dbHMS

We’ve commissioned over 700,000 square feet across the University of Iowa Campus 🤯 With rapid advances in technology, growing enrollment, and ever evolving learning spaces, higher education buildings need to be prepared for what’s coming next. Commissioning helps ensure building systems are designed, installed, tested, and working as intended to support students, faculty, and staff. Our team helps catch issues early, improve building performance, and create spaces that are comfortable, reliable, and energy efficient. By taking a proactive approach, we help universities maximize the long-term value, reliability, comfort, and sustainability of their facilities. To achieve this rigorous milestone, the team has utilized a variety of commissioning services, including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Building Automation. Here are a few of our favorites! We’re grateful for our ongoing relationship with the University and look forward to continuing to support its goals for many years to come! 🙌 UIHC Burn Treatment Center Owner: University of Iowa Health Care UI Van Allen Hall Lab 425 & 426 & UI Gymnastics Spirit Squad Training Center Owner: University of Iowa

A new landmark for Chicago’s South Side is here🏛️ Located on a 20-acre campus in Jackson Park, the Obama Presidential Center brings together a museum, library, gardens, playgrounds, public gathering spaces, and signature art installations, creating a vibrant new destination for Chicago and visitors from around the world. Sustainability is at the heart of the campus. As the project moves toward LEED Platinum certification, dbHMS’s DataBased+ studio worked alongside Atelier Ten as the local sustainability partner, providing LEED construction administration services and supporting the project’s ambitious decarbonization goals. The campus was designed around a Net Zero Energy approach, incorporating: • All-electric building systems • Ground-source heat pumps • All-electric kitchen equipment to eliminate fossil fuel use • Off-site renewable energy to offset the campus’s electricity demand We’re proud to see this project come to life! #ObamaPresidentialCenter #ChicagoLEED #LEEDPlatinum Photos courtesy of Angie McMonigal Photography LLC Angie McMonigal Owner: Obama Foundation Architect: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects + Partners Partner: Atelier Ten

Some of the world's most important research happens in places most people will never see. 🧬 That's exactly the mission behind Zoetis' newest 75,000 SF facility in Lincoln, NE. Designed to support secure BSL-3 research, the facility depends on high-performing building systems to maintain proper environmental conditions. Our Commissioning studio was proud to support the project by verifying that critical space conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, are maintained continuously to support biosafety, occupant protection, and safe, reliable research. We are honored to contribute to facilities making innovative research possible! #BSL3 #BSL3Labs #Commissioning Owner: Zoetis

Excited to share we are looking to add a Sr. Building Performance Analyst to our team in Chicago. Feel free to send a DM if you (or someone you know) may be interested.

Moments like these remind us that great work starts with great people. 😎 Getting a chance to reconnect, recharge, and enjoy time together outside of the office is the reason we look forward to our Annual Summer Outing! Together, we celebrate the warm season and reflect on everything we've accomplished so far. Here's to many more outings and an exciting second half of the year!

Great architecture turns heads. Great engineering makes it last. 🏙️🔒 Even a few years after completion, St. Regis Chicago remains one of our favorite projects to look back on. As one of the city's most recognizable silhouettes, this 101-story mixed-use tower features 406 luxury residences, 205 hotel rooms, restaurants, and a striking three-tower design that has become a defining part of Chicago's skyline.              Bringing this LEED Silver certified landmark to life was a true collaboration between all three dbHMS studios: Design, Commissioning, and DataBased+. Designed to maximize aesthetics, comfort, and energy performance, the façade was carefully optimized to balance daylight, heating, and cooling demands. Through detailed energy modeling, dbHMS evaluated glazing ratios and visible light transmittance to create bright, comfortable living spaces while preserving sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Looking back, this project is a reminder of what can be accomplished through thoughtful engineering, innovative design, and strong partnerships. We're grateful to everyone who helped to bring this incredible building to life! Owner: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Gencom GD Holdings Developer: Magellan Development Group LLC Architect: bKL Architecture LLC Studio Gang

Here’s how a $100M investment is turning into accessible healthcare, housing, and financial stability for Chicago’s South Side residents. 🤯 As part of Chicago’s Invest South/West initiative, Thrive Exchange demonstrates how purpose can help emerging neighborhoods flourish. Phase 1 of the development has already introduced 43 affordable apartment units, retail space, and permanent homes for Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago! This all-electric building was supported through dbHMS’ full MEP/FP design, lighting strategy and energy modeling, helping the project pursue Enterprise Green Communities certification. High efficiency energy recovery from the Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) reduces electrical demand, while the tuned ventilation system keeps the building healthy, balanced, and resilient. We appreciate all who brought this vision to light! If you want to stay updated with Phase 2, follow along so you don’t miss out. Partners: Owner: DL3 Realty Architect: KOO

🍦 Kicking off summer with an Ice Cream Social! We're excited to welcome our summer interns and celebrate a season full of growth, learning, and new experiences. Looking forward to all they accomplish in the months ahead. 🥳

Most people think of parks as a destination, but what if they're a part of the journey? 👟 🏞️ Spaces like Francis Myers Recreation Center had faded from the community's story, becoming more of a memory than a gathering place. While some see a park, others see an opportunity to create connection, adventures, and laughter. That’s why we put together the best players for the job: Design, Commissioning, and Sustainability. With a near LEED Gold certification, new gymnasium, playgrounds, and splash pad, that tale is now being rewritten. Using 30% less energy than typical code compliant buildings, our team completely upgraded the MEP/FP systems. An efficient Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system combined with a 5000-cfm Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) ventilates the facility, while a dedicated rooftop unit (RTU) conditions the gymnasium block. By improving energy efficiency, enhancing indoor air quality, choosing healthier materials, and ensuring optimal system operation, we are sure to celebrate the grand opening very soon! Thanks to our partners! Owner: City of Philadelphia Architect: DIGSAU Lighting Designer: TLP

If walls could talk… 🤫 Just as the Diplomat Hotel once welcomed travelers passing through Chicago's northern gateway in the 1950s, Haven on Lincoln now welcomes a new generation seeking refuge, stability, and a place to call home. The recently converted building is an exciting moment for us and the Lincoln Square community. The new residential space will provide housing and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. We are thrilled to see the positive impact on the community and the future opportunities it will bring! Owner: Cornerstone Community Outreach Architect: Gensler