Client Testimonials
Jailbreak Brewing Company
“Brian and the Tarantino Engineering team have been instrumental to Jailbreak’s growth from 2013 through the present. As the first production brewery in Howard County, we had to work with the county through zoning changes and the additional scrutiny that comes with being the ‘first’ to do anything. This required both deep expertise and creativity on the engineering side, and Brian went above and beyond to help ensure our success. Throughout several expansions and the addition of our onsite restaurant, Brian and his team have been there to help us navigate each new endeavor. We are grateful for his help!”
- Kasey T., Jailbreak Founder
“As the first production microbrewery to open in Howard County, Jailbreak
Brewing Company had to navigate more than the usual standard code requirements. The county’s zoning laws had to be changed to accommodate beer production and an on-site bar to sell products within an industrial zone. The secret to the project’s success was simple, a client vision with a trusted AE team. Arium AE, with structural engineering partners Tarantino Engineering, executed the various technical requirements of the design while navigating the regulatory challenges associated with a first-of-its-kind building use in the county. Tarantino Engineering played a significant role in the project’s success, demonstrating unwavering commitment, technical proficiency, and prompt response to Arium AE and the client.
One of the project's many structural design obstacles was grain conveying. Jailbreak’s bar planned to open with nine beers on tap, poured directly in front of a grand display of the brewhouse, the heart of the brewing operation. The brewer wanted crushed grain to be delivered into the brewing process instantly and thus a grist case was required to be suspended above the brewhouse. The AE team helped Jailbreak develop an aesthetically pleasing approach to support and suspend the grist case in full view of customers. Structural Engineer, Brian Tarantino of Tarantino Engineering, worked with Arium to find the most economical structural solution. The hopper was placed adjacent to a bearing wall to provide added support, which was facilitated by rearranging the brewhouse layout. This rearrangement allowed for less new steel in the ceiling yet gave Jailbreak immediate access to the grain they needed. The final solution saved the client money and provided a rich visual experience for customers.
The Arium AE and Tarantino Engineering team has since collaborated on more than 30 brewery projects in the region, becoming the go-to team for complex brewhouse design.”
- Brian F., AIA, NCARB
Principal, Arium AE
MedStar HQ Parking Garage
“When DCI was awarded this project in Columbia there was no doubt who we would use for structural engineering services. I have known Brian for many years and his professionalism and structural engineering skill set is exceptional. I knew we would get a safe, code-compliant, and cost-effective design solution that would reflect our design intent. I also like the ability to be able to call Brian and discuss our key design points and ask him for a creative solution. He has never let me nor Design Collective down in any aspect. I consider him a friend more so than a consultant.”
— Richard M., AIA NCARB
Forensic Services
“TEC is collaborative and constantly in search of the right answer for any given design exercise. On a wide variety of scales and complexities, they are always up to the task. The TEC team is professional yet fun to work with, and they are one of our favorite consultants.”
— Tamir E., AIA
Principal, ddbWorkshop
Merriweather Post Pavilion - Roof Reconstruction
“We could not have done this without the right team. Engineering was critical to the roof reconstruction process. Brian and his team were amazing in their commitment to doing the impossible. TEC is able to adapt to whatever our needs are to ensure we have a well-built and safe facility. They will always answer the call with whatever is asked and consistently overdeliver as an engineering firm.”
- Brad C.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House
“In 2018, we were collaborating with Diageo Guinness to execute their vision for a craft brewery in Baltimore County. The project site was on an operating distilling campus and involved the renovation of an old aging barn. This concrete structure presented a wonderful architectural framework but as a turn of the century building presented a number of challenges. TEC worked to create structural solutions that preserved the character of the building while bringing up to code for its new life! I have had the pleasure of collaborating and partnering with Brian on projects for over 20 years. No matter which firm he was with, I always reached out to him for opportunities to work together. As formed TEC, and over the last 10 years, I have enjoyed the increased collaboration! Over this time, I can trust and rely on Brian and TEC for excellence, professionalism and a commitment to the built environment. I have enjoyed the time working with Brian and am happy to see the growth and increased capacity of Tarantino Engineering Consultants!”
- Matt H.
Architect, Design Collective
“It has been great getting to know you and your team over the past five years since completing the Guinness Open Gate Brewery project. To look back at what we accomplished on the project is pretty remarkable given the unknown issues and the short design / build project schedule.
Right when you first walked the Guinness project, your face told the story of a structurally unsound building, and then during the design process you handled the required discussions with our client very professionally and factually. Who knew how many structural repairs a 1920’s barrel aging building with a bad roof would require? You did. By the end of the design, we were adding carbon fiber reinforcing, doing substantial rebar / concrete spalling repair, and adding massive shear walls. Even after the client jokingly nicknamed you “Bad News Brian” you were able to explain why all these repairs were needed, and at the same time kept our client happy! Having you as part of this team was integral to the success of the project.
Since completing Guinness, our companies have continued to grow together, and have completed many successful projects with multiple different teams, and we have personally continued to also bond over mountain biking and broken collarbones. When working with TEC, you are not just getting an engineer, but also an engineer who cares about their client and cares about their future relationships. I look forward to continuing working with you and your teams at TEC, as well as continuing to deepen our relationship!”
- Craig P.
Senior Project Manager, Plano-Coundon Construction