Leading Industry Magazine Recognizes Ross & Baruzzini Across Multiple Markets:
Building Design + Construction (BD+C), a notable architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry magazine, recently recognized Ross & Baruzzini across several markets including their Top 40 Engineering/Architecture Firms for 2021 list. These lists are based on revenue earned during the previous calendar year.
“We are pleased to see that our organization is again listed as one of the foremost engineering and design firms across multiple disciplines,” said Craig Toder, President and Chairman. “Through transformational technology and engineering solutions, we transform buildings into living systems for our clients to enhance users’ experiences.”
BD+C is currently publishing their full rankings, with initial listings released in August 2021. As the publication announces additional results, we look forward to ranking in other key verticals such as education, government, and technology. This consistent performance demonstrates our commitment to sustainable and equitable designs.
“We design innovative technology enabling buildings that support and contribute to a more environmentally neutral sustainable future,” said John Desch, Chief Commercial Officer. “Our designs prioritize comfort, safety, control, and confidence.”
Other Ross & Baruzzini rankings include:
#6 – Top 50 Outpatient Facility Engineering and EA Firms #12 – Top 95 Healthcare Sector Engineering and EA Firms #13 – Top 40 Transit Facility Engineering and EA Firms for 2021 #15 – Top 85 Hospital Facility Engineering and EA Firms #23 – Top 70 Airport Facility Engineering and EA Firms #24 – Top 40 Engineering/Architecture Firms #26 – Top 85 University Sector Engineering and EA Firms #29 – Top 55 Data Center Sector Engineering and EA Firms #34 – Top 85 Office Building/Core+Shell Engineering and EA #45 – Top 95 Office Sector Engineering and EA Firms
Congratulations to Healthcare Vice President and Managing Principal, Mike Swanson, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, for achieving WELL AP Certification! The WELL Accredited Professional credential demonstrates an advanced, holistic approach to health in the built environment addressing behavior, operations, and design.
What is WELL?
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
WELL is managed and administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), a public benefit corporation whose mission is to improve human health and wellbeing through the built environment.
The Importance of WELL Certification
Traditional sustainability certification programs focus heavily on energy, water, and waste. The WELL Building Standard emphasizes overall health and wellbeing of the building’s users.
Our firm has long focused on energy-conscious designs and sustainability to support these environments, and the WELL Certification is an extension of this philosophy. We are pleased to work with a framework that provides comprehensive, science-based methodologies for designing spaces to enhance the occupant’s health and wellbeing.
“This accreditation builds on Ross & Baruzzini’s design philosophy of providing energy efficient and sustainable building design,” said Swanson. “This represents our commitment to forward thinking design while creating healthier spaces for people to heal, learn, work, and play.”
To learn more about projects and sustainability, visit our portfolio page.
When we think of acoustics, many of us tend to imagine auditoriums, theaters, or places of worship. But how does sound affect healthcare environments?
Imagine recovering from a major illness while highway traffic rattles the patient room or working as a neurosurgeon team performing complex surgery with a constant whirl of air ventilation and noisy pipes. Excessive noise affects both physical and mental well-being, causing a range of health issues including stress, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and disturbed sleep patterns – all counterproductive conditions for a hospital.
Thoughtful acoustic design promotes patient healing and increases staff efficiency. At Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion in Charleston, South Carolina, we provided acoustic consulting services with architecture partner Perkins & Will and general contractor Robins & Morton.
The Healing Power of Quiet
The design of the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and the Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion advances healthcare for children and women in South Carolina and the Low Country region. With a ten-story patient tower, rooftop helipad, and adjacent four-story diagnostic and treatment podium, this facility provides specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, pediatric trauma, delivery care, and other services all within a sensory-friendly setting.
This project is the first comprehensive inpatient hospital project in South Carolina with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at any level. In addition, our firm’s recommendations as Acoustical Consultant earned two LEED points for Healthcare Acoustics, without which, this project would not have reached the point total required for overall LEED Silver Certification.
Working in Complex Environments
Ross & Baruzzini Associate Principal Richard Brink, MS, CTS-D, used his 30 years of acoustical consulting and technology design to help bring the $300 million, 650,000 sq-ft project to life.
Designing for acceptable levels of sound creates unique challenges, however final testing for this project presented a one-of-a-kind experience for Brink.
