St. Mark's Lutheran Church Sanctuary Enhancements

Valley, NE

$270,000 project that improved the lighting and audiovisual system including projection, sound, speakers, and writing

Updated lighting will reduce total connected wattage by at least 67 percent for lower energy costs but increased lighting levels

Enhance 4,000 sf worship space, with A/V presentation visibility to all attendees

Easy-to-use lighting controls and integrated, improved sound system

Illuminance calculation of sanctuary using AGi32 software

St. Mark's Lutheran Church Sanctuary Enhancements

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BETH SCHULER

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.

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.

TAMMY TSONIS

Human Resources

Tammy maintains and enhances the Farris organization and culture by implementing and evaluating policies and programs. She updates job descriptions for all positions and ensures planning and monitoring of employee work results.
In her spare time, Tammy enjoys writing and contributes to several HR blogs. She also likes photography and crocheting.

DAVE BENSCOTER

Revit Manager | Mechanical Designer

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

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.”

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

BRIAN HOWELL

Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Department Manager | Omaha

Brian joined Farris as a Mechanical Engineer and quickly worked his way up to Project Manager and Mechanical Department 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.

ERICKA NIENHUESER

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.

NICOLE PARKER

Business Development Manager | Omaha

Nicole is focused on building, maintaining and establishing relationships for Farris. As Business Development Manager, she is in charge of Client Relationship Management. It doesn’t hurt that she is also a social butterfly. She is truly inspired by people and their stories and mostly inspired by her son and is enjoying watching him become an amazing human.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

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

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.

BEN SCHMITT, PE, CEM, QCxP, LEED AP

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

MICHAEL WALLACE, PE

Vice President | 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.

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.”

MELISSA THOMSEN, PE, LC, LEED AP, BD+C

Electrical Engineer | Lighting Designer | Omaha

A certified lighting consultant by the National Council on Qualifications for Lighting Professions, she has a passion for lighting design and strives to highlight and integrate the architecture into her designs. Melissa has significant experience in lighting design, calculation and modeling.
Melissa chose her career field because of the innate relationship between building systems and architecture. “I love it when engineers and architects can work together to create amazing spaces for all to enjoy for many years to come. Although this career field comes with a few challenges, I am truly amazed and rewarded when we get to experience the completion of our design visions.”

PHIL SCHREIER, PE, LEED AP, BD+C

Executive Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Omaha

Phil is known as the firm’s historian and often the go-to guy for information on projects, clients and contacts. His focus on project management experience involving energy analysis and conservation makes him a valuable mentor for our young engineers.
Phil enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He also has become passionate about human dietary applications and possible ramifications.

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.

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.

JENI MERRYWEATHER

Marketing Manager | Omaha

Jeni oversees marketing functions for Farris. Her talents are evident in corporate communications, event planning, client relationships and proposal submittals. She is actively involved in SAME, SMPS and ACEC.
Jeni loves spending time with her two young children, vacations in tropical locations, and shopping!

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.

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.

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.

RYAN KING, PE

Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Omaha

Ryan ensures successful project delivery. His responsibilities have included system and equipment selection and layout, cost estimating, specifications, and facility and systems evaluation.
Ryan loves engineering; it gives him the opportunity to implement new technologies to make the world a better place, and he enjoys building long–term relationships.

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.

DON FOSTER, PE, LEED AP BD+C, REP

Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Omaha

Don is responsible for managing the firm’s day-to-day affairs and ensuring office operations are efficient and effective. He also focuses his time on educating himself and others on renewable energy as it relates to the future of engineering.
“I headed into Mechanical Engineering as a career because I had an interest in the usage of solar energy to heat buildings. Solar energy was just becoming a part of building design in the late 1970’s because of the oil embargo and rising fuel prices. Today, there are many more drivers now coming into the marketplace such as Net Zero Buildings, such that solar energy is being considered again.”

TOM SVOBODA, PE, CEM

CEO, President | Mechanical Engineer | Omaha

Tom focuses on the overall operations and performance of the firm. He maintains the firm’s business development strategies and execution, including identifying new business opportunities and establishing and managing client relationships. Tom joined Farris Engineering after serving 20 years in the Air Force.
He is passionate about developing our current and future employees and actively supports our internship program. “Today’s youth will soon be leading our nation and I want to help prepare them for that role by volunteering for the ACE mentor program and the Boy Scouts.”