KCL Engineering makes it our mission to help build a world we all want to live in.
Our focus on empowerment, flexibility, and opportunity creates a workplace of motivated employees who provide superior customer service, deliver high-quality projects, and delight clients with innovative solutions.
About KCL
Since 2008
67 employees
Mechanical – 28 (11 PE’s)
Campus Energy – 2 (2 PE’s)
Electrical – 25 (11 PE’s)
Technology – 7
Administrative – 5
Building Sector Services
Mechanical
HVAC Systems, Geothermal Heat
Exchangers, Mechanical and Natural Ventilation, Energy Management
Plumbing
Domestic, Sanitary, Storm, Solar Thermal Collection, Water Reduction and Reuse, Specialty Systems: Compressed Air, Vacuum, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and High Purity Water Systems
Fire Protection
Fire Sprinkler, Gas and Foam
Extinguishing, Fire Pumps and Tank
Building Energy Performance
Des Moines Register
Top Workplace#1 in 2023 and 2024
Top Engineering Firms
Energy Modeling, Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Energy Monitoring, Systems Commissioning
Campus Energy Services
Electrical
Power Distribution, Essential and Emergency Power, Medium Voltage Site and Campus Distribution, Solar PV and Battery Storage, Microgrid, Power System and Arc Flash Hazard Studies
Lighting
Architectural Lighting, Lighting Controls, Roadway Street Lighting, Photometric Modeling and Analysis
Technology
Telecommunications Infrastructure, Wireless LAN, Fire Detection and Alarm, Audio/Video, Access Control and Intrusion Detection, Video Surveillance, Emergency Communication, Paging and Intercom, Distributed Antenna, Nurse Call
Feasibility Studies, Energy Usage & Savings Analyses, Single Point Failure Analyses, 3D Laser Scanning, 3D & BIM Design, Isometries, Steel Detailing, Design ServicesDrawings & Specs, Fluid Flow Analysis, Pipe Stress Design, Process Control System Operating Descriptions, Construction Administration, Commissioning, Standard Operating Procedures & Training
At KCL Engineering, we bring to life three pillars that distinguish how we make our mark in the world.
Perfect Extension of Your Team
Doing great work is just the beginning.
Every client has their own way they like to work and interact. We match your preferences through a process we built. We also focus on hiring and training people you are proud to put in front of your constituents who can speak human, architect, and engineer.
We appreciate and strengthen every relationship
Client syncing happens at every level
You can be proud of KCL as your partner
Relentless Attention to Detail
We do our best to plan and strive for perfection.
Part of excellence is our best-in-class process to prevent any issues in the first place with an optimal response approach when an issue may occur.
Consistent team from start to finish
Cross-discipline engagement and coordination
Quick course correction that minimizes costs and disruption
Practical, Inspired Innovation
We measure what matters.
We measure client enthusiasm and shoot above the level of just being satisfied to a higher level where our clients love their results. That means we look for smarter, more meaningful innovations to standard work.
We love purposeful innovation to solve real problems
Our culture supports imagination, innovation, and creativity
We seek high caliber, trailblazing customers
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECTS
Completion
Des Moines Public Schools Solar Projects,
Des Moines, Iowa
Jefferson Elementary School Solar PV Array
KCL Engineering conducted comprehensive energy modeling and load calculations, subcontracting structural load analysis to ensure the feasibility of a building-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system that meets the facility’s power needs. Our analysis included monthly production projections against the school’s expected energy consumption to accurately assess system performance. To optimize array sizing and placement, we calculated solar elevation and evaluated azimuth angles for maximum efficiency.
The final design implemented a 275 kW rooftop solar PV array, which serves as a proof of concept for potential future installations across the district.
District Solar PV Array Study
Analysis of four buildings for most favorable investment in solar energy. Evaluation considered various factors including roof orientation, obstructions, roof size, building energy usage, and return on investment. KCL provided a presentation of findings and recommendation to the District.