Under normal circumstances, sound testing is scheduled before opening doors to the public. Due to extenuating circumstances, post-project testing was completed after the hospital was open.
“The hospital was already open when I completed testing,” said Brink. “This was a unique kind of testing environment since the hospital already began seeing patients. In addition to the hospital opening, I also had to work with COVID-19 restrictions at the time. I completed my normal testing around a steady cadence of people since the ER served as the sole point of entry at the time.”
Brink completed acoustic testing in late 2020. Because of COVID-19 protocols, the hospital limited access to the main ER entryway to better manage visitor flow.
Ross & Baruzzini collaborates with designers, builders, architects, and owners to improve sound environments for hospitals as well as higher education, research, corporate, and commercial venues. Our full acoustical consulting services include:
• Mechanical Systems Noise Impact • Architectural Finishes • Acoustical Privacy and Intelligibility • Partition Selection • Vibration Analysis • Certification Analysis and Verification including LEED and WELL Building
Whether your next healthcare project is in Kansas City or Kanpur, we are dedicated to finding the best solutions built to improve your patient and staff experience.
Why Choose Ross & Baruzzini for Your Next Healthcare Project?
Ross & Baruzzini offers engineering, consulting, and technology solutions. Our project expertise in the healthcare market runs the full gamut, including renovations, new construction, energy studies, and code consultation for all building types on hospital campuses.
Our advanced knowledge and global experience combine to provide fully integrated engineering, planning, design, and commissioning.
MEP/FP: Innovative Engineering for Your #KC Project
Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital
From greenfield hospitals to renovations of existing facilities, Ross & Baruzzini provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering services to solve our clients’ most challenging needs.
We create environments that are energy efficient and sustainable without compromising comfort, indoor air quality and required temperature and humidity conditions to ensure the best patient experience.
Technology: A Focus on Next-Gen Healthcare
Our technology team leads healthcare facilities through the “clinical transformation” process by providing a holistic, collaborative, and visionary approach on every project.
Using a proven approach that includes planning appropriately, gaining consensus on project direction and funding, and taking ownership of managing the implementation, our clients are able to be actively involved in the project without taking too much time from their day-to-day responsibilities.
Security: Providing a Safe Enviroment with Physical Security and Cybersecurity Tools
Healthcare professionals must be ready for anything that can disrupt the ability to provide quality care or jeopardize the safety and security of patients, visitors and staff. Ross & Baruzzini is committed to developing security solutions to minimize the impact to our clients’ operations, through an approach firmly grounded in innovation, pragmatism, and creative collaboration. Our services span physical and cybersecurity design, consulting, and engineering.
Ross & Baruzzini is Your Trusted Kansas City Partner: Contact Us Today to Get Started.
“Innovation made personal” is more than our tagline. Our national footprint with local roots means we’re big enough to get the work done right without sacrificing personal touch.
Clients choose Ross & Baruzzini because we provide a high level of multi-discipline integration and an individualized understanding of our clients’ business processes. Whether at home or abroad, we believe all business is personal. And that’s the way we like it.
Contact Our Kansas City Office for Your Next Project:
Kansas City Office
5350 W. 94th Terrace, Suite 102
Prairie Village, KS, 66207
John Sommers
Mechanical Department Manager – Kansas City Region
Ross & Baruzzini is a proud silver sponsor for the 2021 SMART Airports Conference & Exhibition. This premier event covers how SMART airports and their adjacent regions are leveraging connectivity to stimulate innovation and opportunity.
2021 SMART Airports Conference & Exhibition leads the way with its innovative, interactive agenda:
The most comprehensive community of SMART airports and the regions they serve, focusing on the opportunities and innovations that technology is bringing to environments, communities and cities
Up to 500 senior level attendees and decision makers
Opportunity to learn from visionary speakers and thinkers
Extensive and intimate opportunities to network with this progressive audience across 3 days.
As we celebrate National Intern Day, Ross & Baruzzini reflects on the continuing impact of our intern program. This program is a key part of our success, from fostering growth and education in the A/E industry to adding to our talented employee resources. Since 2016, Ross & Baruzzini has had 45 interns, 18 of who received full-time offers of employment with 90% accepting the offer to join the firm. Each year, we strive to add more interns and new graduates.
