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.

2024 Waugh Award Winner

Waugh Award Winner - Laurie Wehrspann

Laurie Wehrspann

Accounting Assistant

I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient of the Waugh Award. I had the privilege of working with Denny for over 20 years. Since his retirement in 2018, it’s a wonderful tribute to him that even today we continue to honor his vision with an award focused on the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Laurie Wehrspann 2024 Waugh Award Winner

Read Press Release

Waugh Award Past Winners

Follow our journey.

Happy 30th Anniversary, Lynn Neal! Join us in congratulating Lynn on reaching this incredible milestone! We're so lucky to have you, Lynn!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere

Happy 15th Anniversary, Eric Helminiak! We're so lucky to have you on our #origincrew! Join us in congratulating Eric on reaching this incredible milestone!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere


We're excited to welcome Kelly Jo Fassbinder to Origin Design! As our new Marketing Manager, we can't wait to see all that she will achieve in this role!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Kelly Jo!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

#WorkingOnTomorrow

Origin Design has teamed up with the City of Davenport to enhance three of its parks! Our civil engineers collaborated with the City to create multi-sports courts at Cork Hill Park, Herington Park, and Van Buren Park!

Discover more about the project here: https://origindesign.com/projects/davenport-multi-sports-courts

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #parksandrecreation


#WorkingOnTomorrow

Looking for a great spot to enjoy the outdoors this summer? Check out our project, Off Shore Hotel & Resort , located in Bellevue, IA! Our team has helped the resort expand its campground by adding 114 new sites along with essential utilities and connecting roadways!

Find out more about this exciting project here: https://origindesign.com/projects/off-shore-resort

#CreatingABetterTomorrow #OriginDesign #LandDevelopment #Municipal #LandSurvey


#workingontommorow

Check out the results from our collaboration with the City of Dyersville and Dyersville Economic Development Corporation on the expansion of the Dyersville 20 West Industrial Center! This extension created four new lots zoned for both commercial and industrial use!

Learn more about the project here: https://origindesign.com/projects/dyersville-20-west-industrial-center-phase-3

#creatingabettertommorrow #origindesign #landdevelopment #municipal #transportation #waterresources


Welcome our Summer 2025 Interns!

Luke Althaus, Ryan Ruppel and Connor Richmond recently joined our #origincrew!

We are excited to have these three talented interns joining us this summer! Working across three departments, these interns are sure to make an impact!

#creatingabettertomorrow #yourfuturestartshere #internships #origindesign!


#workingontomorrow

Last week some of our engineers attended the Dubuque Gate & Pump Station Flood Mitigation Project Kick-Off! We're excited to be partnering with the City of Dubuque, Iowa, Portzen Construction and more on this phase of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project.

The new facility will include a new flood gate, four new 100,000 gallon per minute pumps (double the capacity of the existing facility), new electrical service, and the installation of back-up generators.

#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #beebranch

Join us in welcoming Amelia Retzlaff to Origin Design! Amelia recently joined our Architectural Team & we're so excited to see what she accomplishes in this role!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Amelia!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

#workingontomorrow

Check out these completed photos of this bridge replacement project on Cosgrove Road over N. Branch Old Man's Creek in Johnson County, Iowa.

Learn more about the project and see more photos here: https://origindesign.com/projects/cosgrove-road-over-n-branch-old-mans-creek

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #transportation #bridges

Join us in welcoming Sophia Adams, EIT to Origin Design! Sophia recently joined our Dubuque Office as a Structural Engineering Designer!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Sophia! We're excited to see what you accomplish in your new role!

#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #yourfuturestartshere

We're excited to share that Nathaniel Nelson is officially part of our Quad Cities office as an Architectural Associate! After his internship this Spring, he's now a full-time team member.

Welcome to the #origincrew, Nate!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

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