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Crowe Receives SE License

Emily Crowe, PE, SE, recently received her Structural Engineer (SE) license from the State of Illinois.

The process of becoming an SE involves having a bachelor’s degree and at least four years of structural engineering experience under another licensed engineer. This is followed by passing the Structural Engineering exam, which is comprised of two 8-hour long exams. The exams cover both vertical and lateral loads, as well as different types of building materials for buildings and bridges. Emily met the requirements and was able to pass both exams. 

“ Studying for and passing the SE was incredibly challenging and it would have been even harder without the support from Origin Design.I’m so grateful to my mentors for their encouragement and all they’ve taught me. Most of the material was familiar to me, but I’ve already been able to apply things I learned to current projects and that excites me. ”

Emily Crowe, PE, SE Structural Engineer | Origin Design

Outside of her role at Origin Design, Emily has a passion for introducing STEM fields to the younger generation. She’s volunteered with the Dubuque Area Society of Women Engineers section in a variety of leadership roles that allow her to participate in outreach activities like the Dubuque STEM Festival, presenting to Girl Scout troops and other programs in the community. Additionally, Emily has led the Exploring Program, a career exploration program for young men and women ages 14–20, at Origin for the last 4 years. 

Congrats, Emily!­­­

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Employee owned since 1999.

This Sunday, April 26, marks the anniversary of Origin Design becoming an ESOP. Recently, a few members of our team attended the NCEO Conference in Milwaukee, where we deepened our understanding of ESOP culture, leadership, sustainability, and employee engagement.

At Origin Design, employee ownership means more than a retirement benefit. It means building sustainable wealth, fostering leadership at every level, and investing in shared long term success.

Today we are celebrating Administrative Professionals Day with five outstanding individuals who support our teams and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Your organization, professionalism, and teamwork make a meaningful impact every day. Thank you for all that you do!

Mary Abbott, Senior Design Technician, and Tasha Vondal, Project Support Specialist, have spent the past year working closely on DOT funded projects. Mary has shared her 40 years of expertise in contract administration, guiding Tasha through every phase of the process, from project setup and bidding, to construction administration, payments, and change orders. This collaboration reflects our commitment to mentorship, teamwork, and delivering consistent, high-quality solutions for our clients.

As National Architecture Week comes to a close, we asked our team to reflect on the projects that inspired growth, learning, and collaboration. We’re grateful for the challenges that push us forward, the lessons that shape our work, and most importantly, the people who bring every project to life.

Today we’re proud to recognize our Architectural team in the Quad Cities and Waterloo/Cedar Falls areas! Their collaboration and problem-solving skills help transform ideas into spaces that serve communities across the region.

Happy National Architecture Week!

This week we’re recognizing our Architectural team starting with our Dubuque Office. Their insight and dedication to thoughtful design help shape spaces that support the people and communities we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Hannah Bakey to Origin Design!

Hannah recently joined our team as a Marketing Coordinator, where she’ll support proposals, marketing materials, social media, and more to help promote our services and brand. We’re excited to have her on board. Welcome to the #origincrew, Hannah!

We were excited to welcome some special visitors today from Junior Achievement of the Heartland as we celebrate JA Day! From volunteering in classrooms to bowl-a-thons and giving back, we’re proud supporters of Junior Achievement and the impact it has on our community. Community is one of our core values, and supporting the next generation is one way we bring it to life.

We’re proud to recognize Laurie Wehrspann, who was nominated for Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque Women of Achievement Awards.

For almost 35 years, Laurie has been a steady, behind-the-scenes force at Origin Design. As our accounting assistant, her dedication, precision, and institutional knowledge are integral to our day-to-day operations and long-term success. Her commitment and quiet impact do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations, Laurie, on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for all you continue to do.

Happy National Surveyors Week to the professionals who lay the groundwork for everything we build.

Our surveyors are often the first on-site, gathering the critical data that drives informed planning, design, and construction. Their precision enables safer, smarter, and more sustainable communities. A huge thank you to our incredible team for the accuracy, dedication, and innovation they bring to every project.

A major infrastructure upgrade is taking shape in Oelwein, IA. Origin Design’s team designed the new 10th St. SW replacement bridge, now under construction by Taylor Construction. For this Field Trip Friday, crews were setting 97-foot-long, 31 ton pretensioned prestressed concrete beams into place.


International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is driven by diverse perspectives. We’re proud to recognize the women of Origin Design whose skill, vision, and leadership strengthen our culture, our projects, and our future.

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