We recently sat down with a few interns turned full-time employees to learn what they said about our program.
Dan Phelan, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Operations – Kansas City Office, Project Manager
First Intern – With Ross & Baruzzini since 2010
Q: What drew you to Ross & Baruzzini’s internship program?
A: During my first internship, I knew someone who worked in Ross & Baruzzini Corporate, and after hearing how highly this person spoke of the firm, I pursued the internship opportunity. Plus, the firm’s size was attractive. Being a smaller firm compared to the “normal, larger” players at my school’s career fair, I felt I had a better chance of learning more in the short three-month window that makes up a summer internship.
Q: What impact did the internship have on your real-world experience and education?
A: My internship both introduced me to the world of A/E consulting engineering and affirmed that I wanted to establish a career in this field. It also taught me the “business” side of engineering, something school barely touches on. Theoretical research and profit rarely go hand-in-hand.
Q: Why did you choose to come back to Ross & Baruzzini after graduation?
A: Having been given the opportunity to intern with the firm two summers in a row, I felt right at home with the culture and mission of Ross & Baruzzini. The growth mindset and willingness to promote within the firm made my decision an easy one. Plus, I made many friends after two summers.
Annie Smith, PE, CEM, LEED, BEMP, Director of Energy Services, Mechanical Engineer
With Ross & Baruzzini since 2012
Q: What impact did the internship have on your real-world experience and education?
A: My internship prepared me by giving me real-world experience that allowed me to apply some of the things I’d learned in school. As my first boss would say “In school, you learn the science of engineering. But here in the real world, we’ll teach you the art of engineering.”
Q: Why did you choose to come back to Ross & Baruzzini after graduation?
A: Ross & Baruzzini has a great culture and I work with wonderful people. The environment is a good balance of work hard/play hard.
Q: To you, how was the Ross & Baruzzini internship program different from other companies?
A: Our internship program has a proven track record of hiring interns into full-time positions. The summer is essentially a three-month interview. If you do good work, you get short-listed for a full-time position if it’s available. That’s how a number of others and myself have come into the fold.
Dylan Clayton, Mechanical Engineer
With Ross & Baruzzini since 2016
Q: What drew you to Ross & Baruzzini’s internship program?
A: What really excited me about the program was the potential for the internship to turn into a full-time job when I was done with school. I had talked to Dan Phelan and Jeff Crawford (Ross & Baruzzini’s Director of Higher Education & Research) at Mizzou’s career fair and Dan had informed me that he used to be an intern (I believe he was Ross & Baruzzini’s first-ever intern) and he had been working at Ross & Baruzzini ever since.
Q: What impact did the internship have on your real-world experience and education?
A: My internship provided valuable experience for me by allowing me to interact with professional engineers and understand how the consulting industry operated. The education I received during my internship was extremely valuable. By the end of my internship, I had become familiar with Revit which gave me a leg up on finding a job after I graduated. I also learned a lot more about the technical side of HVAC design which would have been helpful in a job search as well.
Q: Why did you choose to come back to Ross & Baruzzini after graduation?
A: I had enjoyed my time as an intern with Ross & Baruzzini and felt it was a place I could continue to grow and learn as I advance through my career.
Q: To you, how was the Ross & Baruzzini internship program different from other companies?
A: Ross & Baruzzini’s internship program was the only one that I experienced, but its track record speaks for itself with regard to hiring and growing people from within. Dan Phelan is now head of the KC office. Annie Smith (who was my mentor) is now Director of Energy. Ben Brooks is head of our fire protection group. For students/interns who want a place where they can grow and learn as they start their careers, I find it hard to believe there is a better place than Ross & Baruzzini.
Michelle Wehmeyer, Mechanical Engineer
With Ross & Baruzzini since 2018
Q: What drew you to Ross & Baruzzini’s internship program?
A: I found Ross & Baruzzini through a career fair at my school. I talked with Annie Smith (now Director of Energy), who was also a dual major like myself, and she made me realize that I could aim outside of my educational majors for a career path.
Q: What impact did the internship have on your real-world experience and education?
A: My first internship was a good basis for my future here. It made me want to switch my career path from Architecture/Civil Engineering to Mechanical Engineering. Educationally, I learned more at my first internship about HVAC than I did in an HVAC class I took the following semester in school.
