ADDITION ON TRACK FOR GROWING RESPEC CORPORATE OFFICE

CARRIE MCDERMOTT

An addition to the corporate headquarters of RESPEC, a global leader in geoscience, engineering, data, and integrated technology solutions for major industry sectors, is underway in Rapid City, South Dakota. The expanding company has more than 500 employees across the United States.

The 17,000-square-foot addition will house both open and private offices, a training room, break room and restrooms, along with a lab and storage space. Jeremy Altman, principal architect at Architecture, Inc., Rapid City, gave an update on the project, which is being built by Dean Kurtz Construction, also of Rapid City.

“This building is a result of their growing staff,” Altman said of RESPEC.

The two-level addition connects to the existing building with an elevated walkway or “skybridge.”

“The client RESPEC provided the engineering – it was an unusual situation. Normally the consultants work for us,” Altman said. “In this case the owner also provides structural mechanical engineering. High-performance systems are very important to them.”

The acoustic systems in open areas are high performing and more insulation was used than code requires, he said.

Recognizing natural light as important to the client, architectural elements were designed that will block the sun when it gets low but will still allow indirect lighting that employees can get benefits from without having to draw the blinds.

The foundations were about finished by mid-July, and then steel framing columns and beams will be brought in and installed.

“They hope to be mostly, if not fully, enclosed by winter and then can start on the interior,” Altman said.

This is the first project between RESPEC and Architecture, Inc., but both have the contractor in common, Altman said.

Architecture, Inc. specializes in schools and health care facilities, but works on a range of projects primarily in South Dakota, and does some work in surrounding states.

Altman said what differentiates Architecture, Inc., from others is that they’re very good at listening to their clients and being able to bring suggestions and ideas the clients may not have thought of. That collaboration between client and architect can often bring about new solutions.

The best part of his job is helping people in the community through design, he said.

“So often they’re telling us they’re making things work but don’t realize how much they’re fighting against their spaces, so to speak. Good design really makes a difference,” he said.

Driving around town and seeing the projects he’s worked on and understanding how it’s helped the people who work in that space is rewarding, he said.

The RESPEC office addition is expected to be completed in May 2024.

ENCLAVE EXPANDS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM, NAMES MARK KALVODA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD WELCOMES NEW PARTNERS

Minot, ND • Ackerman-Estvold is pleased to announce the addition of four principals to the organization. Paul Kramer, Antonio Conti, Aaron Fornshell, and Brent Burgard have been added to the ownership team as vice presidents of the organization.

Mark Kalvoda

West Fargo, ND • Enclave is proud to welcome Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mark Kalvoda to its team. As CFO of Enclave, Kalvoda will lead the areas of finance, accounting and IT. His position oversees all financial operations for the company, including financial planning and analysis, accounting and treasury.

A proven executive leader, Kalvoda brings more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience. Most recently, he served as CFO of Titan Machinery, where he supported an initial public offering (IPO), a catalyst that transitioned the private company into a $2 billion global organization.

“This new role of CFO reflects Enclave’s commitment to the success of our partners, team members and communities,” said Eric Christianson, Chief Operating Officer of Enclave. “Mark’s demonstrated experience scaling a company, navigating financial complexity and strategic leadership will bring new capabilities to achieve Enclave’s long-term goals.”

A unified real estate investment firm with in-house development, construction and management, Enclave has deployed more than $1 billion in real estate assets across the Midwest. Specializing in multifamily and build-to-suit industrial, the company has grown to more than 200 team members with over 100 successfully completed projects since its founding in 2011.

“I am impressed with Enclave’s track record of performance and dedication to creating value that exceeds expectations through a dynamic integrated business model,” said Kalvoda. “As CFO, I look forward to supporting the firm’s vision alongside an incredible team. Together, we will create a bright future for Enclave and our stakeholders.”

“There are a number of exciting things occurring in the organization, the disciplines we support, and the communities we have the privilege of working in. These gentlemen have proven to be leaders for our team and support our clients with integrity, hard work, and creative solutions. “We are proud to have them join the ownership group of Ackerman-Estvold,” said Ryan Ackerman, CEO.

Paul Kramer is a Senior Designer in our architecture group with over 30 years of experience in a large variety of projects, project management, and client relations.

Antonio Conti is a civil engineer with 28 years of experience and leads the firm’s operations in Idaho.

Aaron Fornshell is a civil engineer with 14 years of experience and works with clients on water, wastewater, and complex construction projects.

Brent Burgard has 14 years of finance experience and will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer for Ackerman-Estvold.

Ackerman-Estvold is an engineering and architecture firm headquartered in Minot with three additional office locations in North Dakota and one office in Idaho. The firm provides planning, design, and construction services for public and private clients throughout North Dakota, Idaho, and surrounding states. For more information about Ackerman-Estvold, visit www.ackerman-estvold.com.

Jalen Ham Joins Alerus As Senior Business Advisor

West Fargo, ND • Alerus is pleased to announce Jalen Ham has joined Alerus as a senior business advisor. Ham specializes in serving clients in the agriculture sector, providing personal and business financial guidance to help them navigate the complexities of their industry to achieve and maintain financial wellness. He serves as his clients’ trusted financial partner and aids with growth and longterm planning, including lending and depos-