Company News from RWB

RWB is an MEP consulting engineering firm based in Dallas, Texas. On this page, you’ll find the latest updates on company news, ranging from special events or corporate announcements.

The firm has been in operation for over thirty years and employs more than 50 designers, engineers, and support staff. Learn more about our leadership and firm history.

RWB consulting engineers specialize in K-12 schools, higher education projects, aviation facilities, municipal structures, and office buildings.

Welcome Our 2021 Summer Interns

RWB is thrilled to welcome four new interns this summer as part of our firm internship program.

During their time here at RWB, they will gain hands-on experience with MEP Engineering Design. They will help with the design process and documentation of current projects by working in AutoCAD and Revit and visiting project jobsites.

A smiling young woman with blonde hair in a blue polka dot shirt.Anna Claire Saffell

School: Auburn University
Year in School: Senior
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Anna began researching the role that engineering plays in the built world after taking an AP Art class with an Architecture concentration. She decided to purse mechanical engineering for the combination of visceral and behavioral design. This summer, Anna looks forward to gaining mentorship and hands-on experience, while expanding her skills in AutoCAD and Revit. She hopes to pursue a career in either MEP, Structural,  Architectural engineering, or product design.

At school, Anna is involved in Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, Chi Omega Sorority and Onward Campus Ministries.

 

 

A young woman giving a thumbs up with a medal around her neck.Piper Roman

School: Texas A&M University
Year in School: Junior
Major: Architectural Engineering

Aside from her love of math and physics, Piper was inspired by her grandfather to pursue an engineering degree, as he was an engineer himself. She learned about RWB when attending a presentation on campus given by RWB Principal, Ken Fulk. Piper hopes to gain experience by collaborating and working with computer-aided design.

In her free time, Piper enjoys drawing and playing piano.

 

 

A man smiling wearing a purple sweater and collared shirt.Weston Taylor

School: Oklahoma State University
Year in School: Senior
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Weston chose an engineering pathway based on his love for science, math and problem solving. He says, “put those together and you get engineeringâ€. He is excited to gain valuable experience and apply it to the work he will complete at RWB this summer. Weston’s career path includes earning an EIT, working his way up to P.E. and Project Management.

Weston’s hobbies including watching new shows and hanging out with friends. He also enjoys boxing, biking, hiking and rock climbing.

 

 

A young man smiling in a suit and tie against a plain background.Tyler Ferrari

School: University of Texas at Austin
Year in School: Junior
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Tyler admires creators and inventors which inspired his decision to pursue engineering as a career. During an Independent Study course, Tyler was mentored by RWB Principal, Mike Adcock who encouraged him to apply to RWB’s internship program. Tyler looks forward to gaining knowledge and experience within the professional world of engineering as well as creating bonds with coworkers during his time here at RWB.

Next semester, Tyler will be a Teaching Assistant for one of his Electrical Engineering classes. He is also an officer within his Fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau.

Celebrating our Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Interns

As we wrap up another semester of our internship program, we want to highlight the significant contributions of our three interns. Their technical skills and innovative approaches have made a noticeable impact on our projects. We thank them for their hard work and look forward to seeing their future successes in engineering.

During their time here at RWB, interns gain hands-on experience with MEP Engineering Design. They will help with the design process and documentation of current projects by working in AutoCAD and Revit and visiting project jobsites.

Stephen Noby Headshot

Stephen Noby

School: The University of Texas at Dallas
Year in School: Graduate Studies, Final year
Major: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

What inspired you to go after your major?
My decision to pursue a higher education in Mechanical Engineering is due to my passion in envisioning and building mechanical systems that aids in adaptation of new technology.

Any outside hobbies you wish to share?
I like to play the guitar.

Tell us about your internship at RWB.
I’ve had an exceptional internship experience at RWB, where I’ve had the pleasure of being part of a tight-knit team. The company’s collaborative culture has allowed me to learn from everyone’s expertise and experiences, which has greatly enriched my understanding of the HVAC industry. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to intern at RWB and appreciate the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my time here.

A man with glasses and a beard smiling gently.

Youssef El Saad

School: University of Texas at Arlington
Year in School: Senior Year
Major: Electrical Engineering

What inspired you to go after your major?
I was inspired to pursue electrical engineering from my dad and my brothers who are engineers too.

Tell us about your internship at RWB.
Here at RWB, the best experience I had was the teamwork experience; everyone helped each other, and if I had any questions, they’d be happy to answer them and teach me how to become a successful engineer.

 

A smiling man with glasses outdoors.

Issac Barnes

School: University of North Texas
Year in School: Senior Year
Major: Mechanical Energy Engineering

What inspired you to go after your major?
I have always had a curiosity about how things have worked. From a young age I would take apart RC cars and build different things like hoverboards and ziplines. But it was a Technical program in Mechatronics at SOTC that inspired me to pursue engineering as a career.

