OUR HISTORY

Building on our past. Shaping tomorrow together.

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

  • 1999 Schoenhard retired and sold his controlling interest in the company to the employees.
  • 2010 A branch office in Davenport opened to better serve clients in the Quad Cities area.
  • 2018 Waugh retired, but serves as Technical Advisor on projects.
  • 2019 The company became 100% employee-owned.
  • 2021 IIW rebranded and changed its name to Origin Design and relocated its corporate headquarters to downtown Dubuque.

  • 2022 Origin Design marks its 40th year in business.

Today, Origin Design is a 100% employee-owned, full-service professional design firm with more than 75 employees.

We began with the idea that we could do things differently. Together.

Dennis Waugh
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

Pat Ready
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.

#workingontomorrow With golf season right around the corner, Zach Thielen & Morgan Johnson stopped by @themeadowsgolfclub Clubhouse Renovation to check out the construction progress.

Learn more about the project here.

#origindesign #itstartshere #architecture #engineering #landsurvey

Even with winter weather, construction continues on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Design Technician, Joe Rettenberger recently stopped by the site to check out the progress.

We're excited to be partnering with the Black Hawk County Conservation Board and Taylor Construction on this 12-foot-wide bridge replacement project over Mud Creek. Learn more about the project below!

#workingontomorrow

Craig Geiser & Joe Rettenberger stopped by the Civil & Construction Engineering Technology Career Fair at Hawkeye Community College today to talk with students about all things Origin Design!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #engineers #hiring #yourfuturestartshere

Happy Engineer's Week! We couldn't do what we do without the talented individuals pictured below!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #engineersmakeithappen #engineersweek2023 #itstartshere

We're Hiring! Are you an experienced Traffic & Transportation Engineer? If so, we want you to join our #origincrew! Learn more & apply!

#workingontomorrow #origindesign #dubuquejobs #quadcitiesjobs #yourfuturestartshere

It's that time of year, Spring Career Fair Season! Check out the graphic to see where we are heading this Spring. And while you're at it, head to our website to check out our open positions! We hope to see you there!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

Come join our team! We're #hiring a Structural Project Engineer to join our team! The position is based in our Dubuque Office. Think you may be the right fit? Learn more & apply now

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #yourfuturestartshere #engineering #dubuquejobs


Hey Pioneers! Today is the day! Stop by the Engineering Career fair from 3-6 PM to chat with Noah & Isaiah about your future at Origin Design!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #engineers #hiring #yourfuturestartshere

Tasha Peacock recently joined Origin Design's project support team! We're excited to have you on our #origincrew and can't wait to see what you'll accomplish. Welcome, Tasha!

#origindesign #itstartshere #workingontomorrow

Hey Cyclones! Today is the day! Stop by Booth S159 in Scheman at the Engineering Career Fair to chat with Morgan & Emily about your future at Origin Design!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #engineers #hiring #yourfuturestartshere

41 years ago today our company was founded. To celebrate more than four decades of delivering solutions to our clients, we have added Origin Design Day as a holiday for our Employee Owners. Our offices will be closed today in observance of Origin Design Day.

#origindesign #itstartshere

We're Hiring! Are you looking to break into the A/E Industry? Or just looking for a change of pace? Check out our open positions here and see if we might be the right fit for you!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

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