the early stages. These construction experts can also provide advice on equipment maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization to make it safer and more efficient. This job usually entails traveling to construction sites and meeting with building owners and designers to discuss elevators and upcoming projects.
One aspect of an elevator consultant’s job is to assist with new construction. Internal transportation consultants advise on the placement, size, and arrangement of elevators and other equipment to meet the needs of the company. Not only people moving around a facility, but also cargo and special needs are included. Elevators used to transport patients between floors may require special considerations, such as accommodating hospital beds, life support equipment, and personnel. The consultant can examine the plans for the building and make recommendations, collaborating with an engineer on elevator placement and programming to ensure that they meet the needs of the occupants.
Elevators may be installed or retrofitted when buildings are remodeled. An elevator consultant can assess the structure and plans and make recommendations. When it comes to adaptive reuse, where companies want to keep a building’s historic character while making it more accessible and functional, the consultant must think about how to modernize it without ruining the look and feel. This necessitates specialized knowledge, especially for historic landmarks that may be protected.
Companies can also hire an elevator consultant to help them modernize their elevator systems, making them safer and more efficient. Consultation on scheduled maintenance and other activities to keep elevators running smoothly and safely can be part of the job. Unlike technicians, consultants do not perform repairs or maintenance, but they must be familiar with the systems and any applicable laws in order to advise companies on safe and appropriate maintenance schedules.
Working as an elevator consultant requires no special qualifications, and they come from a variety of backgrounds. Engineers, designers, and former elevator technicians may be among them. Others have worked in the construction and contracting industries or learned on the job while working for a consulting firm. Elevator consultants, like other contracting consultants, must keep up with industry developments in order to provide the best service to their clients, ensuring that legal and architectural advice is given.