His focus on small projects has yielded sizable returns

38, General Manager

Turner Construction Co.

Cleveland

His financial acumen and keen understanding of client needs quickly propelled Jason Jones through the ranks of Turner's Cleveland office. In 2005 he played a key role in centralizing the firm's estimating services throughout Ohio, an undertaking involving four offices in all. He subsequently led preconstruction services for Turner's Cleveland office, managing $125 million in work per year. In 2008 Jones established the office's special project division (SPD), whose focus on small and interior projects helped sustain business during the nation's economic downturn, much as he envisioned it would. SPD sales in Cleveland rose to $55 million in 2011 from $6 million in 2008. Jones serves as a trustee with the Cleveland Restoration Society and is a member of the Boy Scouts of America's executive board.

His vast expertise already has earned him a role as a mentor

31, Project Manager

Alfred Benesch & Co.

Chicago

Managing mega-transportation projects and mentoring younger staff members are among the many accomplishments of Andrew Keaschall, a structural engineer and Benesch's youngest project manager. In addition to going toe-to-toe with the firm's senior engineers, Keaschall has proven himself capable of managing some of the firm's largest infrastructure projects, including the $300-million rehabilitation of Chicago's Wacker Drive. Keaschall also is tasked with overseeing younger colleagues, ensuring that their work is challenging and fulfilling. Keaschall recently served as a volunteer adjunct professor with the University of Illinois-Chicago, where he taught a 3-credit-hour, 16-week graduate-level course on advanced bridge design. In 2012 he received the Structural Engineering Association of Illinois Young Civil Engineer Award.

Her focus on fledgling designers has made her head of her class

32, Architect

Dewberry Architects Inc.

Peoria, Ill.

Brandy Koch's interest in design began at age 17, when she joined an architectural firm. Since joining Dewberry in 2008, she has served as onsite construction administrator for Bradley University's $60-million Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria and, more recently, as onsite architect for the $29-million Peoria Riverfront Museum and the $37-million Caterpillar Visitor Center, also in Peoria. After being elected to the Illinois Board of the American Institute of Architects in 2005, Koch created the Emerging Professional Task Force to identify ways the board could enhance its value to students, associates and newly licensed members. In addition to establishing mentorships in schools and offices, the panel provides new tools to associates seeking to complete their licensing exam. In 2011 she was voted to serve as president-elect of AIA Illinois in 2012 and president in 2013.

His unconventional designs are transforming convention centers

35, Architect/Associate Principal

Populous

Kansas City, Mo.

With only 11 years of industry experience, Michael Lockwood has emerged as a leading designer of convention center spaces, both nationally and overseas, with projects ranging from convention centers in Mumbai, India, and Qatar to a sports complex in Nanjing, China, and an exhibition center in Melbourne, Australia. A common thread: sustainable options that incorporate outdoor spaces. Not surprisingly, Lockwood leads Populous' rapidly growing convention center group, which recently was awarded both the Oklahoma City and San Antonio convention centers. Lockwood recently volunteered to create a master plan for Roanoke Park, a historic tract in Kansas City.

His innovative use of BIM makes him a model project manager

31, Project Lead

TURIS Systems

Madison, Wis.

As project lead with TURIS, an entity created by contractor J.H. Findorff, Joshua Lowe creates and manages models that enhance project management and promote lean construction. Formerly a construction visualization specialist with Findorff, he has proven instrumental to the success of the fledgling enterprise, whose staff has grown to 19 from five in just 16 months. Colleagues credit Lowe's innovative use of building information modeling, which has earned him national recognition.

His digital solutions add structure to the practice of engineering

32, Associate

Thornton Tomasetti

Chicago

In addition to playing a pivotal role in the design of new and renovated buildings, Ken Maschke, a structural engineer and member of Thornton Tomasetti's building performance group, leads investigations, condition assessments and facade evaluations. His current work for University of Chicago represents some of his office's first efforts to fully integrate a complete 3D model of a historic building with a structural Revit model.

Since making his mark early, he has left more lasting impressions

38, General Manager

Turner Construction Co.

Cincinnati

When he was 25, Turner named Brian Mooney lead superintendent for a $30-million justice facility in Lexington, Ky. Today, as a general manager, Mooney oversees firm operations in Ohio and Kentucky, which account for some 160 employees. In addition to maintaining existing clients, he has proven instrumental in garnering new ones, leading to contracts for Hollywood Casino raceway projects in the region and a $20-million contract for a new medical office building for Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

He concocts innovative formulas for complex lab projects

39, Project Director

Perspectus Architecture

Cleveland

Experienced in all phases of project implementation, from planning and design through construction administration, Vladimir Novakovic has lent his considerable expertise to hospital and bioresearch projects throughout Ohio, developing innovative solutions to complex and rapidly evolving criteria. He has served as project architect on several developments undertaken by Cleveland Clinic, including its new 138,000-sq-ft Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute (PLMI). "Vlad [translated] the scientific and clinical needs of complex laboratory testing into a stunning building," says PLMI Chair Kandice Kottke-Marchant. In addition to serving as adjunct professor of design at Ohio's Kent State University, Novakovic has shared his experiences with fellow designers at events such as the Ohio Collaborative Laboratory Conference. He also is active in community groups, including the Lake Erie Soccer League.

His innovative designs add new meaning to the term 'skin deep'