University of Hilo-Hawaii –Student Residence Cooling, PV Array, and Battery Storage, Hilo, Hawaii
This project balanced the University’s desire to add air conditioning to an existing student housing building with their aggressive net neutrality goals. In addition to designing an air conditioning system for the building, a PV array with battery storage was designed to offset the additional cooling and ventilation loads required to condition the rooms.
A 320kW solar photovoltaic array with collectors was a combination of building and groundmounted racking. The battery storage system will store surplus power collected during the sunlight hours to offset the building loads during the evening and night.
To optimize the array’s ability to offset building loads year-round, the ground mounted system was installed at a calculated angle to provide diversity in sun exposure for maximum power. This calculation also included evaluating the elevation and azimuth angle of the sun for correct placement to mitigate shadowing. Completion
Iowa Select Farms –Sow 35 Renewable Barn Heating
Chester, Iowa
This innovative HVAC project combines state-of-the-art energy recovery and hydronic solar thermal technologies to create a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective heating solution. The core objectives are to preheat incoming fresh air using waste exhaust air and leverage solar energy to store heat in the ground during the summer for winter heating.
Key Components:
» Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV):
The ERV transfers heat from the outgoing exhaust air to preheat the incoming fresh air, thereby reducing the energy required to heat the air entering the building. Benefits include enhanced energy efficiency, reduced heating costs, and improved indoor air quality
» Hydronic Solar Thermal System:
This system harnesses solar energy to heat a hydronic fluid underground during the summer months, utilizing the earth as a thermal battery. During winter, the stored heat is extracted to warm the building.
This solution significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and ventilation, improves indoor air quality through efficient heat recovery and 100% outdoor air entering the barn, enhances sustainability goals by utilizing renewable solar energy, and creates long-term cost savings on heating bills.
Contract Type
Fixed Fee Price
Delivery Method
Study
Period of Performance
2/2019 - 1/2020
Percentage Complete
100%
Design Contract Amount
$181,895
Total Construction Amount
N/A
Total Gross Square Footage
2.2 million square feet (est)
Function on Contract Prime
State of Iowa Capitol Complex Arc Flash Study
Des Moines, Iowa
Narrative Summary
KCL Engineering provided professional services updating the existing Arc Flash study, creating a power distribution preventative maintenance plan, and providing power distribution improvement recommendations for State owned buildings on the Capitol Complex and State Hygienic Lab totaling 16 buildings and 1353 points. Equipment included; switchgears, distribution panels, transformers, panelboards, disconnect switches, major equipment control panels, and other similar equipment. The KCL team surveyed and collected data on all pieces of equipment, conducted infrared thermography, completed the arc flash modeling using SKM PTW32 software, prepared a final report including a point by point arc flash summary, list of dangerous points, preventative maintenance plan, and updated floor plans and riser diagrams. An additional analysis was performed on equipment considered “dangerous” to identify steps for reducing the amount of incident energy available to create a safer working environment. The team oversaw the printing and installation of new arc flash labeling for every point.
Arc Flash Study consisted of the following buildings:
Capitol Building – 211 points
Central Energy Plant – 49 points
Facilities Management Center – 14 points
Grimes Building – 60 points
Hoover Building – 207 points
Iowa Labs – 161 points
Iowa Utilities Board – 28 points
Jesse Parker – 64 points
Relevancy to MAS Schedule 541330ENG
Similar Building Facilities
Arc Flash Study Projects
Occupied Facilities
Lucas Building – 105 points
Ola Babcock Miller – 48 points
Oran Pape – 63 points
Parking Structure – 12 points
State Historical Building – 87 points
Wallace Building – 138 points
Workforce Administration Center – 11 points
Workforce Development – 95 points
The 16 buildings are primarily used for government administrative office functions, legislative governance, and judicial operations. The largest building (State of Iowa Capitol Building) is 330,000 square feet and the total square footage in this study exceeded 2 million.
