ENR Midwest Top 20 Under 40 2013
Among the youngest are a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Des Moines, a project manager who at age 31 already serves as mentor to younger colleagues and a 32-year-old designer who is president of the American Institute of Architects Illinois Chapter. Among the oldest: a 38 year old serving as general manager of Turner Construction Co.'s Cincinnati operations, a 39-year-old architect known for his innovative uses of sustainable building skins and a 39-year-old civil engineer who has made her mark in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Each is among the rising stars selected as ENR Midwest's Top 20 Under 40, an annual competition recognizing young design and construction professionals from the region who have made lasting contributions to their professions and communities.
While other ENR Midwest award programs, including Project of the Year, Designer of the Year and Contractor of the Year, recognize the collective endeavors of industry professionals, the Top 20 Under 40 program focuses on individual achievement, in this instance the accomplishments of 16 men and four women who collectively hail from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Although their backgrounds vary, each has assumed a position of leadership by virtue of enterprise and achievement.
ENR Midwest received 130 entries during a submission period extending from Sept. 14 to Nov. 9. An independent panel of six industry professionals selected those candidates believed to best demonstrate excellence in their professions and communities.
Panelists included Jim Arends, vice president, Gilbane Building Co., Chicago; Katherine Darnstadt, principal, Latent Design, Chicago; Robert Krier, president, The Hill Group, Franklin Park, Ill.; Colin Rohlfing, senior associate, HOK, Chicago; Anna Stern, vice president, Tri-North Builders, Fitchburg, Wis.; and Brian Volpe, vice president, Thornton Tomasetti, Chicago.
Congratulations to ENR Midwest's Class of 2013!
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Her work behind the scenes has yielded some highly visible results
37, IT Director
The Weitz Co.
Des Moines
Most industry professionals with degrees in civil and construction engineering erect bridges and buildings, but Karmyn Babcock instead builds electronic infrastructures—computer networks and highways that merge the disciplines of engineering and computer technology. While serving as a project engineer with Weitz, Babcock developed a prototype intranet for the company's more than 1,200 employees and directed beta testing of Prolog Manager 5.0 before its company-wide implementation. She later worked on Weitz jobsites in order to gain the perspective of an end-user, an experience that guided her efforts to implement and upgrade programs ranging from JD Edwards (JDE) to Oracle. Babcock has since developed real-time integration between Prolog and JDE and regularly consults on thisunique application. She is actively involved with several professional groups, including McGraw-Hill Construction FutureTech CIO
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By leading, she seeks to set an example for colleagues and family
32, Associate Electrical Engineer
Hafer Associates
Evansville, Ind.
The youngest employee to be named associate at Hafer, Amy Barrett also is regional southwest vice president with the Indiana Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE) and chair of he National Society of Professional Engineers Young Engineers Advisory Council, for which she leads a committee of 12 engineers in developing educational webinars. For the past four years, Barrett has served as a member of the Junior League of Evansville. She also is a member of Young Leaders United-The United Way of Southwestern Indiana and serves on the Board of Directors for Evansville's YWCA. In June ISPE named Barrett Indiana Young Engineer of the Year, an award that not only recognizes honorees for their exceptional technical achievements but also for their contributions to ISPE and their communities. With a young family at home, Barrett says she believes giving back sets a positive example for her children.
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This enterprising entrepreneur forged a formidable business
31, Owner
Beal Derkenne Construction
Des Moines
After the recession forced his former employer to shutter its business, Andrew Beal opened Beal Derkenne Construction in 2010 with longtime colleague Michael Derkenne. Despite the lingering economic downturn, the young entrepreneur recently commenced work on his firm's 10th project, a luxury student-housing project in Tucson, Ariz. His fledgling firm also has secured contracts for projects ranging from a retail center in Des Moines to a 78-room luxury hotel in Sloan, Iowa. Projects seeking to revive Des Moines, his home town, are particularly close to his heart, he says. As a member of the East and South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, Beal actively supports the organization's community events, including an annual charity golf tournament. His work with Des Moines' East Village Association is dedicated to ensuring the Village remains an eclectic, diverse, prosperous and welcoming community. Beal also is active with Experience for All, which provides outdoor experiences for children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses.
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He's the engine driving his office's transportation projects
38, Senior Associate
Gensler
Chicago
As a studio director for Gensler, David Broz leads a team of 25 colleagues engaged in transportation, aviation, education and cultural projects. As co-leader of Gensler's culture and education practice, he works with nearly 200 Gensler architects and designers worldwide. Broz recently founded a summer internship program at Gensler Chicago that engages more than 20 students in activities involving sustainable design. A graduate of the University of Kansas, he serves as an advisory board member for the school's Multicultural Architectural Scholarship Program. Closer to home, he is co-chair of the Chicago Loop Alliance Placemaking Committee, a panel devoted to developing a healthier and more economically prosperous community.
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He's made the sustainable more obtainable for clients
35, Sustainable Practice Leader
AEI/Affiliated Engineers Inc.
Madison, Wis.
A mechanical engineer whose career coincided with the advent of sustainable design, Paul Erickson has dedicated his career to uniting architects, engineers and contractors in an integrated approach to environmental issues. When the tools don't exist to advance his goals, Erickson develops them himself, the result being a consulting methodology known as Precis as well as planning tools to achieve net-zero energy consumption. For the past six years, he has spoken frequently to industry groups on topics ranging from energy modeling to life-cycle costing.
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His role as LEED consultant has led to prominent projects in Mexico
32, Energy Services Manager
Primera Engineers
Chicago
In addition to serving as Primera's "project LEED consultant" for a variety of project types, Josh R. Greenfield, a mechanical engineer, specializes in developing energy models in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1 Guidelines and in utilizing integrated design-phase energy modeling to evaluate architectural envelopes and mechanical systems. Greenfield has put his expertise to use as a member of the International Code Council's Building Technology Committee, which recently developed the first International Green Construction Code. He also has consulted with Los Alamos National Labs in New Mexico and participated in some of Mexico City's inaugural LEED projects, including a $425-million corporate tower.
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He's at home designing residential and senior housing projects
35, Project Executive
Lend Lease Construction Inc.
Chicago
Specializing in multifamily and mixed-use projects, Christopher Hume has overseen the delivery of 1,300 residential and senior living units for projects collectively valued at more than $325 million. During his tenure with Lend Lease, he has been instrumental in developing programs involving employee development and recognition. While involved with college recruiting efforts, he assisted in formalizing processes to maximize the firm's success at the universities it targets. Hume is actively involved in Rebuilding Together-Chicago, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free home repairs to low-income and elderly residents.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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His innovative designs add new meaning to the term 'skin deep'
39, Vice President
Thornton Tomasetti
Chicago
With degrees in both architecture and building science, Edward M. Peck specializes in innovative and sustainable building skins, including those for hospitals and performing-arts facilities. Among his more notable achievements: a sculpted glass podium enclosure for the Federation of Korean Industries Headquarters Building in Seoul, South Korea, and an ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) facade and roof structure for VTB Arena Park, home to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA) 2018 World Cup in Moscow.
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Her affinity for aviation helped her fledgling business take flight
39, President
NGC Corp.
Indianapolis
In 2004 Deanne Ross purchased a controlling interest in a small engineering firm named New Generating Consulting. Under her leadership, NGC Corp., as it has come to be known, has evolved from a firm with three clients to one that serves nearly 25% of Indiana's airports, in addition to aviation facilities in Virginia and Kentucky. Despite the nation's economic downturn, firm revenues have more than quadrupled in the past eight years. Ross, a civil engineer, works with employees to ensure each is capable of performing the many services her firm provides.
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His factory-built pavement is driving a career in transportation
31, Founder
Integrated Roadways
Kansas City, Mo.
In 1997 at age 15, Tim Sylvester developed a factory-built pavement system that later laid the groundwork for Integrated Roadways. Flash forward: The firm recently completed its first product installation on Interstate 35 for Kansas Dept. of Transportation and has additional projects under way. Sylvester is developing models that would make it easier for private investors to fund public projects.
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His pioneering uses of concrete have cemented a solid reputation
39, Project Executive-Concrete
James McHugh Construction
Chicago
As senior project manager for the 92-story Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, one of the tallest reinforced concrete buildings in the world, Brett Szabo supervised placement of more than 180,000 cu yd of concrete over a period of just three years. He also oversaw installation of a concrete core for the 50-story Hyatt Center, the first Chicago building to incorporate terrorism-resistant concrete blast walls. Szabo is a member of the American Concrete Institute and serves on its tolerances committee.
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He is committing colleagues to take the Living Building Challenge
37, Associate
Valerio Dewalt Train Associates
Chicago
In addition to his day-to-day duties as a senior project manager, Robert Webber works with project teams as director of Valerio Dewalt Train Associates' sustainability practice. Webber also manages buildGREENorride, an in-house sustainability group that engages in energy modeling and researches building products and materials for compliance with the Living Building Challenge (LBC), whose sustainable rating system is more stringent than LEED's. His findings prompted Webber to co-found the LBC Collaborative of Chicago, a local chapter comprising architects, engineers, building owners, suppliers and members of city building departments, all dedicated to promoting community support for the rating program. He recently organized the Wrigley Field Triangle Site LBC Design Competition, a public event demonstrating the ways in which "living" buildings could be constructed in Chicago. n
