Dwight Schumm

Dwight graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University and BA from Earlham College in 1988. After working in hospital facility engineering and renewable energy research, he joined Design Engineers in 1993.  He became a Principal at Design Engineers in 2001 and Managing Principal in 2005.   He is a registered Professional Engineer in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri and is also a LEED Accredited Professional from the USGBC in Building Design & Construction.

Sustainability and innovation are central to Dwight’s approach to engineering.  “I have been passionate about sustainable design since before I even knew what to call it.  Engineers are in a unique position and have a unique responsibility to design systems that are environmentally friendly since it is the systems we design which use energy and by extension are the drivers of energy-related environmental impacts.”  Dwight strives to achieve the perfect balance between pursuing inventive approaches to building system design and keeping systems reliable and maintainable. “It doesn’t matter how efficient, creative, or beautiful the design is if it doesn’t perform its primary function well.”

Outside the office Dwight enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and doing as much international travel and wilderness exploring as they can muster.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received about being an engineer?
A: Know your answer before you start. What I mean is you should think through a problem at a high level before digging into detailed calculations. While it sounds easy, this reminder I learned from one of my engineering professors helps me to remember not to “lose the forest for the trees.”

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto? 
A: Everything should be as simple as possible, but no simpler. Albert Einstein said this, and to me this is the epitome of good engineering.

Q: What do you feel is your greatest professional strength?
A: It sounds so cliché, but it’s true, I’m a creative problem solver at heart, and the opportunity to do just that is why I find this work so rewarding and exciting.