New name for BHC Rhodes, same 'no problem' place

You’ve known them for decades as BHC RHODES, now you can call them BHC. The "no problem" place really does make things easier.

After nearly 30 years, the Overland Park, Kan.-based engineering design firm has refreshed their entire brand with a new name, logo and website.

BHC was named for the original founders, Bill Brungardt and Kevin Honomichl. In 2006, BHC merged with Rhodes Surveying, Inc. in Kansas City, Kan., adding Rhodes to the name, who has since retired.

“Our new website reflects the nearly 30 years of energy and enthusiasm we put into helping people do everyday living through our designs, community development, use of technology and connectivity,” Honomichl said.

Carla Hayes, BHC marketing and communications manager, has been with the company for 17 years and has led them through two brand updates.

“It’s important to stay current and relevant. The A/E/C industry is ever-changing and growing, and we want our brand to reflect that,” Hayes said.

One of BHC’s recently completed projects includes site layout, grading and utility layout for the entitlement process and stormwater management design for the 200+ acre Aspiria campus (formerly Sprint World Headquarters) including utilizing the existing ponds for detention/stormwater quality and facilitated environmental permitting review for existing onsite features.

Occidental Management's master plan for Aspiria includes more than 2.7 million SF of new construction, with 600 multifamily units, 375,000 SF of retail and restaurants, a hotel, more than 1.4 million SF of office and a community park with an amphitheater. Hoefer Welker is the Aspiria campus architect.

Next year BHC will be celebrating 30 years in business. Learn more and check out the new website at ibhc.com.

Hoefer Welker launches in-house MEP engineering service

On the heels of its 25th anniversary, Hoefer Welker – a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm – has introduced mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering as its newest, in-house service line.

Engineered Performance Solutions (EPS), the name for the new MEP division, officially launched in December 2020. The firm tapped into three Hoefer Welker leaders, leveraging 40 years of combined experience, to comprise the team: Principal, Elise Kirchhofer, PE, and associate vice presidents, Jon Lee, PE, and Jeremy Hoefer, PE.

Kirchhofer directs the group with more than 20 years of industry experience, previously serving as an owner’s representative and in leadership roles for engineering and construction firms nationwide. Lee, an electrical engineer, and Hoefer, a mechanical engineer, have worked together for nearly eight years. Both bring strong business development and project management experience to their new director roles.

“We bring additional value as a team due to our unique backgrounds,” Kirchhofer said. “I've sat at the table from all sides – architect, engineer, owner and contractor – and Jon and Jeremy have a skillful understanding of cost, sales and client relations from their business experience. Together we’re redefining what it means to be an integrated design firm.”

After working together across various projects, the three saw an opportunity in their diverse skillsets and joined forces to help launch the new division.

“In our previous careers, we witnessed a lot of different perspectives and opportunities to improve the MEP process for building owners and clients,” Hoefer said. “The stars aligned, we reconnected, and here we are.”

The service line’s introduction further evolves Hoefer Welker’s client-focused services, as the EPS team’s combined offerings simplify the process for all involved parties.

“An in-house service allows us to provide more effective collaboration as well as a streamlined process,” Lee said. “This ultimately enables us to offer the best overall value and quality to our clients.”

EPS has already begun its first project, Aspiria, a 207-acre planned mixed-use campus on the former Sprint campus site.

“This project is only the beginning. It’s a great time for exceptional talent to join our growing team,” said Kirchhofer.

“To create something like EPS is exciting and being able to do that alongside trusted colleagues like Elise and Jon is truly special,” Hoefer said. “We’re looking forward to helping build the next chapter at Hoefer Welker.”