Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Engineering Partner in Urbana, IL
GHR has built a reputation for excellence in engineering services since 1949, serving clients for over 35 years through dedicated project execution. Our team of experienced professional engineers and technicians specializes in mechanical and electrical systems design for buildings and infrastructure. We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring project goals, budget constraints, and construction realities are fully understood and addressed. Our quality assurance processes include peer reviews and rigorous coordination with consultants to deliver precise, code-compliant solutions. Cost control remains central to our approach, with detailed estimates prepared at every design stage to ensure accurate budget management. Our project management methodology balances scope, schedule, and budget to achieve optimal outcomes for clients ranging from architects to institutional owners.We maintain industry leadership through continuous innovation in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable design practices. Our expertise extends to complex projects including historic building renovations, high-rise structures, and LEED-certified facilities. With dedicated BIM managers across trade departments, we enhance coordination efficiency and reduce field change orders through advanced 3D modeling. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through LEED-accredited professionals and specialized tools for energy modeling, daylight harvesting, and geothermal system design.
Services
Mechanical Systems Design
Electrical Systems Design
BIM Services
Sustainability Consulting
Project Management
Construction Administration
Emergency Power Systems
HVAC Design
Energy Modeling
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience in mechanical and electrical engineering design
- Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals for sustainable building solutions
- We implement a patented BIM process for enhanced project coordination
- Our cost control methodology ensures accurate budget management at all design stages
- We provide 24/7 personalized client support for complex engineering challenges
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
Services
Mechanical Systems Design
GHR specializes in comprehensive mechanical system design for commercial and institutional buildings. Our engineers create customized HVAC solutions that prioritize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term maintainability. We handle complex projects including high-rise buildings, historic renovations, and LEED-certified facilities, ensuring optimal thermal comfort and system performance across diverse building types.
Electrical Systems Design
Our electrical engineering services cover power distribution, lighting, and emergency systems for various building types. We design advanced electrical infrastructure for data centers, emergency power systems, and historic buildings while maintaining strict code compliance. Our expertise includes low-voltage technology and energy-efficient lighting solutions that balance functionality with sustainability requirements.
Building Information Modeling
GHR utilizes Autodesk Revit to create intelligent 3D building models that enhance coordination and reduce construction errors. Our BIM managers develop custom content and implement advanced modeling techniques to improve data management. This technology enables better interdisciplinary coordination, resulting in fewer field changes and cost savings for clients through the project lifecycle.
Sustainability Consulting
We provide specialized sustainability services including LEED certification support and energy modeling. Our team employs daylight harvesting, geothermal HVAC systems, and low-flow plumbing solutions to create environmentally responsible designs. With multiple LEED Accredited Professionals, we help clients achieve sustainability goals while maintaining functional and cost-effective building systems.
Project Management
GHR offers comprehensive project management covering scope, schedule, and budget control. Our approach includes detailed cost estimation at all design phases and phased construction planning for complex renovations. We coordinate with architects and contractors to ensure timely delivery while maintaining quality standards, particularly for high-profile public buildings and university campus projects.
People
Lucas McGill
President | Head of Electrical Engineering | Senior Project Manager
Lucas McGill leads GHR's electrical engineering practice with 15+ years of experience in K12 schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial developments. A LEED Accredited Professional, he specializes in energy-efficient systems and sustainable design, delivering projects up to $50 million in value while maintaining strict budget and timeline adherence.
Richard Van Note
Vice President | Senior Mechanical Engineer | Project Manager
Richard Van Note directs mechanical engineering projects with expertise in educational and healthcare facilities. His strengths include complex system analysis, renovation of legacy infrastructure, and energy performance optimization. With 15+ years of experience, he ensures code-compliant, maintainable mechanical systems that align with project goals across diverse building types.
Sophie Shorish
Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Project Manager
Sophie Shorish specializes in HVAC systems design with focus on indoor air quality and thermal comfort. She brings seven years of experience in K12 schools, higher education facilities, and commercial developments. Her user-centered approach combines technical precision with collaborative communication to deliver efficient, maintainable mechanical solutions for new construction and renovation projects.
Questions
What engineering services does GHR specialize in?
GHR specializes in mechanical and electrical systems design for buildings, including HVAC, power distribution, BIM services, sustainability consulting, and project management for educational, healthcare, and commercial facilities.
Do you handle LEED-certified projects?
Yes, we have multiple LEED Accredited Professionals and have completed numerous LEED-certified projects including schools and community colleges, utilizing energy modeling and sustainable design practices.
How does GHR use BIM technology?
We use Autodesk Revit for 70% of projects, developing custom content to enhance coordination between trades, reduce field changes, and deliver data-rich models that improve construction efficiency and long-term facility management.
What experience do you have with renovation projects?
We have extensive experience modernizing legacy systems in historic buildings and educational facilities, balancing code compliance with preservation requirements while implementing energy-efficient upgrades.
How do you ensure project cost control?
We implement detailed cost estimation at every design phase, from initial square foot estimates to precise material calculations, maintaining narrow bid spreads through our database-driven budget management approach.
