Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence

Founder-DE

We are proud of our work, from winning awards for our forward-thinking projects, to partnering with local and national architects and establishing long-lasting relationships with our clients. But more than anything, we’re grateful for the people who make Design Engineers what it is today. Our team is made up of passionate individuals who truly care about making a difference, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve achieved together.

Welcome to Design Engineers’ 40th anniversary page, where we take a moment to reflect on our journey so far. It all started back in 1983 when Ron Foster saw a need in the market for cost-conscious engineering that meets clients’ needs. With nothing but a $5,000 loan and a vision, he founded Design Engineers. Since then, we’ve grown into a thriving business with a team of incredible people who are committed to excellence.

Over the years, we’ve faced challenges and triumphs, from a rocky year in the late 1980s to helping our community recover after one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. But through it all, we’ve remained dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that make a positive impact on the world.

40th Anniversary branded image of orange hexagons and the number 40.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the future with excitement and optimism. Here’s to 40 years of exceptional work, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing our best for our clients and our world.

Here’s how we’re celebrating!

As we look back on our history and achievements, we also want to give back to those who have supported us throughout our growth. That’s why, in addition to our celebration, we’re taking the opportunity to pay it forward by volunteering at local organizations.

In the months of June, July, and October, we have planned three Habitat for Humanity volunteering days in both our Cedar Rapids and Madison offices. By working together to help build homes that create safe and affordable housing, we hope to make a meaningful impact in our community and show our appreciation for the support we’ve received over the years.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us reach this incredible milestone. We look forward to celebrating our anniversary with you and making a difference in our community together.

All-staff photo of Design Engineers.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Days

Design Engineers June 7th 40th anniversary volunteer group in Cedar Rapids standing in front of the Habitat for Humanity trailer.
Design Engineers day two volunteers standing in front of the Habitat for Humanity trailer in Cedar Rapids.
Design Engineers 40th anniversary volunteer group in Cedar Rapids standing in front of the partially built house.
Design Engineers 40th anniversary day two volunteers standing in front of the Habitat for Humanity house in Cedar Rapids.
Design Engineers day three volunteers from Madison Wisconsin standing in front of the Habitat for Humanity of Dane County house.
Spencer smiling and working with a Habitat for Humanity volunteer leader.
Spencer leaning over to mark a piece of manufactured wood with a red pencil.
Amy marking a plank of wood at the top of a ladder.
Darrow hammering a nail in the basement frame.
Stephanie on a ladder hammering in a nail on the Habitat for Humanity house.
Anthony on the top of a ladder pulling out a nail on the Habitat for Humanity house.
From left to right: Ryan, Justin, and Trevor volunteering on the Habitat for Humanity job site.
Amanda hammering a nail with a red baseball cap as Pallavi smiles nearby.
Pallavi hammering in a nail as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer leader stands by.
Kyle crouching down to view the alignment of several wood planks at the front of the Habitat for Humanity house.
Ryan climbing to the top rung of the ladder next to the garage wall with a nail gun in hand.
Justin half way up a blue ladder using a staple gun to staple down loose building paper.
Tiffany and Trevor in the Habitat for Humanity house's basement, working together to cut a board with a circular saw.
Miriam and Ryan arranging a piece of manufactured wood to cut outside the Habitat for Humanity house.
Dwight placing a new screw in his electric screw driver.
Alex standing on a ladder and holding on to the roof truss as it's lowered onto the garage.
Ryan working with a Habitat for Humanity volunteer leader to cut a piece of manufactured wood with a circular saw outside the house.
Emilee holding a staple gun with a Habitat leader cuts housewrap.
Adam in the Habitat for Humanity house's basement, cutting a board with a circular saw.
Blake begins his climb up a red ladder.
Dave using a black level to ensure the post is straight in the ground.
Eric lifting up a two-by-four board outside of the Habitat house.
Abby smiling as she uses the chop saw.
Ryan and Nick lifting a truss for the front entrance of the house, with Travis standing nearby.
Sam on the top of a ladder receiving instructions from a Habitat leader.
Emilee looking up toward the roof and smiling at a fellow employee.
Dave at the top of a ladder inside the house.
Dalton cutting a two-by-four board.
Tim using a chop saw to cut a two-by-four board in the house.
David marking a board with a carpenter pencil while Eric and a Habitat leader stand nearby.
Julia cutting a two-by-four board inside the house.
Jeff lining the side of the Habitat for Humanity of Dane county house with a reflective building paper.
Brad and Jared stapling down loose building paper on a window with a Habitat for Humanity of Dane County volunteer.
Brad hammering in a nail on the Habitat for Humanity of Dane County house.
Allison giving a thumbs up as she stands on the unfinished roof of the Habitat for Humanity of Dane County house.
The Engineers Madison team unloading a pickup truck in front of the Habitat for Humanity of Dane County house.
Kurt and Allison waving at the camera while sitting in a truck bed with new windows.
The Design Engineers Madison team circling around a Habitat for Humanity of Dane County volunteer giving instructions.
Full view of the unfinished Habitat for Humanity of Dane County house with several Design Engineers employees working on the exterior.
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