Q: Why did you choose to come back to Ross & Baruzzini after graduation?
A: The culture within Ross & Baruzzini made me want to push for more, knowing that I could move around/up within the company more easily, while also having a solid mentor group, than in bigger companies.
Q: To you, how was the Ross & Baruzzini internship program different from other companies?
A: It was more interactive than my previous internship. More opportunity in the field, more exposure to different career paths, and more social activity in and out of the workplace. It also had a larger group of interns (10 at that time). It was fun to have colleagues of similar age, providing discussion on what we were learning across the disciplines and markets. I also liked the intern project and lunches, which were good opportunities for interaction.
Neil Morris, Electrical Technician
With Ross & Baruzzini since 2019
Q: What drew you to Ross & Baruzzini’s internship program?
A: I was immediately attracted to the Internship program offered by Ross & Baruzzini because of their great reputation throughout the engineering consulting industry. While researching the company, I was happy to discover the diversity of projects as well as the many areas of engineering expertise offered by Ross & Baruzzini. This eclectic work portfolio exhibited many projects in both domestic and global markets. I was excited to learn about Ross & Baruzzini’s relationship with their parent company, DAR, and Ross & Baruzzini’s acquisition of other engineering firms, each with their own areas of expertise. As an intern with this company, I would be exposed to a variety of projects. Having researched other companies I felt that Ross & Baruzzini offered the best opportunity to learn from experienced engineers, working on a variety of projects in areas not only in local markets but also domestically and globally.
Q: What impact did the internship have on your real-world experience and education?
A: I was challenged from day one, working with my mentors and project leaders. I quickly realized the skills and knowledge needed to be a valuable team member. I was motivated to learn and sharpen my skillset. Everyone with whom I have worked with has taken the time to help me become more competent and efficient. The knowledge and skills that I learn on the job go hand in hand with my education. I am constantly reminded of all the areas of knowledge needed to become a valuable asset to this company. I take great comfort in knowing that although my education outside of work is coming to an end, my education here with Ross & Baruzzini will continue on.
Q: Why did you choose to come back to Ross & Baruzzini after graduation?
A: The company culture that has been created here would be tough to beat. I am always happy to arrive and enjoy my time working with my team members. I am constantly learning and being challenged while sharing many laughs throughout the day. Plus there are always company events and celebrations to look forward to, unrelated to work. In addition to the pleasant work environment, I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by experienced industry leaders who take the time to mentor me and care about my professional development.
Q: To you, how was the Ross & Baruzzini internship program different from other companies?
A: Having spent the last year with my cohorts, I have learned about other students’ internship experiences. Although I cannot speak for everyone, it seems that most internships outside of Ross & Baruzzini have provided a narrower focus on professional development. The software programs focused on CAD drafting skills seem to be the common skill employers are seeking. I believe my internship experience has been extremely beneficial because I have been able to use programs outside of drafting, necessary for understanding the electrical distribution system and how each piece of equipment relates to the overall design. I am just excited for school to end and full workdays to begin!
Ross & Baruzzini is always looking to add talented individuals to our internship program.
An Experienced Expert in Medical Equipment Planning & Technology:
As one of the most experienced leaders in medical equipment planning, Scott consults with clients to strategize how to upgrade existing facilities through the development of multi-year capital budgets to acquire, upgrade, and replace new technologies.
His 25-year tenure includes product management, account management, and sales account management for leading medical equipment manufacturers around the world.
As the Medical Equipment Planning Group Managing Principal for Ross & Baruzzini, Scott is responsible for business development, strategic planning, procurement strategies, vendor partnerships, and ongoing client relationships. Through years of project implementation with Ross & Baruzzini | Mitchell Planning clients, Scott has led the evaluation of numerous product lines from Imaging to Surgery and Inpatient Care.
Scott’s leadership has established our firm’s reputation as fair, open, and objective, providing steadfast service that vendors and clients can rely on. Scott led the research and development of a proprietary database and actively manages other quality improvement initiatives to keep the company at the forefront of the industry.
Mr. Vinson’s unique knowledge of the medical equipment industry coupled with his understanding of future technologies and evolving healthcare solutions provides his clients with an unbiased and appropriate plan for future facilities. Ross & Baruzzini has the largest Medical Equipment Planning firm in the world.
