05/29/2026
In the MEP world, we talk endlessly about mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. But there's a fourth discipline that ties it all together and too often gets treated as an afterthought: Fire Protection.
Fire Protection is the missing link of our industry.
Every sprinkler line, every standpipe, every system we design has one job: protecting people from harm. It has to coordinate cleanly with every other trade in the building, yet it's frequently the last thing brought to the table. We think that needs to change, and we've built our practice around treating FP as a core discipline from day one, not a box to check at the end.
That's why we're proud to highlight Alan Contreras, our Project Manager, Fire Protection. With over 7 years in Fire Protection, including time in the field, Alan handles everything from estimating to design to stock listing. He's grown our FP department into a true differentiator, and his goal says it all: he wants general contractors to see FAI as their go-to designers.
What drives him? In his own words, "I love the idea of creating and designing something that helps protect people from harm."
That mindset is exactly why Fire Protection isn't an add-on at FAI. It's the link that completes the chain.
