MMPV Design
Architects of
Energy Change.
MMPV Design Cooperative, Inc. is an employee-owned architecture firm specializing in energy projects for schools and other state-regulated facilities, as well as commercial sites. A substantial portion of our work supports K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities, particularly in California, where projects are subject to review by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA).
Our team works regularly with all four regional DSA offices and understands how DSA requirements shape site planning, documentation, and approvals for solar energy, EV charging, and battery storage projects. Based in California and working nationwide, we support school districts, public agencies, developers, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction entities (EPCs) on projects defined by complex regulatory review and site-specific constraints.
Areas of Expertise
By working exclusively on energy-related projects, we can anticipate common code and permitting issues early. This reduces the number of revisions during review and helps avoid unexpected changes later in the project.
Schools and State-Regulated Projects
Schools and other state-regulated facilities require additional coordination, documentation, and review beyond what is typical for standard projects. We provide architectural services for solar, EV charging, and energy storage projects at K–12 schools, colleges, and universities, where site planning and permitting are determined by campus conditions and regulatory oversight.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Architectural support for battery energy storage projects, addressing site layout, fire and life-safety requirements, separation distances, and permitting considerations that influence system placement and approvals.
Commercial Solar and Shade Structures
Commercial solar installations, including shade structures and carports, often trigger building code requirements that may vary by jurisdiction. We help clarify how those requirements apply before they become review issues, or result in major design revisions after the design is complete.
Code, Fire, and Accessibility Analysis
Code review and analysis services to determine how building, fire, and accessibility requirements apply to a specific site, especially where regulations are open to interpretation or applied inconsistently.
EV Charging Infrastructure
Planning and permitting support for EV charging projects, with architectural input on site layout, accessibility, and path-of-travel requirements that influence approval decisions.
How Code and Site Conditions Affect Energy Projects
Code and site requirements often shape energy projects in ways that are not obvious at the outset. Solar shade structures trigger various building code sections; depending on the jurisdiction, there may be additional requirements. EV charging layouts are subject to accessibility and circulation requirements. Battery systems introduce fire access and separation criteria that affect placement and feasibility.
MMPV Design helps teams identify these issues early and address them through site planning, code interpretation, and coordination with reviewing agencies. By recognizing common code conflicts before projects reach formal review, we help reduce redesign, limit review comments, and keep approvals moving.
Helpful Information
Quick answers to common questions.
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Why Clients Choose Us
Clear and Direct Communication
We explain how code and permitting requirements affect project decisions, helping clients understand constraints early and avoid unexpected changes during review.
Experienced at Regulatory Review
Our approach reflects how projects are actually reviewed, not just how codes are written, based on direct coordination with permitting agencies and fire authorities.
Practicality, Collaboration and Accountability
Energy projects begin with a carefully developed concept based on performance targets, site conditions, and end-user needs. We understand how changes to solar layouts, EV charging locations, or battery system placement can affect those goals, and work to resolve code requirements while preserving the original intent.
Browse Recent Projects
Our experience includes commercial properties, school campuses, and other regulated facilities across the United States. We have supported more than 1000 school projects and regularly work in jurisdictions with heightened review standards.
Start the Conversation
If your project involves solar, EV charging, or battery energy storage systems, early architectural input can help clarify permitting requirements and reduce issues during review. We work with project teams to assess scope, constraints, and next steps before design decisions are locked in.