Wehrspann Accepts Waugh Award.

Dubuque, IA—Laurie Wehrspann accepted the sixth annual Waugh Award during Origin Design’s annual holiday party held on January 24, 2025 at The Meadows Golf Club.

The Waugh Award was established to honor Dennis Waugh, co-founder of Origin Design (known as IIW at the time), who retired at the end of 2018 after 37 years of dedicated service.

This award recognizes an Origin employee who exemplifies and supports the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

A total of twelve nominations were submitted for the Waugh Award. The nomination submitted for Laurie highlighted her extensive understanding of the company’s history and operations, her knowledge of past processes and her adaptability and eagerness to improve tasks as the company evolves. "Her dedication to supporting others makes her an outstanding candidate for the Waugh Award," the nomination stated.

Wehrspann accepted the award from Pat Ready, PE, President & CEO of Origin Design. “When I think of Laurie, I’m reminded of many of the qualities that align with our core values—committed to the success of others, supportive, respectful, fun, goal-driven, adaptable, caring, dedicated, and always prioritizing the well-being of our team. She is very deserving of this award,” said Ready.

Left to Right: Troy Wright, Dennis Waugh, Laurie Wehrspann, Pat Ready

“ I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient of the Waugh Award. I had the privilege of working with Denny for over 25 years. Since his retirement in 2018, it’s a wonderful tribute to him that even today we continue to honor his vision with an award focused on the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values. ”

Laurie Wehrspann Accounting Assistant

Laurie is an accounting assistant at Origin Design and recently celebrated her 33-year anniversary with the company.

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!