25-056 | Design-Build Approach for Successful EV Charging Station Development (Phase 2)

Atlanta, GA | Mar 2025 - Aug 2025

Organizations expanding fleet electrification or adding EV charging capacity quickly learn that success depends on more than purchasing chargers. The real driver is design-build delivery—a coordinated approach that aligns site constraints, utility capacity, code compliance, equipment selection, and construction execution into one accountable process.

JBrennon Construction, Inc. delivered a comprehensive design phase for a large warehouse-based EV charging and infrastructure program, advancing the project from early concept through permit-ready construction documentation. The work was intentionally structured to reduce schedule risk, limit redesign, and create a clear, buildable scope that could be priced accurately and executed efficiently.

EV charging stations installed at a warehouse parking lot, showing layout and equipment placement

Why Design-Build Matters for EV Charging Projects

EV charging infrastructure projects involve multiple disciplines and stakeholders. A fragmented approach often leads to miscommunication, delays, and cost overruns. The design-build method brings all parties together early in the process, aligning goals and responsibilities.

Key benefits include:

• Streamlined communication between architects, engineers, contractors, and utility providers

• Reduced schedule risk by anticipating challenges upfront

• Accurate cost estimates based on a clear, coordinated scope

• Simplified permitting through tailored, jurisdiction-specific documentation

• Scalable solutions that accommodate future expansion

  
  

This approach shifts the focus from simply installing chargers to delivering a fully integrated system that meets operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Integrated Design Planning for EV Charging Stations

The design effort included full architectural planning and engineering coordination needed to support a scalable EV charging installation. Key deliverables included:

• Architectural programming and floor plan development to support charging operations, traffic flow, and equipment placement

• Code analysis and life-safety evaluation to confirm egress, emergency lighting, signage, and operational safety requirements

• Permit-ready drawing development tailored to local jurisdiction expectations and review workflows

  
  

This phase established the technical backbone required to move from an owner’s objective (“install EV charging”) to a construction-ready solution.

Electrical Engineering for EVSE, Power Distribution, and Load Strategy

Because EV charging is fundamentally a power distribution project, the electrical design work was built around real-world constraints: available utility service, distribution capacity, equipment lead times, and commissioning requirements. The coordinated engineering scope addressed:

• Electrical service evaluation and upgrade planning for new and future charging load

• One-line development and distribution architecture for switchgear, feeders, protective devices, and metering needs

• EVSE infrastructure layout including charger placement, protective bollards, conduit routing, and equipment clearances

• Load management and operational strategy to support scalability and mitigate demand constraints where applicable

• NEC compliance planning for grounding/bonding, overcurrent protection, working clearances, labeling, and safety controls

  
  

This approach produced a design that was not just code-compliant—it was buildable, serviceable, and expandable.

Civil and Site Utility Coordination

EV charging projects frequently require site modifications well beyond the chargers themselves. The integrated civil design effort coordinated:

• Site utility routing and underground corridor planning

• Trenching / directional bore concepts to reduce disruption and support phased construction

• Concrete and asphalt restoration planning for sawcut, patch-back, and long-term durability

• Access and circulation planning to keep operations functional during construction

  
  

This coordination ensured infrastructure could be installed without compromising safety, logistics, or facility throughput.

Mechanical and Emergency Power Considerations

For facilities requiring resiliency and continuity, the design phase also evaluated backup power and supporting systems where required. The multidisciplinary team coordinated requirements for:

• Emergency power generation planning and equipment siting

• Integration requirements between emergency power systems and charging loads

• Operational continuity considerations for active facilities and fleet environments

Permitting Support and Jurisdictional Coordination

A critical component of successful design-build delivery is navigating permitting without costly rework. The design team provided:

• Responses to permit review comments and documentation revisions as required

• Coordination with code officials and stakeholders to align expectations early

• Clear instruments-of-service deliverables suitable for bidding, permitting, and construction execution

The outcome was a complete set of coordinated documents that formed the basis for accurate contractor pricing and a defined construction scope—minimizing surprises in the field.

Why Design-Build Works for EV Charging and Infrastructure Projects

Design-build delivery creates measurable advantages for owners planning EV charging stations and other infrastructure improvements:

• Faster schedules through early coordination and fewer redesign cycles

• Reduced risk by resolving utility, code, and constructability issues upfront

• Better pricing accuracy because the scope is defined, coordinated, and permit-ready

• Future-ready infrastructure designed for expansion, operational performance, and maintainability

Whether the goal is EV charging stations, utility upgrades, fleet electrification, renewable-ready power, or broader industrial infrastructure improvements, a coordinated design-build strategy produces better outcomes—and smoother construction.