Rising Leaders: DE’s Newest Associates

Design Engineers is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Wartgow, Brad Biddick, and Stephanie Riggan to Associate. These promotions recognize their technical excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions to clients and project teams across the firm. As Associates, they will continue to support Design Engineers’ mission of delivering impactful engineering solutions while mentoring future leaders and strengthening client partnerships.

Steve Wartgow – Senior Mechanical Engineer

Steve Wartgow joined Design Engineers in 2021 and has been instrumental in delivering large, complex projects while helping strengthen the firm’s presence in the Madison, Wisconsin region. Steve has 30 years of experience in Higher Education, Governmental, Pharmaceutical, Commercial and Historical projects around the country, giving him a broad skill set to handle challenging project requirements.

Steve has contributed to key success projects for Design Engineers, including those for large commercial and governmental clients such as the State of Wisconsin and Universities of Wisconsin. Equally as impactful is Steve’s embodiment and ability to use DE’s core values to develop and mentor his team.

“Steve’s dedication to serving our clients and mentoring our staff are prime examples of how he goes above and beyond every day,” says Principal Justin Marxen. “He possesses a wealth of experience in designing large and complex mechanical systems, and he is tenacious about the quality of his work and helping others do their best.”

Brad Biddick, DES – Senior Electrical Consultant

Brad Biddick joined Design Engineers in 2023 and has quickly made a significant impact through his strong client relationships and project leadership. Brad has played a key role in strengthening relationships with architectural partners and clients such as Madison Area Technical College, contributing to numerous successful projects in a short period of time. His involvement in projects including the Sun Prairie Public Library and multiple Madison College initiatives has helped expand Design Engineers’ presence in the Madison, Wisconsin market.

“Brad has made a major impact on Design Engineers since his start; from his contagious positivity to impressive technical ability to the client confidence he creates,” says Principal Jonathan Gettler. “He truly models all core elements of an Associate.”

Brad is a registered designer of electrical engineering systems (DES) and has 28 years of experience in Commercial, Mixed-Use, Government, Higher Education, and Research facilities.

Stephanie Riggan – Senior Mechanical Engineer

Stephanie Riggan has been with Design Engineers since 2004 and represents an inspiring story of growth and dedication. Beginning her career as a CAD technician, Stephanie pursued her mechanical engineering degree while working full-time, steadily advancing through roles as a designer, engineer, and project leader. Today, she is widely recognized as the DE’s K–12 education expert, leading projects for school districts across Iowa and Wisconsin.

“Stephanie has always looked for ways to do more at Design Engineers, starting out as a BIM technician, earning her engineering degree while working full time, becoming a Project Engineer, and now in her role as a senior engineer,” says Justin Marxen. “Clients and co-workers appreciate her collaborative and practical approach, and her tenacity helps the projects she works on be successful.”

Stephanie is an ASHRAE member and has 22 years of experience in the industry including K-12 Education, Higher Education, Commercial, and Municipal markets. Her vast educational experience includes numerous Energy Efficient Design Award-winning projects.

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