Origin Design Awarded Two 2025 Excellence in Concrete Awards.

Origin Design is excited to share that we have received two awards from the 2025 Excellence in Concrete Awards presented by the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association and American Concrete Institute - Iowa Chapter.

The Keystone Bridge Rehabilitation project in Elkader has been selected as the recipient of the Infrastructure - Bridges Category Award and the DeWitt Fire Station Addition project in DeWitt has been selected as the recipient of the Infrastructure - Structures Category Award.

The Elkader Keystone Bridge Rehabilitation project was completed in spring 2024. The Origin Design team worked with the City of Elkader, Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) to allow the Keystone Bridge to remain an Elkader landmark.

In addition to replacing the pedestrian walkway, the bridge deck was upgraded with a reinforced concrete surface and an enhanced drainage system. These improvements were designed to protect the underlying limestone structure and ensuring the bridge’s longevity and structural integrity.

Working closely with Atkinson-Noland & Associates, Inc., the rehabilitation plan also included detailed strategies for limestone repair and reinforcement, carefully developed to maintain the bridge’s historic character while strengthening its foundation.

In recognition of these efforts, the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees also selected the City of Elkader as the recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation Award, making the 2025 Excellence in Concrete Award the second award on this project.

The DeWitt Fire Station Addition project was just completed this fall 2025. The expansion, with a new two-story addition, was designed to support future growth, including accommodation for a full-time crew. This enhanced facility features first floor conference rooms and offices, showers, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large versatile space that can serve both as a meeting room and a storm/emergency shelter. An exercise room, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters will reside on the second floor. A highlight of the new space is a beautifully designed area dedicated to showcasing the department’s antique fire truck, celebrating its rich history while preparing for the future.

Receiving these two prestigious awards is a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. We are honored to be recognized among the industry's leading visionaries and remain inspired to continue shaping spaces that enrich communities and enhance the way people live, work, and connect.

30 years of excellence! Congratulations to Troy on this amazing milestone. Your dedication inspires us every day! #origincrew

From concept to completion, projects are built through strong partnerships and a shared vision. Our team was pleased to tour the completed A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. Foundry and witness the final result firsthand. We are proud to have contributed Architectural and Land Surveying Services to this project and appreciate the collaboration that made its successful completion possible.See more from this project: https://origindesign.com/projects/ay-mcdonald-mfg-co-foundry

Another intern from our Architectural Team, Patrick Clark is wrapping up his summer at Origin Design. We're reflecting on the impact he made and the experiences he gained along the way. Before heading back to school, we asked Patrick to share a few highlights from his internship journey. Take a look at what he had to say!

Happy 5th Anniversary, Zach! Join us in congratulating Zach on reaching this incredible milestone, we're so lucky to have you!

Leadership, connection, and a day on the course!Origin Design was proud to be a sponsor for the Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque's Connect Experience. We spent the morning learning from inspiring speakers about tuning into your cues, empathy, accountability, and leadership, then enjoyed an afternoon of networking and connecting with fellow professionals on the golf course.Thank you to WLN for another great event that brings our community together!

5 years of excellence! Congratulations to Karen on this amazing milestone. Your dedication inspires us every day!

Continuous Improvement is more than a value at Origin Design. It's a commitment to learning, mentoring, supporting others, and embracing opportunities to grow.Through our employee mentorship program, employees learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and continue growing their skills. Check out HR Director, Troy Wright's Top 5 Tips for Effective Employee Mentorship.

Our Team is Going Over the Edge for United Way! Our brave team members are stepping up to support United Way, but only one will earn the chance to rappel down the Midwest One Building in Dubuque, IA... and your votes will decide who goes Over the Edge!How to Vote: - Donate $5 = 1 vote- Include your chosen employee's name in the donation comments/caption- Vote as often as you'd like. There is no limit! Donate $25 and receive 5 votes. Cast all 5 for one person or split them among multiple employees. Donate & Vote Today: https://give.overtheedge.events/origindesign2026Every vote supports an incredible cause while helping us crown this year's Over the Edge participant. Thank you for making a difference in our community!

Another Field Trip Friday here at Origin Design! This week we're on the ground checking in on the new Westphal & Co Office & Shop Building, seeing progress from site sketch through the early stages of construction. We can't wait to see it continue to take shape!

As Architectural Intern ElleAnna DeSollar wraps up her summer at Origin Design, we're reflecting on the impact she made and the experiences she gained along the way. Before heading back to school, we asked ElleAnna to share a few highlights from her internship journey. Take a look at what she had to say!

We were proud to be a Hole Sponsor at the Annual Russell Charity Golf Outing. Connecting with community members, clients, partners, and friends is one of the many reasons we enjoy supporting events like this. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and spend some time with our team!

Field Trip Friday! Our team was out on the Cheese Country Recreation Trail supporting one of several active projects with the Tri-County Trail Commission. From bridge measurements to survey work, we're helping gather the information needed to support trail improvements and protect areas impacted by erosion.We're proud to play a role in helping keep this community resource safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy!