In his new role, Christian will lead LDG’s enterprise data strategy, advanced technology architecture, and enterprise risk management framework. He will oversee initiatives related to business intelligence, data governance, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), while helping the organization identify and mitigate major risks.

“Christian’s unique ability to bridge technology, business operations, and risk management has made a significant impact on LDG,” said Gary Sheets, Vice President, Strategic Programs. “His leadership and technical expertise will continue to strengthen how we leverage data and innovation to support informed decision-making, manage risk, and advance our strategic objectives.”

Christian joined LDG in 2020 and has played a key role in advancing several strategic initiatives, including serving as a member of the firm’s Deltek Vantagepoint implementation team. His contributions have helped strengthen LDG’s business intelligence capabilities, data management practices, operational decision-making, and approach to enterprise risk management.

Christian brings more than 20 years of experience in data analytics, risk management, business intelligence, contracts, procurement, and project development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Communications from Marshall University and is a graduate of LDG’s Legacy Leadership Development Program. In 2023, Christian received LDG’s President’s Award for his development of a proprietary Business Intelligence Site and has also been nominated for Employee Owner of the Year.

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40+ years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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Oklahoma City, OK – Larson Design Group (LDG) is proud to announce that the Oklahoma National Guard Wellness Center has received a 2026 National Design-Build Project/Team Award of Merit from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) in the Federal/County/State and/or Municipal category.

The DBIA National Design-Build Project/Team Awards recognize projects that exemplify the principles of Design-Build Done Right® and demonstrate excellence in design-build delivery, including collaboration, innovation, quality, and successful project outcomes.

LDG served as the Designer of Record for the 20,566-square-foot Oklahoma National Guard Wellness Center, delivered through a design-build partnership with Flintco and the Oklahoma Military Department. Designed to support 24/7 operations, the facility promotes holistic readiness through dedicated spaces supporting physical fitness, behavioral health, and spiritual wellness.

LEARN MORE: Oklahoma National Guard Wellness Center

“Receiving this recognition from DBIA is a testament to the collaboration and shared purpose behind the Oklahoma National Guard Wellness Center,” said LDG Program Manager Martin Martinez. “From the beginning, our team worked closely with Flintco and the Oklahoma Military Department to create a facility centered on the people it serves. We’re incredibly proud to have played a role in delivering a space that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Oklahoma’s service members and strengthens their readiness for years to come.”

The Wellness Center brings together fitness classrooms and equipment, counseling and desensitization spaces, chaplain offices, a multi-faith chapel, a running track, and a meditation garden. Natural light, nature-inspired materials, and connections to therapeutic outdoor spaces further support an environment centered on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Oklahoma’s service members.

As a National Award of Merit recipient, the project is also nominated for DBIA’s National Award of Excellence in the Federal/County/State and/or Municipal category. The Award of Excellence recipient will be announced during the 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Cleveland, Ohio, in November.

LDG congratulates the Oklahoma Military Department, Flintco, our employee-owners, and all project partners on this national recognition and is proud to have contributed to a facility that supports the readiness, resilience, and well-being of Oklahoma’s service members.

ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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Pittsburgh, PA – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is proud to once again be recognized by Building Design + Construction (BD+C), earning the #42 spot on the publication’s Top 90 Architecture & Engineering Firms for 2026.

The annual ranking recognizes the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms serving the nonresidential building and multifamily housing sectors. LDG’s continued inclusion reflects the firm’s national reach, multidisciplinary capabilities, and commitment to delivering value-driven solutions for clients and communities across the country.

RELATED: and Services

The Top 90 Architecture & Engineering Firms list is part of BD+C’s 2026 Giants 400 Report, which ranks leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms across a range of building sectors and disciplines. LDG’s continued presence among the Giants reflects the expertise of our employee owners and our commitment to exceptional client service, quality design, and successful project delivery.

LEARN MORE: View BD+C’s Top 90 Architecture & Engineering Firms for 2026

ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, LDG has delivered value-driven solutions to a diverse client base while investing in sustainable practices and innovative technologies that support its vision: creatively shaping our world.

The post Accolades: LDG Named to BD+C’s Top 90 Architecture & Engineering Firms for 2026 appeared first on Larson Design Group.

