Morrison Hershfield congratulates Laura Rogers who was honored with a Building Commissioning Association (BCxA) 20 under 40 Award! This is the first year for the program that recognizes young professionals who are actively engaged in the building commissioning profession, executing projects in accordance with best practices, showing leadership and innovation, and trying to make commissioning “business as usual.”
Laura was nominated by a colleague who emphasized the significance of commissioning to the engineering process: “It requires a solid understanding of the engineering discipline, and truly knowing the actual function of devices and systems. In her role commissioning and engineering some of the most technically sophisticated buildings in the world, Laura demonstrates leadership, professional understanding and problem-solving skills far beyond her years.”
Making an Impact
Laura is passionate about the environment and believes that optimizing the energy efficiency of the built environment through commissioning and retro-commissioning will have a positive impact on climate change. She enjoys working in a team environment, with multiple players, and finds collaborating with owners, owner representatives, design teams, construction teams and other commissioning agents incredibly rewarding.
Laura thrives on being “out in the field”, taking projects across the finish line and knowing she has had a positive impact on projects by optimizing their systems and processes. “Maximizing efficiencies for clients is exciting. I thrive on taking lessons learned and general observations back to the client to improve commissioning processes and mechanical systems. To see them implemented as best practices moving forward, and to know your work has made a difference for that client is very satisfying.”
A True Leader
Laura consistently looks for ways to add value at work and for her clients. Her colleague and partner in commissioning says, “Laura’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Although she is younger than many of her peers, she commands the respect of clients, construction teams in the field and colleagues within our firm because her technical knowledge positions her as a leader and strong contributor.”
One of Morrison Hershfield’s clients wrote this about Laura, “Thank you for leading the team and doing a great job on this project…appreciate how much ownership you take as the lead and keeping me in the loop as I try to manage multiple sites.”
In another example, a client challenged Morrison Hershfield to help them significantly improve the way they conducted commissioning, after their previous attempts had only yielded incremental improvements. After careful review, Laura and her team instituted new testing procedures and sequenced work more efficiently. The team’s efforts delivered a nearly 30% improvement in schedule and significant cost improvements. Her team’s approach has been embraced as the “new norm.”
Promoting the Commissioning Profession
Laura is committed to developing and promoting building commissioning best practices and standards. Her passion for continuous improvement at the system, process, project and industry levels is commendable. She is always looking for ways to add value for the firm and for her clients. Whether she is solving issues related to the mechanical systems of a data center, developing resolutions to multiple repeated phase issues, or significantly improving the way a client conducts commissioning, tackling complex and multi-faceted issues drives Laura.
Through hands-on project involvement, Laura leads her team by example. She develops, shares and implements best practices within our firm and on projects. She not only strives to develop her own skills, but also the skills of those around her. She is a tremendous advocate for the profession, and she will continue to make a difference for many years to come.
BCxA’s Winner’s Circle
Liz Fischer, Executive Director of the Building Commissioning Association, had this to say about all of the successful nominees, "Three things stood out among all our winners this year. First was their dedication to helping the owners and the passion behind their approach. Second was how this group embraced new technology and improved on its usefulness in commissioning. And third, their dedication to teaching not only those coming into the profession but all the stakeholders in the built environment. Bravo!"
The future looks bright for the commissioning profession. Morrison Hershfield congratulates all of this year’s award recipients! To see the full winner’s circle, please visit BCxA’s website.
