Mitchell Performing Arts Center

Mitchell, SD

$15.3 million, 1,240-seat 3-tier auditorium; 67,000 sf

Close to existing wood shop for props construction

LED house lights

New wet-pipe fire suppression, 2-hour wall, and voice notification

Dedicated water piping, high-efficiency water heaters, and low-flow fixtures

4 indoor air handling units

2 high-efficiency boilers, base-mounted distribution pumps

Building management system

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DAVE BENSCOTER

Revit Manager | Mechanical Designer | Omaha

Dave is responsible for maintaining production software (Revit and AutoCAD), and staff training on that software. He works to develop best practices for Revit and content creation as well as project support. In addition to all those tasks, Dave is also a Plumbing Designer.
Dave is the rock n roll enthusiast in the office and is often found playing guitar and listening to music. He also likes to fish.

MARK HORST, PE

Mechanical Engineer | Colorado Springs

Mark is a professional engineer with over three decades of experience with both the public and private sector. He has experience in designing HVAC, plumbing and piping systems in all types of buildings and is skilled in engineering application of computer technology.
Mark’s favorite quote is “Time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana.”

ERICKA NIENHUESER, PE, LC

Vice President | Electrical Engineer | Omaha

Ericka is a talented electrical engineer and is also lighting certified. She is innovative in her designs while still being efficient and economical.
Ericka is the resident cupcake maker at Farris. What originally started as bringing treats for the office potluck lunches has turned into a larger scale hobby and has expanded into making cupcakes and cakes for weddings. If you are lucky, she will sometimes bring in cupcakes to meetings every once in awhile. In what is left of her free time she also enjoys spoiling her three nephews.

BEN SCHMITT, PE, CEM, QCxP

Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Sidney

Ben has more than 10 years of experience designing, operating and troubleshooting HVAC and energy management control systems. He also has significant commissioning expertise and is a registered engineer.
Ben is knowledgeable in building operation and maintenance and has designed mechanical systems for military facilities, schools, office buildings, and medical centers.
Favorite Quote “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.” – The Beatles

RYAN RICHARD, PE

VICE PRESIDENT | MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT MANAGER | OMAHA

Ryan has extensive experience in engineering, having joined the Navy while in college and serving on the USS Alaska ballistic missile submarine and serving at USSSTRATCOM before working for 3M and then joining Farris. At Farris Engineering he has worked with both the commercial department and the industrial department, conducting facility and campus assessments as well as designing projects ranging from a residential addition to K-12 remodels to a new steam and chilled water central plant. Ryan’s role and leadership has continued to grow, he currently is the Mechanical Department Manager to ensure the efficient and timely completion of projects.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids and often volunteers to coach his kids in various sports He is also an avid runner, having competed in several full and half marathons. And if there is nay remaining time, he can find himself in his woodshop.

BETH SCHULER, PE, LC

Electrical Engineer | Omaha

Beth has experience designing electrical systems for various facility types. She has completed work on lighting, power, security and telecommunications systems.
In her spare time Beth likes to run, read, play cards and board games, spend time with family and friends and her dogs.

BRIAN HOWELL, PE, CxA

Mechanical Engineer | Federal Program Manager | Omaha

Brian joined Farris as a Mechanical Engineer and quickly worked his way up to Project Manager and Mechanical Department Manager and now serves as our Federal Program Manager. His quick problem solving and responsiveness to clients make his projects successful.
Brian’s family is in the building trade so he grew up going to job sites, and living in one! He became fascinated with how things work and how they don’t. That experience, along with his love of problem solving and learning new things, led him to pursue engineering.

BOBBI JO LANG

Federal Business Development Marketing Manager | Omaha

Bobbi Jo is an integral part of the business development and marketing team. She has over 25 years of experience in the architectural, engineering and construction industry. In her role at Farris, Bobbi Jo will be responsible for cultivating existing client relationships and generating new opportunities in the Federal sector.
In her spare time Bobbi Jo enjoys gardening. Her favorite quote is “Peace begins with a smile.” Mother Teresa

MICHAEL WALLACE, PE

President/CEO | Electrical Engineer | Omaha

Michael has experience designing electrical power distribution, lighting, security, fire alarm, life safety systems, communications technology and security system design.
Michael is passionate about flying, but the majority of his time these days is spent with his wife and two boys.