Most recently, Hans served as Portfolio Program Manager and Assistant Vice President at Michael Baker International, where he led a portfolio of program and project managers supporting Federal military and civilian agencies, public-sector aviation and transit clients, and private-sector clients. During his tenure, he grew his project and program management department from 10 to 40 personnel while advancing consistent project management practices, quality, profitability, and client satisfaction. 

In his new role at LDG, Hans will lead Federal Programs, bringing decades of experience delivering complex programs and projects for Federal clients. Prior to joining the private sector, Hans spent more than 18 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Louisville District, where his leadership roles included Chief of the Military Project Management/Interagency & International Support Branch and Chief of the Reserve Branch within the Construction Division. As Chief of Military Project Management, he was responsible for a $1.6 billion program encompassing military construction, sustainment, restoration and modernization, and interagency and international services projects. 

Hans also brings significant military leadership experience through his service in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. His assignments included Commanding Officer of NAVFAC’s Contingency Officer in Charge of Construction and Commander of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, including a deployment to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, where he led a joint engineering organization of approximately 1,400 personnel supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

RELATED LINK: Federal Market

Hans holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky and an MBA in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Louisville. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky and California and a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). 

“Hans’ extensive Federal experience and proven leadership will strengthen our ability to serve clients and grow our Federal programs,” said Ron Schirato, Federal Operations Manager & Senior Vice President. “His deep understanding of complex Federal programs, project delivery, and team development will be a tremendous asset to our team and the clients we serve.” 

ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group. 

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LDG joined project partners Mason & Hanger and Mead & Hunt to mark the start of construction on the 196,791-square-foot high-bay depot maintenance hangar. LDG led the architectural and mechanical engineering efforts and provided electrical engineering expertise as part of the project team.

Designed with flexibility and adaptability at its core, the first-of-its-kind prototype will accommodate up to four large bombers and multiple airframe types while supporting the U.S. Air Force’s evolving maintenance and operational needs. Key components of the facility include:

• A 139,256-square-foot hangar bay designed to accommodate multiple aircraft and maintenance configurations
• A 16,381-square-foot, one-story shop area supporting maintenance functions on the north side of the facility
• A 41,154-square-foot, two-story shop and administrative area providing operational and support spaces on the south side
• Flexible maintenance docks designed to support multiple airframe types
• Specialized lifting equipment, including a five-ton bridge crane, four two-ton roof-supported monorail hoists, and a two-ton bridge crane in the Landing Gear Shop
• A FEMA storm shelter incorporated into the shop and administrative space

The design uses a pre-engineered metal building system and construction strategies intended to support efficient enclosure and construction. Segmental hangar bay units also provide adaptability, allowing hangar space to be added or reduced without affecting administrative and maintenance functions.

The BACH prototype represents an important advancement in adaptable aircraft maintenance infrastructure. Its flexible design is intended to support both current and future airframes while providing a model that can be adapted for temporary or permanent construction applications.

“This groundbreaking is an exciting milestone for a truly unique project,” said Rick Siler, Federal Architecture & Engineering Operations Manager & Vice President. “The BACH was designed around flexibility, efficiency, and the evolving mission needs of the U.S. Air Force. Seeing this first-of-its-kind prototype move from design into construction is incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud of the expertise and collaboration our team has contributed alongside Mason & Hanger, Mead & Hunt, and our project stakeholders.”

To commemorate the milestone, LDG created and presented custom Challenge Coins to project stakeholders, recognizing the collaboration and contributions that helped advance the project from design to construction.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Mason & Hanger, Mead & Hunt, Tinker Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force and the entire project team for their partnership and collaboration,” said Rick Siler. “We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this mission-critical facility to life and supporting infrastructure designed to adapt to the Air Force’s evolving needs.”

RELATED: Federal

We look forward to seeing the Bomber Agile Common Hangar take shape at Tinker Air Force Base and to the important role it will play in supporting aircraft readiness for years to come.

ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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WILLIAMSPORT, PA – Larson Design Group (LDG) is proud to congratulate Union County on receiving the 2026 Road and Bridge Safety Improvement Award for its Union County Local Culvert Bundle project. Presented by the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association (PHIA) in partnership with PennDOT, the award recognizes projects that improve transportation safety through innovative planning, collaboration, and infrastructure investment.