Any outside hobbies you wish to share?
I’m passionate about fitness and any kind of adventurous activities such as surfing, skydiving, hiking, scuba diving, etc.

Tell us about your internship at RWB.
As good as RWB is at engineering, the culture that leadership has cultivated might be the most impressive thing about this company. Everything from the events that have been put together, to the intentionality to make conversation with me and the other interns. This doesn’t happen by accident, and I am grateful to have experienced it. Thank you for letting me be a part!

 

RWB Wins Two ASHRAE Dallas 2021 Technology Awards

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In early January, the Dallas Chapter of ASHRAE recognized RWB Consulting Engineers for notable HVAC design of two projects: Richardson’s Lake Highlands Freshman Center, now called Building H, and Arlington ISD’s Agricultural Science Center. Both projects earned the chapter’s Technology Award in the Existing Building and New Construction – Educational Facilities category.

The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognizes prestigious buildings with innovative HVAC designs. Criteria for the award include:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Innovation
  • Operation & Maintenance
  • Cost-Effectiveness
  • Environmental Impact

RWB is proud to achieve two new Technology Awards for educational projects. RWB previously won the 2020 ASHRAE Technology Award at the Regional level for Denton ISD’s Ray Braswell High School for New Construction – Educational Facility.

The Winning Projects: Details

Lake Highlands Freshman Center

LHHS FC ExteriorThe Lake Highlands Freshman Center (Building H) now provides a comfortable learning environment for students who attend class in the building. Built-in 1997, the building served as a freshman-only campus for Richardson ISD students in the area. With the original equipment nearing failure, the building required a major HVAC upgrade. When voters approved the 2016 bond for improvements, RWB examined and addressed multiple performance issues by re-zoning the building from an east/west to a north/south configuration. Updated equipment was installed and scheduled accordingly for space utilization.

Some of the performance issues include:

  • Lack of diversity in zones
  • Lack of heating, or inadequately sized heating in the building, especially at the perimeter
  • Poor air distribution and complicated air delivery design in the gymnasium
  • VAV Air Terminal Units that were completely inaccessible for maintenance
  • Complicated air distribution systems with poor energy performance using VAV Terminal Units on constant volume Roof-Top AC Equipment

Based on the evaluations of load calculations, RWB improved performance while downsizing the MEP equipment in this building.

Arlington ISD Agricultural Science Center

Arlington ISD Ag Science CenterArlington ISD’s new 28,000 SF expansion of the district’s Agricultural Science Center is uniquely designed as an indoor/outdoor facility. As part of the expansion, classrooms, administration areas, animal pens, open-air barns, and a metal shop were added.

The building opened in 2019 to students and faculty offering the opportunity to experience hands-on learning as it relates to agricultural education.

The Arlington ISD Agricultural Science Center is a net-zero energy building, producing more energy than it consumes, which is tracked by the Energy Management System (EMS) tied to all the mechanical components.

Some energy-efficient items that were included in the design are:

  • A photovoltaic (PV) array
  • Wind turbine
  • Rainwater storage collection tanks

The PV array and wind turbine help with energy production while the rainwater storage collection tanks help with irrigation and other internal barn uses.

ASHRAE Dallas Technology Award

In December each year, The Dallas Chapter of ASHRAE accepts nominations for their Technology Award competition. The program recognizes multiple MEP engineering firms in different categories ranging from Commercial to Institutional and Residential facility types.

As the winner of the Chapter award, both projects will move to the Regional competition for a chance to compete at the Societal competition.

A man standing in front of framed certificates on a wall.

Nathan Hart, P.E. leads the mechanical team on the Lake Highlands High School Freshman Center HVAC Upgrades Project.

Man standing in front of a wall with framed certificates.

Joseph Proctor, P.E. leads the team on the Net-Zero energy design of the Arlington ISD Agricultural Science Center.

RWB Team Celebrates the Groundbreaking of Lake Highlands Middle School

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On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the RWB team joined Cadence McShane Construction, Perkins & Will, and Richardson ISD to break ground on Lake Highlands Middle School . The team celebrated the start of construction at 10301 Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas, next to Lake Highlands Junior High.

Significantly, this project marks Richardson ISD’s first new school construction since 2014, showing a strong commitment to educational advancement. The new 249,000-square-foot, three-story school will feature flexible learning environments and an ICC-500-rated community tornado shelter for safety.

RWB designed the building’s MEP systems to support both student comfort and long-term energy efficiency. The district selected this site to replace the original Lake Highlands Junior High, which was built in the 1960s. As a result, the new facility will modernize education in the area and serve future generations for decades to come.

Lake Highlands Middle School Groundbreaking

The facility will use a 4-pipe chilled and heating water system to serve most of the school’s three-story structure. Meanwhile, rooftop AC units will condition the athletic areas and other specialty spaces throughout the building. Centrally located on the first floor, a STEM lab will feature a mechanical room with full-height windows.

