Since 1982, Origin Design (formerly IIW) has built a reputation of delivering impactful, sustainable solutions. Our team has helped the clients and communities we work with thrive and grow. That won’t ever change.
On February 1, 1982, Denny Waugh and Carl Schoenhard, Jr. founded Origin Design, then known as IIW Associates P.C., a five-person land survey and civil/structural engineering consulting firm.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company saw tremendous growth with a focus on expanding staff and the services offered to our clients, including the addition of municipal engineering, traffic & transportation, water resources, land development, architecture and field services.
Other milestones
Today, Origin Design is a 100% employee-owned, full-service professional design firm with more than 75 employees.
“I have a great deal of confidence in this next generation of employee owners, and I’m very enthused about their capabilities and dedication to the same mission as its founders. We do not want that to change.”
Dennis Waugh Co-Founder
“The rebrand and change to Origin Design brings a fresh perspective and story that we can tell our friends, family and clients. I'm excited to share this story and weave it into the future success of our company.”
Pat Ready President & CEO
Follow our journey.
We're #hiring a Land Surveying Technician to join our team! Based out of our Dubuque Office, this individual will spend their time performing survey and related engineering work! Are you looking for a position that is hands on and not your average 9-5? This might be the job for you!
Learn more and apply now!
#creatingabettertomorrow #yourfuturestartshere #origindesign
#workingontomorrow Check out the completed photos from the John Deere Road Corridor project we recently completed the construction engineering for! The corridor required upgrades to several intersections and driveway accesses to facilitate better flow of traffic at peak times to reduce delays and increase safety.
Learn more about the project here!
Brian Balser was recently promoted to AEC Design Technology Manager! Congratulations on this much deserved promotion, Brian! We're lucky to have you on our #origincrew!
#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #yourfuturestartshere
Congratulations are in order!
Gabe Bonn, PLS has achieved his Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in the State of Iowa! This milestone showcases his dedication and expertise in the field of land surveying.
Additionally, shout-out to Cody Austin, P.E., LEED A.P. for earning his Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Illinois! This accomplishment reflects his hard work and commitment to continuous improvement.
Join us in celebrating their success as they continue to embrace opportunities to grow every day! We're lucky to have them on our #origincrew!
#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #yourfuturestartshere
Are you looking to spend your summer in the field getting real life surveying experience? Our Land Surveying Internship position may be the perfect fit for you! This internship allows you to assist with boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, land subdivisions and other projects! Based out of our Dubuque office, this internship is for the 2025 summer! Learn more and apply now!
#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #yourfuturestartshere
Angie Marek is celebrating 5 years at Origin Design! We're so lucky to have you on our #origincrew! Happy Anniversary, Angie!
#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere
As we wrap up Engineers Week, our President & CEO, Pat Ready, reflects on his journey to becoming the engineer he is today! Read more below....
"In high school, I enjoyed drafting class and did well in math and science, which led me to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University. After my first semester, I decided to shift my focus to civil engineering and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, as I mark my 31st year, I can confidently say that the most rewarding aspect of my career has been making a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether leading our team at Origin Design or collaborating with colleagues, developers, council members, or citizens, I’ve truly enjoyed the journey. Cheers to Engineers Week, to our team at Origin, to all engineers, and a sincere thank you to those who trust us to bring your visions to life!"
Did you know the majority of our Field Services team double as engineers? At Origin Design, we have a team of certified technicians & engineering designers who provide our clients, colleagues and crews with the information they need to keep their project on track throughout the construction process.
Learn more about our field services team here!
#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #engineersweek
Whether it's regulatory improvements, aging or undersized infrastructure, expansion of facilities or new construction, our Water Resources engineers listen and deliver unique solutions to our clients.
Their expertise includes:
Learn more about our water resources team here.
Meet our Transportation engineers! They know effective planning, design and construction can make the world of difference on roadways, bridges and trails. Our dedicated civil and structural engineers collaborate with both public and private clients to enhance transportation infrastructure.
Learn more about our transportation engineers here!
#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #engineersweek
Today, we're spotlighting our team of Structural Engineers! While the structural elements of a building or structure often go unnoticed, our structural engineers play an essential role in ensuring safety, function and sustainability. They work closely with the majority of our other service lines to ensure their designs come to fruition while meeting safety standards.
Learn more about the structural team here!
We're looking for an experienced Senior Structural Engineer to join our growing team! Are you looking for your next opportunity within the A/E Industry?