NEWSROOM

January 15, 2026

Origin Design Welcomes Four Talented Professionals to Our Growing Team.

Origin Design is excited to announce the addition of four highly skilled professionals to our team, reflecting our continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions.

Luke Althaus, Structural Engineering Designer
Luke joins Origin Design after earning his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Iowa, with a focus on Structural Engineering. Luke is no stranger to Origin Design—he previously interned with us for two summers, gaining valuable experience in both surveying and structural engineering. His diverse background will be a tremendous asset as he steps into his new role.

Austin Pettlon, Architectural Revit Designer
Austin brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to our Architectural team. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Austin holds a double major in Industrial Technology Management and Theatre-Design Emphasis, along with a minor in Drafting and Product Development Technology. His strong background in design programs used by our team ensures he will provide outstanding support and innovation.

With Origin Design’s continued growth, we are also strengthening our technology capabilities by welcoming two new team members:

Cameron Steffen, IT Infrastructure & Systems Specialist — Cameron will enhance our core technology environment, manage applications and software, and play a key role in security and modernization efforts, while providing technical support and device management.
Adam Waggoner, IT Support Specialist — Adam will serve as the primary point of contact for support requests, ensuring smooth system performance and delivering technical assistance across the organization.

“ We are thrilled to welcome Luke, Austin, Cameron, and Adam to Origin Design. Each brings unique skills and experience that will strengthen our teams and support our mission to deliver innovative solutions for our clients. ”

Troy Wright Director of Human Resources | Origin Design

These new hires reflect Origin Design’s ongoing growth and dedication to building a talented, collaborative team. As we expand our capabilities across engineering, architecture, and technology, we look forward to the contributions these professionals will make in shaping the future of Origin Design.

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.