KJWW Engineering Consultants is pleased to announce its Business Instructional Facility project, which was designed for the College of Business at the University of Illinois, has received the highest engineering award in the state of Illinois. The project won the Eminent Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois earlier this month.

The Eminent Conceptor "recognizes an engineering achievement which demonstrates a high degree of merit and ingenuity, contributes to the advancement of the private practice of engineering and enhances the economic and social welfare of the general public," according to the ACEC. KJWW’s project was selected from 12 engineering firms who received Honor Awards.

In the 38-year history of the award, the Eminent Conceptor has been awarded for a mechanical system design just twice, and both times KJWW was the firm that was honored. In 2001, the Eminent Conceptor went to KJWW for the nation’s largest geothermal system at Great River Medical Center.

The Business Instructional Facility is a landmark building, not just for the University of Illinois, but for college campuses around the country. It has set the standard for building sustainability in higher education. The $62-million facility changed design standards on campus, and has achieved the rare LEED Platinum designation.

Extensive collaboration and computer modeling early in the conceptual phase of the facility resulted in its highly efficient designs, including:

• 4,000 sf of photovoltaic panels on the roof to convert solar energy into clean and renewable electricity, producing approximately 8 percent of the building’s total electricity demand.
• A green roof that reduces rainwater run-off that feeds into the drainage system.
• Low-energy-use building design reduces power consumption and cooling power from the campus chiller. Zero use of CFC refrigerants reduces ozone depletion.
• Displacement ventilation system that moves warm and cool air through the building more efficiently than a traditional forced-air system and improves air quality.
• Photo sensors on lights to reduce energy consumption as outside light enters a room.
• Motion sensors turn lights off in empty rooms reducing power consumption.
• Low-volume shower heads, toilets, and faucets reduce water consumption.

Larry was recognized for his exceptional career achievements; outstanding contributions to education, training and mentoring of students and engineers; and his lasting impact on society and the engineering profession.

As senior vice president, Larry has helped guide KJWW Engineering to its Top 10 national ranking. He has worked his entire 36-year career with the firm since graduating from Iowa State University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Throughout his career, Larry has been dedicated to giving back to his community, supporting the institutions that gave him his career start and furthering education opportunities for others. Most recently he was recognized for his endowment of a full professorship at Iowa State University in the Mechanical Engineering Department. In addition, he funds an annual scholarship for music students at Rockridge School District.

Larry was appointed to the Iowa State University Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council from 2005-2007 before being named in September 2007 to the Engineering College Industrial Advisory Council. In this role, Larry joined 30 other members in offering advice to the leadership of the College of Engineering on course content, strategic planning and fund-raising activities. He continues to encourage the career of professional engineering consulting among college students.

As one of the initial members of the Mississippi Valley Chapter of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), Larry was instrumental in its development. He served in many leadership roles including Chapter President. Under Larry’s leadership, membership grew and the chapter was granted a Premier Chapter status from ASHRAE for its achievements. Larry also served on the Advisory Board of the Country Bank of Edgington, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Country Bank in Aledo. He lives in Andalusia with his wife, Pam.