EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

The Waugh Award

Dennis Waugh

In 2019, the Waugh Award was established to honor our co-founder, Dennis Waugh.

Denny, as many people know him, retired in 2018 after 37 years with the company. His vision and the efforts he took to make Origin Design (founded as IIW Associates P.C.) what it is today are at the heart of this award.

Named in honor of Denny, the Waugh Award recognizes an Origin Design employee that supports and furthers our Mission-Vision-Values. One award is granted annually and is based on the current year’s performance for the individual nominated.

A few of Denny's Traits

  • Passion
  • Generosity
  • Practical judgement
  • Helping others to improve
  • Generosity
  • Leading by example
  • Company ambassador
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

Our employees are what make us - US. The Waugh Award is a remarkable way to recognize their efforts, while also paying tribute to our co-founder, Denny.

2025 Waugh Award Winner

Waugh Award Winner - Mark Fassbinder, AIA, LEED AP

Mark Fassbinder, AIA, LEED AP

Architectural Team Leader

I am deeply honored to receive the Waugh Award. To be counted among the recipients of an award that represents integrity, humility, and genuine care for others is truly meaningful to me. I am grateful to be part of a team that strives to carry forward these qualities, and I will continue to honor Denny’s legacy by supporting, mentoring, and serving those around me in a way that reflects the Mission, Vision, and Values of Origin Design.

Mark Fassbinder, AIA, LEED AP 2025 Waugh Award Winner

Read Press Release

Waugh Award Past Winners

Follow our journey.

We’re excited to welcome Derrek Hall to Origin Design as our newest Field Survey Technician!

Derrek will play a key role in supporting our growing survey team through comprehensive fieldwork and document-based surveying responsibilities. Please join us in welcoming him to the team!

#origindesign #origincrew

Join us in congratulating Mark Fassbinder, the 2025 Waugh Award winner! This award, named for our co-founder Dennis Waugh, recognizes employees who truly embody what Origin Design stands for. Way to go, Mark!

Read more about Mark’s recognition: https://origindesign.com/newsroom/fassbinder-accepts-waugh-award

These smiles represent just a few of the 63 reasons we celebrate Origin Day. Every person plays a part in the story of Origin Design—today, we’re celebrating them and enjoying Founder’s Day cookies by Nick Rettenberger.


#origindesign


Today our offices are closed as we celebrate the day we were founded—February 1, 1982!

We’re proud to take a moment to reflect on our journey and to thank our incredible staff and clients who have helped us grow and thrive over the years. We couldn’t have built something so lasting without you!

#origindesign

We’re still buzzing from last week’s Chamber Business After Hours!

Thank you to everyone who came, connected, shared ideas, and tested out the VR simulator. We enjoyed hosting you!

At Origin Design, we believe every project teaches us something valuable. That’s why we hold an annual “Lessons Learned” discussion!

Virtually bringing together our Dubuque, Davenport, and remote employees, this open forum is all about sharing experiences, both wins and challenges, so our team can grow together. By learning from each other, we can improve processes and move forward smarter and stronger. Here are just a few of the 41 employees that were able to attend this valuable conversation.

#origindesign

What a cool weekend in Downtown Davenport!

Our Davenport office team had a blast at Icestravaganza, enjoying amazing ice sculptures, live carving, fun activities, and warming up with a little hot cocoa.

We’re proud to be a sponsor of this annual winter event and love seeing our community come together to enjoy it!

Origin Design is excited to welcome two new talented professionals to our IT team: Cameron Steffens (IT Infrastructure & Systems Specialist), and Adam Waggoner (IT Support Specialist). We look forward to the contributions they will make, shaping the future of Origin Design.

Welcome to the #origincrew!

Join us in welcoming Austin Pettlon to Origin Design! Austin recently joined our Architectural Team as a Revit Designer. We can’t wait to see the amazing impact he’ll make in this position!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Austin!

Cheers to 5 years! We’re proud to celebrate Mat Townsley and all his incredible contributions over the years. Here’s to many more!

We’re thrilled to welcome Luke Althaus back to Origin Design! Luke previously interned with us, and after graduating in December, he’s now a full-time member of our Structural Engineering Team. We can't wait to see all that he will achieve in this role.

Welcome to the #origincrew, Luke!

As we welcome 2026, we’re grateful for the amazing people who make our team shine—and for the trust you place in us. Here’s to another year of working together and creating something great!

We’ll be closed January 1 to celebrate New Year’s Day!

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