ASHLEY DAVIS, PE, FPE

Mechanical Engineer | Fire Protection Engineer | Colorado Springs

Ashley has years of engineering design and project management experience. This experience includes the design and coordination for educational, commercial, industrial, research and governmental facilities. Ashley can take you through the project initiation, design and construction administration.
Ashley’s favorite quote: “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” Douglas Adams

MARK MAZOUR

Business Development Manager | Sidney

Mark’s focus is helping grow our reach in Central and Western Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota by building new relationships with our expanding client base. Combining a background in mechanical engineering with nearly two decades of experience in marketing for a leading outdoor retailer, he truly enjoys connecting with people and finding product and service solutions that work the best for each customer.
When not in the office or meeting with clients, Mark pursues a connection with the great outdoors – hunting across the West, training dogs to be by his side and enjoying time with his family on camping trips and excursions.

JOE BANNWARTH

Mechanical Engineer | Omaha

As an EI, Joe interacts with project management, vendors, and clients in coordination of the mechanical engineering design on projects. Joe has experience in process and instrumentation diagrams and specifications for HVAC dry and wet components, developing materials and parts lists and calculating of HVAC systems.
Joe loves spending time with his family and helping out on the family farm in South Dakota.

DANNY VANDOREN, PE, QCXP, LEED AP, BD+C

Commissioning | Mechanical Engineer | Kansas City

Danny has experience in the design and project management for HVAC, plumbing and piping systems for all types of buildings including commercial, industrial, institutional, and government. Located in Kansas City, Danny is also responsible for seeking new business opportunities in that market.
Danny chose to become an engineer because he “wanted to help create the world we live in….and I happened to be good at math.”

MARC BEHRENS

Information Systems & Technologies Manager | Omaha

Marc joined Farris in 2014 and is responsible for all things related to computers and technology. He keeps us up to date on the latest and greatest software technology and uses. Also, he is really good at problem-solving and an all around nice guy!
Marc’s favorite quote is “There is nothing permanent except change.” – Heraclitus of Ephesus

DONNA KOHLAN, FPE

Vice President | Fire Protection Engineer | Omaha

Donna specializes in designing building’s life safety systems with an emphasis in fire suppression systems. She aids architects and engineers in determining the best fire protection practices for projects.
Donna loves crafting and making things, her latest passion is making jewelry.

DENNIS LUX, PE

Vice President | Electrical Engineer | Omaha

Dennis is an experienced design engineer of both interior and exterior low, medium and high voltage distribution systems. He has extensive experience analyzing existing electrical systems and designing power upgrades for central utility plant equipment. Dennis also holds a Nebraska Class A Electrical Contractor’s license.
When Dennis isn’t in the office he is enjoying the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing and airboating are among his favorite things to do.

MATT MORRISSEY, PE

Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Lincoln

Matt has years of master planning, design and project management experience. He specializes in the design of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing and piping systems for all types of buildings.
Matt spends his time off tending to his llamas (and various other animals) that he raises on a farm outside of Lincoln.

GREG KRONAIZL, PE

Executive Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Omaha

A member of the Industrial District Energy Association, Greg is often called upon in the industry to solve challenging problems in the design of thermal energy facilities. His vast experience in central utility plant design and distribution systems is evident in his thorough designs and repeat clients.
Greg’s hobbies include hunting, helping on the family farm in South Dakota, and restoring John Deere tractors. He also regularly participates in the annual Tabor, SD Czech Days.

LYLE HUBL, PE, CGD, LEED AP

Executive Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Colorado Springs Office Manager

Lyle has extensive experience in designing mechanical systems for commercial, industrial, institutional and governmental projects. He is very familiar with Federal facility criteria and has designed several projects for Air Force bases across the region.
Lyle enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing. Appreciating all the great recreational opportunities living in Colorado provides.

STEPHEN ROITSCH, PE, CGD

Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Colorado Springs

Stephen is experienced in designing mechanical systems for commercial, industrial, institutional and governmental projects. He is proficient with criteria for Federal facilities and has designed several such projects as well as several central utility plants and distribution systems.
In his free time Stephen can be found woodworking, hunting or fishing.

LYLE HUBL, PE, CGD, LEED AP

Executive Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Colorado Springs

Lyle has extensive experience in designing mechanical systems for commercial, industrial, institutional and governmental projects. He is very familiar with Federal facility criteria and has designed several projects for Air Force bases across the region.
Lyle enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing. Appreciating all the great recreational opportunities living in Colorado provides.