The scope of work included all related management, data collection, thermography, modeling, technical analysis, reporting, and labeling to provide an updated Arc Flash study meeting NFPA 70E requirements. This project required knowledge and skill in the application of related laws, codes, policies, precedents, methods, and safety procedures to complete the work. In addition, KCL Engineering led a data collection team including local licensed electricians, Certified Thermographers by the Infraspection Institute, and required a welltrained workforce meeting the highest standards for safety and reliability.
All work was completed during normal business hours while the spaces were occupied. The nature of the work did not disrupt occupant activities.
Contract Type
Fixed Fee Price
Delivery Method
Study
Period of Performance
2/2022 - 10/2022
Percentage Complete
100%
Design Contract Amount
Andersen AFB - $158,240
Wake Island AF - $60,125
Al Udeid AFB - $140,350
Total Construction Amount
N/A
Total Gross Square Footage
N/A
Function on Contract
Subconsultant
US Air Force Electrical Power System Study
Anderson Air Force Base, Guam
Wake Island Airfield
Al Udeid Air Force Base, Doha, Qatar
Narrative Summary
Power system studies of the electrical distribution systems at Andersen Air Force Base, Wake Island Airfield, and Al Udeid Air Force Base. Work included oversight and on-site participation for field verification and data collection of all electrical distribution equipment from the substations to the facility service entrances.
Information collected was used to create and update base electrical one-line diagrams and distribution maps in AutoCAD format as well as generate an electrical system model utilizing EasyPower software. The electrical system model was used to analyze power flow, cross connect capability, short circuit, protective device coordination, and arc flash hazard. A report was generated for each location outlining deficiencies and recommendations.
Relevancy to MAS Schedule 541330ENG
Arc Flash Study Projects
The scope of work included all related management, data collection, modeling, technical analysis, and reporting to provide an updated Arc Flash study meeting NFPA 70E requirements. This project required knowledge and skill in the application of related laws, codes, policies, precedents, methods, and safety procedures to complete the work. In addition, KCL Engineering led a data collection team including local licensed electricians and required a well-trained workforce meeting the highest standards for safety and reliability.
Federal Occupied Facilities KCL Engineering was responsible for coordination of all permits and activities necessary to collect the required information such as outages, energized work permits, confined space entry, secure area entry, and access to high-security/sensitive locations, etc. All field work was coordinated with Base Civil Engineering (BCE) personnel. KCL Engineering provided weekly updates to the project resource schedule and monthly information to support Prime contractor’s status reports to the Government.
Occupied Facilities
All work was completed during normal business hours while the spaces were occupied. The nature of the work did not disrupt occupant activities.
Contract Type
Fixed Fee Price
Delivery Method
Study
Period of Performance
2/2022 - Present
Percentage Complete
51%
Design Contract Amount
$205,206
Total Construction Amount
N/A
Total Gross Square Footage
2 million square feet
Function on Contract Prime
Camp Dodge Arc Flash Study
Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa
Narrative Summary
KCL Engineering provided professional services updating the existing Arc Flash study, creating a power distribution preventative maintenance plan, and providing power distribution improvement recommendations for Camp Dodge, home of the Iowa National Guard and several other law enforcement, federal recruitment, and state operations functions. This effort included 237 buildings and 891 points. Equipment included; switchgears, distribution panels, transformers, panelboards, disconnect switches, major equipment control panels, exterior sectionalizers and distribution transformers, and other similar equipment. The KCL team surveyed and collected data on all pieces of equipment, completed the arc flash modeling using SKM PTW32 software, will prepare a final report including a point by point arc flash summary, list of dangerous points, preventative maintenance plan, and updated floor plans. An additional analysis will be performed on equipment considered “dangerous” to identify steps for reducing the amount of incident energy available to create a safer working environment. Study includes printing and installation of new arc flash labels for every point.
