For Ford’s Garage in Lexington, Kentucky, Neville Engineering provided MEP design support for the transformation of an existing restaurant space into the brand’s distinctive 1920s service station-inspired dining concept.

The renovation required significant coordination across the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The bar was relocated to create a more dramatic arrival experience, the kitchen was completely reworked with new equipment and exhaust hoods, and existing ceilings were removed to expose structural and HVAC elements as part of the restaurant’s industrial aesthetic. New garage-door openings were also incorporated into the building and patio areas to strengthen the indoor-outdoor dining experience.

Projects like this demonstrate the importance of integrating engineering with the architectural vision from the beginning. Existing restaurant spaces come with established infrastructure and constraints, but the new concept still has to perform operationally. Our role is to help make those changes work by coordinating the systems behind the space while supporting the design intent, kitchen requirements and long-term functionality.

Ford’s Garage is a great example of how thoughtful MEP engineering can help transform an existing building into something entirely new without losing sight of how the space needs to operate.

Neville Engineering provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design services for Big Chicken, the fast-casual restaurant concept founded by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. The design supports a high-volume kitchen, modern dining area, and bold brand experience with efficient HVAC, lighting, and plumbing systems tailored to the demands of quick-service operations. Neville’s work ensures smooth functionality behind the scenes—so the focus stays on big flavor and big personality.