Ross & Baruzzini welcomes Jim Carey as our Business Development Director for Aviation.
Jim Carey – Business Development Director
Carey joins Ross & Baruzzini with over 25 years of business development and consulting experience, with expertise in both domestic and international markets.
He will leverage his extensive background in aviation systems, commercial development, and project coordination to drive new business growth for the firm’s global aviation market.
We are thrilled to have Jim onboard with Ross & Baruzzini,” said John Desch, Chief Commercial Officer.
John Desch – Chief Commercial Officer
“He has demonstrated an unmatched ability to build value in key markets. We look forward to Jim’s fresh perspective and proactive approach to advancing our aviation relationships.”
With a background spanning markets including Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Costa Rica, Carey’s ability to understand client needs along with the RFP process has led to the successful development of over 75+ airport projects.
Prior to joining Ross & Baruzzini, Carey served as the Business Development Director for Arconas, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance furniture for airports and transportation terminals.
“I look forward to using my team development and operations background to acquire new business for Ross & Baruzzini,” said Carey. “I’m excited to bring my passion for passenger-centric safe, secure, and seamless airport experiences to a growing firm.”
Since taking the helm of our Indianapolis office in 2019, Brian Grimes, P.E, has continued to drive a client-centric philosophy, strengthen business operations, and manage multi-million dollar deals.
Brian’s engineering background spans 20 years, with responsibilities including design, project management, construction, commissioning, and technical oversight.
When you started at Ross & Baruzzini Indianapolis, what were your goals?
My goals were centered on two main points – expanding our project portfolio, specifically high performance buildings, and developing new relationships across different market sectors throughout Indiana.
What kinds of projects is the Indy team working on?
Our primary focus right now is Higher Education with a mix of K-12, healthcare, government, and industrial projects.
How does the Ross & Baruzzini approach facilitate success across this range of project types?
The key is teamwork. By collaborating and sharing technical expertise across all our offices across the country, we can execute projects that would normally be out of reach for most engineering companies.
In your time with Ross & Baruzzini what has been your favorite project so far and why?
The INFOSYS LEED Platinum project is one of my favorite projects so far. It is a large, multi-building project with the potential for design and construction of several more buildings over the next decade.
Another top choice is the Indiana University School of Medicine project. This is a large project in downtown Indianapolis with the potential to be a spotlight project for many years to come.
Looking ahead, where would you like to see the Indy office in the next five years?
I am working towards growing and diversifying our client list while continuing to provide excellent engineering solutions to current partners.
Ross & Baruzzini was recognized in two Building St. Louis Award categories by the St. Louis Business Journal. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, our teams were able to collaborate with other engineering firms, designers, and contractors across the country.
Selected by the Business Journal’s editorial staff, winners and finalists were chosen based on the “community impact and design of each project”. These projects provide jobs, services, and opportunities for local neighborhoods:
Project Winner: Washington University’s East End Transformation Category: Private project more than $10 million
McKelvey Hall was the last piece of Washington University’s East End Transformation project, which was completed in November. DILIP VISHWANAT | SLBJ
Washington University’s $360 million East End Transformation focused on sustainability, flexibility and technology. Almost 6 acres of parking lot was converted into green space, and four buildings in this project earned LEED Platinum ratings.
The project included work for McKelvey Hall, which Ross & Baruzzini provided mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and audio-visual systems engineering services for a new four level, 75,000sf Computer Science building on the east end of the campus.
The facility incorporates large expanses of glass on the north and west sides of the building facing an interior courtyard. The building houses several large open lab areas, tiered and flat pooled classrooms, conference rooms, offices, and collaboration zones.
Project Finalist: SCC Adds Agriculture and Food Science Building Category: Public/private project less than $10 million
St. Charles Community College’s new agriculture and food science building. DILIP VISHWANAT | SLBJ
Ross & Baruzzini provided engineering services for the St. Charles Community College (SCC) agriculture and food science building located at its Dardenne Creek campus. The renovated space now includes a bakery, testing and commercial kitchen, and a brewing lab.
The building is a direct response to the growing demand for agri-science, food, and healthcare resources to support future careers in these industries. In addition to traditional college classes, this facility provides training courses and non-credit programs for the community.
