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.

Take a look inside our Corporate Headquarters located on Lower Main in Dubuque, Iowa! Prior to our move in August of 2021, Origin's Architects designed a collaborative and creative space for our employees and clients! Learn more about the remodel here.

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere

We're stopping by the Iowa League of Cities Conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, next week! Stop by Booth 118 on September 20 & 21 to chat with some of our #origincrew about how we're creating a better tomorrow!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #itstartshere

#workingontomorrow Check out the new Fayette County Maintenance Facility we recently completed! Origin Design partnered with Fayette County Engineers to design a new modern maintenance facility and we think it turned out pretty great! Check out the project profile to learn more!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow

#yourfuturestartshere We're looking for a Senior Structural Engineer to join our #origincrew! Are you or someone you know looking for a new opportunity in the A/E Industry? Check out our careers page to find out more and apply now!

#origindesign #hiring #workingontomorrow

Today is the day! Stop by Booth 25 at the ISAC Annual Conference today to learn more about Origin Design's Services! Julie Neebel and Courtney Wand can't wait to see you there!

#workingontomorrow #origindesign #itstartshere

We're stopping by the ISAC Annual Conference next week! Stop by Booth 25 to chat with Julie Neebel and Courtney Wand to learn more about what Origin can do for you!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere

#workingontomorrow Check out these completed photos of Comiskey Park in Dubuque, IA! We were so excited to partner with Saiki Design, the City of Dubuque Leisure Services and Portzen Construction on this project to provide the community with a vibrant new place to play!

Photos Courtesy of City of Dubuque.

#origindesign #landdevelopment #itstartshere #connectionstartshere

Come join our #origincrew! We're looking for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors with a passion for creating a better tomorrow in the communities we serve! Think we may be the right fit? Check out our careers page & apply now!

#hiring #architects #engineers #landsurveyors #origindesign

Happy 5th Anniversary, Codi Putnam! We're so lucky to have you on our #origincrew! We can't wait to see what you accomplish in the next 5 years!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #itstartshere #5yearanniversary

#yourfuturestartshere We're hiring a Professional Land Surveyor to join our #origincrew! Learn more and apply now!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #hiring #landsurvey

#workingontomorrow Check out these photos of Holy Ghost Early Childhood Center in Dubuque, IA. Origin Design Architects collaborated with Holy Family Catholic Schools on this renovation project!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere #architecture

Gabe Bonn is officially a licensed surveyor in Wisconsin! Join us in congratulating Gabe on this awesome achievement!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #itstartshere

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