Frequently asked questions
Plain answers about elevator consulting and how we work.
What does a vertical transportation consultant do?
A vertical transportation consultant, also called an elevator consultant or lift consultant, plans and reviews a building's elevators, escalators and moving walkways. We work out how many you need, check designs, plan upgrades, audit safety and advise on which supplier to choose. We work for you and have no tie to any manufacturer.
What services does Doug & Danny offer?
Six: traffic analysis and planning, design consultation, modernization strategy, compliance audits, maintenance oversight, and tender and supplier advice. The services page explains each one.
What types of buildings do you work on?
Residential and office towers, hotels and resorts, mixed-use developments, shopping malls, hospitals, airports and transit hubs, and leisure and entertainment parks. We also work on universities, government buildings and industrial sites, from low-rise buildings to very tall towers.
Do you maintain elevators?
No. We do not carry out routine maintenance or safety inspections. We check the company that does: we review your maintenance contract, audit the contractor's performance and help you get better value.
When should I hire a vertical transportation consultant?
The best time is the early design stage, before the elevator shaft sizes are fixed. It is also worth calling us when you are planning an upgrade, when your elevators are performing badly, before you go to tender, or when you need a safety review.
How much does elevator consulting cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project. We give you a clear price before any work starts, and the first consultation is free.
Do you work internationally?
Yes. We have offices in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and in the United Kingdom, and we work on projects across the GCC and the UK.
What is elevator traffic analysis?
It is a computer simulation of how people will use the elevators in your building at its busiest times. It tells you how many elevators you need, how fast and how large they should be, and how they should be controlled.
Which codes and standards do you design to?
All the main ones: the Saudi Building Code, the EN 81 series, BS 8486, ASME A17.1/CSA B44, and the requirements of the local authority.
Are you connected to any elevator manufacturer?
No. We are completely independent. We are not tied to any elevator manufacturer or supplier, and our recommendations are based solely on what your project needs.
What is destination dispatch?
It is a control system where you choose your floor on a keypad before you step in. The system then groups people going to the same or nearby floors into the same car, which can cut journey times by 30 to 40 per cent. It helps most in commercial buildings of 15 floors or more.
Can you help with elevator modernization?
Yes, it is one of our main services. We assess the existing equipment, plan the upgrade, write the specification, support the purchase and oversee the work.
What do you need from me to get started?
Usually the floor plans, how the building will be used and by how many people, the number of floors and their heights, and the project timeline. For an upgrade, we also need details of the existing elevators.
How do I ask for a quote?
Use the contact form, email info@dougdanny.com, or call +966 54488 9458 in Saudi Arabia or +44 7473 638966 in the United Kingdom. We reply within one business day.