Working alongside Union County and five participating municipalities, LDG provided engineering services for a coordinated effort to replace six deteriorated culvert structures. By bundling the projects into a single initiative, the team maximized funding opportunities, streamlined project delivery, and improved safety and reliability for residents, emergency responders, school transportation, agricultural vehicles, and the traveling public.

LEARN MORE: Transportation Engineering Services

“This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when counties, municipalities, and engineering partners work together toward a common goal,” said Duane Gaugler, PE, Director of Bridge Design at LDG.” By bundling multiple culvert replacements into a single initiative, Union County was able to maximize available funding, improve critical infrastructure, and deliver safer, more resilient roadways for the communities that rely on them every day. We’re honored to have partnered with Union County on a project that is making a lasting impact.”

The project improved six aging structures across Union County by replacing them with modern concrete box culverts that meet current design standards, improve hydraulic capacity, enhance roadway safety, and reduce the number of poor-condition structures throughout the county. It also serves as a model for how collaboration and strategic funding can help communities advance critical infrastructure improvements more efficiently.

LDG congratulates Union County and all project partners on this well-deserved recognition and is proud to have supported a project that will benefit the region for years to come.

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40+ years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

The post Accolades: Union County Local Culvert Bundle Receives 2026 Road and Bridge Safety Improvement Award appeared first on Larson Design Group.

Grocery stores operate at the intersection of efficiency and experience. Unlike many other retail environments, they must accommodate high customer volumes, complex building systems, and perishable inventory while remaining fully operational. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, grocery store design has become a critical tool for supporting both operational performance and long-term adaptability.

At Larson Design Group (LDG), our work with grocery and supermarket clients has revealed several consistent themes shaping how stores are planned, renovated, and expanded.

Designing for Performance in High-Traffic Environments

Grocery stores are among the most heavily trafficked retail spaces, which places unique demands on layout, circulation, and building systems. Successful designs prioritize clear customer flow, efficient adjacencies between departments, and infrastructure that supports fresh food preparation, refrigeration, and storage.

From an architectural and engineering perspective, flexibility is key. Designs that allow departments to evolve over time without major structural changes help grocers respond to shifting merchandising strategies and consumer behavior while controlling long-term costs.

RELATED LINK: Retail Market

Modernizing Stores While Remaining Open

One of the most common challenges grocers face is how to upgrade aging facilities without disrupting daily operations. Phased renovation strategies have become an essential approach in grocery design, allowing work to occur in stages while stores remain open to customers.

This requires close coordination between architecture, engineering, and construction planning. Phasing must account for customer safety, operational continuity, and system upgrades, particularly for mechanical and electrical systems that are critical to daily operations. When planned effectively, renovations can improve store performance without a temporary loss in revenue.

Emerging Trends Influencing Grocery Store Design

Today’s grocery shoppers expect convenience, efficiency, and experience in one environment. Several design trends are increasingly influencing how stores are planned:

• Store-within-a-store concepts that support specialty offerings and flexible merchandising
• Click-and-collect and curbside pickup integration that improves customer flow and back-of-house efficiency
• Energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems that reduce operating costs while supporting sustainability goals

Scaling Design Across Multiple Locations

For grocers managing multiple locations, consistency and adaptability must coexist. Standardized design frameworks help maintain brand identity and streamline approvals, while localized adjustments address site conditions, codes, and community context.

A multidisciplinary, in-house approach allows architectural and engineering teams to work collaboratively, reducing coordination gaps and improving schedule reliability, which is particularly important for multi-store rollouts and phased expansions.

Looking Ahead

As the grocery industry continues to evolve, store design will play an increasingly strategic role in supporting operational resilience and customer expectations. Whether through renovations, expansions, or new builds, thoughtful planning and integrated design can help grocery stores remain efficient, flexible, and competitive over time.

ABOUT LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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PITTSBURGH, PA – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is proud to announce that Steven Rushmore, Director of Digital Practice, has been selected for the Autodesk 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction.

