About Dunham
Trusted by Architects for Over 65 Years
Established in 1960, our mission is to be the preferred partner providing quality design and exceptional client service. Since that time, we have worked to build long‑term partnerships. Today, Dunham has over 130 professionals providing mechanical and electrical engineering services across the US and Canada.
How We Do Business
We Foster Partnerships
Dunham’s hands-on mechanical and electrical engineers bring new meaning to the term “collaboration.” Our end-to-end process means we work closely with you through the entire design and construction process. We don’t simply identify your vision; we make it happen.
We Prioritize Sustainability
Sustainability is more than a design principle—it’s a responsibility. We help clients define and reach their sustainability goals through integrated engineering solutions that reduce environmental impact and support long-term building performance.
We Go Above and Beyond
Our clients will tell you that Dunham goes the extra mile when it comes to service and support, delivering a higher level of communication and problem-solving abilities. The result: a better, smoother project from start to finish.
We’re Early Adopters
Every firm uses engineering software, but Dunham goes further. We leverage cutting-edge tools, partner with technology developers, and offer advanced modeling services.
We believe in the Human Touch
We support continuous improvement by covering education, certifications, professional credentials, and annual dues. We also train our teams in essential communication and problem-solving skills for project success.
A History of Integrity
Like most good stories, it all started when two people met—in this case, when George Dunham met his future wife, Nancy, while studying at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Fittingly, one was a mechanical engineering student; the other, electrical. They married (both personally and professionally), founded Dunham in 1960, and remained with the company until Nancy’s retirement in 1997, followed by George’s in 1999.
Along the way, much has happened to make Dunham one of the Upper Midwest’s most respected engineering firms. Here are some of the milestones that have shaped our business and culture for 65 years.
The Foundation
Dunham is founded in Rapid City, SD by George and Nancy Dunham.
Minneapolis Expansion
Dunham opens its Minneapolis, MN office.
Employee ownership established
The company ownership is expanded to Partners & Associates
Katy takes the lead
Katy Kolbeck is named Dunham’s President and CEO
Adopting the latest technologies
Dunham begins a partnership with Hoare Lea Engineers in U.K. This relationship leads to Dunham’s early adoption of CFD modeling and thermal displacement ventilation—a “viable/accepted” option for efficiently ventilating spaces in the buildings, previously only viewed as a “common/accepted” design choice with European engineers.
CFD, TDV, and DO2000
Dunham hires a Ph.D. and begins modeling air flow using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
Dunham completes the design of its first project to utilize thermal displacement ventilation (TDV).
As part of its DO2000 initiative, Dunham internally restructures by forming business units to better serve individual markets. These dedicated teams gain valuable knowledge and expertise by having a primary focus on specific project types.
USGBC Minnesota
Dunham helps establish a local chapter of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and becomes one of the founding members of the USGBC Minnesota Chapter.
Dunham becomes an early adopter of LEED® and works to achieve accreditation of all PEs on staff.
Mentorship
Dunham begins a mentorship program for its staff to help employees with both career and personal development.
Dunham moves Downtown
Dunham moves from its Twin Cities suburban location to its current headquarters in Minneapolis’ Central Business District.
A Leader in BIM Technology
Dunham became an early adopter of BIM software (Revit MEP) for advanced 3D modeling of buildings.
Dunham’s Board of Directors unanimously approves and officially adopts the 2030 Challenge, recognizing ecological stewardship to be a fundamental responsibility of the engineering profession.
Walking the walk in Renewable Energy
Dunham signs a contract for renewable energy credits, thus purchasing 100% of its energy from renewable sources.
Dunham opens in Rochester
Dunham opens an office in Rochester, MN.
A new President and CEO
Jay Rohkohl is named Dunham’s new President and CEO.
Rochester Expands
Dunham expands its presence in Rochester by increasing staff size to better serve clients in the region.
Expansion to Dallas, TX
Dunham opens a new office in Dallas, Texas. This expansion brings great potential for the company to become a preferred partner for new clients in the area.
Back to South Dakota
Dunham opens a new office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Our presence in South Dakota provides us with a chance to better serve the great clients we work for in the region.
Matt Jensen Named President and CEO
The fourth generation of Dunham leadership is announced as Matt Jensen takes over as President and CEO of Dunham.
North Carolina Office Opened
Dunham opens an office in Raleigh, North Carolina! Dunham is thrilled about opportunity to promote our culture of quality design and client service in the research triangle!
Meet The People Powering Our Mission
Dunham is known for quality engineering, and that starts with the individuals behind it. Our people are our greatest asset, combining technical expertise with a commitment to personal connection.
We’re always looking for talented individuals who are driven to create exceptional work and build lasting relationships.