This design allows students to observe the mechanical systems that serve the first floor in real time. As a result, instructors can easily incorporate real-world MEP system functions into their STEM curriculum. The design team positioned the project in an underutilized section of the adjacent field to enable phased construction. Because of this strategic placement, crews can build the new facility while keeping the existing school operational. This multi-year phased approach minimizes disruption to students and staff throughout the transition.

The new school will open in August 2024 and accommodate up to 1,500 students in grades 6 through 8. Perkins & Will serves as the Architect of Record, while Cadence McShane leads construction as the General Contractor.

Howdy from the Texas State Fair

Here in Dallas, every Fall brings three highly-anticipated events: cooler weather, football, and the Texas State Fair.

If you’ve never been, the Texas State Fair isn’t a simple carnival. It’s a Texas-sized celebration of the Lone Star State. Along with the typical fair festivities of amusement rides, midway games, and prized livestock comes a barrage of other activities: unique food and drink, live shows and demonstrations, and plenty of shopping.

Each year, RWB provides entry tickets and food & drink coupons to our entire team. It’s just one of the many unique benefits of working on our team (psst- we’re hiring!). We love to see our employees enjoying local events with their family, friends, and colleagues.

With the fair closing on Sunday, October 20th there’s only a few more days of fun to squeeze in. We asked around the office, and here are the activities you can’t miss at the 2019 Texas State Fair!

BIG TEX – THE STAR OF THE TEXAS STATE FAIR

You can’t attend the Texas State Fair without seeing Big Tex! Big Tex stands 55 feet tall and he wears a size 96 boot. Be sure to snap a picture with the iconic Big Tex structure near Gate 1.  Or catch one of the hundreds of other Big Tex’s throughout the park, like the Neon Big Tex.

TEXAS AUTO SHOW AND CLASSIC CORRAL

For all the gearheads out there, the Texas Auto Show showcases a broad spectrum of vehicles Whether you’re looking for the latest in-vehicle technology or shopping for your next ride, you’ll get your fill at the Fair. And don’t miss the Classic Corrall, where vintage rides are on display from local car clubs.

DEEP-FRIED SWEET TEA

Just when you thought that deep-frying had reached its limits. One of our RWB engineers mentioned this snack as the yearly go-to. The signature drink of many DFW residents has manifested into a delicious sweet treat. The sweet tea is frozen into a custard, then coated in graham crackers before being dropped into the fryer.

LIVESTOCK SHOW AND YOUTH AGRICULTURAL COMPETITIONS

The livestock show is what separates a simple carnival from a true state fair, so don’t miss out on what Texas farmers have to offer. Plus, the Livestock Show is a platform for impressive youngsters to put their agricultural skills to the test. An RWB employee gives this tip: “Get to the Fair at 7 am for the best parking spots – then head to the Livestock area to see kids compete!” This Saturday, don’t miss the Youth Sheep Skillathon Contest!

STUFFED FRIED TACO CONE

Sweeping the Big Tex Choice Awards, it’s no surprise that Ruth’s Stuff Fried Taco Cone was a hit with RWB employees. Ruth’s taco stand near Fletcher’s Corn Dogs has developed plenty of crowd-pleasers over the years, so it’s a sure bet for any fair year. However, the fried taco cone is particularly delicious, with tender barbacoa and fresh pico de gallo. But don’t let the cone format fool you; this dish is pretty messy to eat. Get plenty of napkins!

FERRIS WHEEL

The big, blue Texas State Fair ferris wheel is one of the more iconic rides at the fair. Since the ride is visible throughout the year as commuters pass on nearby highways, this is a must-visit for many fair visitors. One spin on the wheel is hefty 20 tickets, so be sure you stock up before getting in line. And speaking of the queue, get there early. According to ride operators, the wait time can stretch to nearly two hours. Knock it out as the first ride of the day; get in line just before the Fair opens and you’ll only wait about fifteen minutes.

STATE FAIR THEMED DRINKS

There’s plenty of beverages to sip on at the fair, but for those looking for an adult alternative, our team recommends the fair-themed beers. Highlights include beers from local breweries: the Community Funnel Cake Ale and the Revolver Corn Dog Ale. These specialty brews come paired with a themed addition. Funnel cake beers are rimmed with powdered sugar, while Corn Dog Ales are slathered with a healthy dose of mustard.

MARIONETTE SHOW

A new attraction this year, the “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” show is a great way to take a rest in the shade. The show’s theme and music is perfect for kids, but adults will appreciate the hand-painted puppets and skill of the puppeteers. Plus, attendees of all ages will learn more about the culture of Mexico.

Enjoy the 2019 Texas State Fair!

The Texas State Fair is a fun tradition amongst Texans and all of us here at RWB. We hope you’ll take advantage of the few days left of the fair – and the cooler weather!