The Autodesk 40 Under 40 program recognizes emerging leaders who are driving innovation and helping shape the future of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Since joining LDG six years ago, Steven has led the firm’s digital practice, overseeing design technology standards, training, and innovation initiatives that support project teams across the organization. With more than a decade of experience in the AEC industry, he continues to champion technology solutions that enhance collaboration, efficiency, and project delivery.

“Steven’s leadership and passion for innovation have helped advance the way we leverage technology across our firm,” said Scott Kantner, Chief Information Officer. “This recognition reflects his commitment to continuous improvement and the positive impact he has made on our teams and clients.”

LDG congratulates Steven on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to his continued contributions as the firm advances its digital capabilities and innovation efforts.

RELATED: Innovation + Insights: Ahead of the Game or Behind the Curve?

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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PITTSBURGH, PA –Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is proud to be ranked #48 on the 2026 Zweig Hot Firm List, a ranking of the 100 fastest-growing and most successful AEC firms in the United States. This marks LDG’s sixth consecutive year earning a place on the prestigious list.

“Being recognized among the industry’s top-performing firms is a reflection of the dedication of our employee-owners and the trust our clients place in us every day,” said Dave Schaarsmith, LDG President & CEO. “As we continue to expand our capabilities, strengthen our partnerships, and grow our national presence, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service and creating lasting value for the communities we serve.”

Published annually by The Zweig Group, a premier research, publishing, and advisory resource for the AEC industry, the Hot Firm List honors architecture, engineering, environmental, planning, construction, and related professional services firms that have outperformed both the economy and their competitors. Firms are ranked based on a combination of three-year revenue growth percentage and dollar growth.

This continued recognition reflects LDG’s commitment to strategic growth, technical excellence, and client-focused solutions across its architecture, engineering, and consulting services.

RELATED: Explore career opportunities at LDG.

About LDG 

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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At Larson Design Group (LDG), stewardship means investing our time, knowledge, and expertise in ways that strengthen the communities we serve. Whether supporting environmental education programs or encouraging the next generation of engineers and innovators, our employees are committed to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Recently, team members participated in two unique volunteer opportunities that reflect the many ways stewardship can take shape.

Connecting Communities to Their Environment

Brad Sick, PE, Senior Project Manager – Water/Wastewater, volunteered at the Upper Coalition’s Eels in the Classroom program, an educational initiative that helps students learn about aquatic ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship located in the Susquehanna River Watershed in New York. As part of the event, Brad assisted the Chemung County Sewer Districts educational booth, where visitors explored an interactive model demonstrating how municipal drinking water and wastewater systems function.

“Programs like Eels in the Classroom help make environmental stewardship tangible for students,” said Brad Sick. “Being able to demonstrate how our water and wastewater systems work gives young people a better understanding of the infrastructure they rely on every day and the role they can play in protecting our natural resources.”

Inspiring the Engineers and Innovators of Tomorrow

Thousands of miles away, Neil Hinckley, PE, Principal Engineer – Federal A/E, volunteered at the 2026 (URC), one of the world’s premier collegiate robotics competitions. Held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah, the competition brings together top university teams from around the globe to design, build, and operate advanced Mars rovers.

More than 100 teams entered the competition, with the top 38 teams from 12 countries earning invitations to compete. Over three days of challenging events and demanding weather conditions, students tested their engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in a realistic planetary exploration environment.

“Having participated in URC myself, I know how impactful these experiences can be for students,” said Neil Hinckley. “The competition challenges teams to think creatively, solve complex problems, and apply engineering principles in real-world scenarios. It’s rewarding to support an event that helps prepare the next generation of innovators and engineers.”

A Shared Commitment to Stewardship

While these volunteer efforts focused on different audiences and disciplines, they share a common purpose: creating opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement.

From helping students understand environmental systems to supporting aspiring engineers as they tackle complex technological challenges, LDG employees continue to demonstrate that stewardship extends far beyond project work. Through volunteerism, mentorship, and education, they are helping build stronger communities and inspiring future generations to make a lasting impact of their own.

We are proud of Brad, Neil, and all our employee-owners who dedicate their time and talents to causes that advance education, innovation, and environmental awareness.

RELATED: Stewardship Stories: LDG Celebrates Long Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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