The Arc Flash Study was structured by area and included the following:
Area 1 - 23 Buildings - 184 points
Area 2 - 39 Buildings - 233 points
Relevancy to MAS Schedule 541330ENG
Similar Building Facilities
Arc Flash Study Projects
Federal Occupied Facilities
Occupied Facilities
Area 3 - 90 Buildings - 264 points
Area 4 - 85 Buildings - 210 points
Camp Dodge is comprised of 237 buildings which are primarily used by the Iowa National Guard for military operations and command, training and simulation, vehicle and equipment storage, residences, and support buildings. The post is also home to the Sustainment Training Center, Mission Training Complex-Dodge, Iowa’s Emergency Operations Center, Iowa Communications Network, United States Military Entrance Processing Command, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and the State Police Academy.
The scope of work included all related management, data collection, technical analysis, reporting, and labeling to provide an updated Arc Flash study meeting NFPA 70E requirements. This project required knowledge and skill in the application of related laws, codes, policies, precedents, methods, and safety procedures to complete the work. In addition, KCL Engineering led a data collection team including local licensed electricians, and required a well-trained workforce meeting the highest standards for safety and reliability.
A United States Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is posted at Camp Dodge which is operated by the Department of Defense. This building is included in the campus-wide Arc Flash study.
Civilian engineers and contractors are escorted by an Iowa National Guard electrician. All work is being completed during normal business hours while spaces are occupied. The nature of the work does not disrupt occupant activities.
Contract Type
Fixed Fee Price
Delivery Method
Study
Period of Performance
2/2020 - 5/2023
Percentage Complete
100%
Design Contract Amount
$105,530
Total Construction Amount
N/A
Total Gross Square Footage
800,000 square feet
Function on Contract
Prime
Iowa Veterans Home Arc Flash Study
Marshalltown, Iowa
Narrative Summary
KCL Engineering provided professional services updating the existing Arc Flash study, creating a power distribution preventative maintenance plan, and providing power distribution improvement recommendations for state-owned Iowa Veterans Home encompassing 9 buildings, power plant, and electrical loop totaling 675 points. Equipment included; switchgears, distribution panels, transformers, panelboards, disconnect switches, major equipment control panels, and other similar equipment. The KCL team surveyed and collected data on all pieces of equipment, completed the arc flash modeling using SKM PTW32 software, prepared a final report including a point by point arc flash summary, list of dangerous points, preventative maintenance plan, and updated floor plans and riser diagrams. An additional analysis was performed on equipment considered “dangerous” to identify steps for reducing the amount of incident energy available to create a safer working environment.
Our team also completed an electrical device coordination study and relay and breaker setting adjustments, per report recommendations.
Arc Flash Study consisted of the following buildings:
15kV Loop - 40 points
Power Plant - 37 points
Sheeler Building - 74 points
Dack Building - 99 points
Loftus Building - 22 points
Fox Building - 26 points
Relevancy to MAS Schedule 541330ENG
Similar Building Facilities
Arc Flash Study Projects
Ulery Building - 43 points
Heinz Building - 31 points
Malloy Building - 190 points
Laundry Building - 37 points
Carpenter Shop - 11 points
Miscellaneous - 37 points
This study encompassed over 800,000 square feet and 675 points. The campus is considered mixed-use with a combination of administrative offices, healthcare services, residences, and support spaces.
The scope of work included all related management, data collection, modeling, technical analysis, and reporting to provide an updated Arc Flash study meeting NFPA 70E requirements. The work also included an electrical device coordination study and relay and breaker setting adjustments. This project required knowledge and skill in the application of related laws, codes, policies, precedents, methods, and safety procedures to complete the work. In addition, KCL Engineering led a data collection team including local licensed electricians and required a well-trained workforce meeting the highest standards for safety and reliability.
Completion
2012 - Current
Project Types
Office Renovations
Electrical Distribution
Electrical Equipment
HVAC Equipment
Arc Flash
Building Automation Systems
Elevators
State of Iowa Capitol Complex
Des Moines, Iowa
Serving as a trusted advisor for the State of Iowa for the past twelve years, KCL has provided a consistent and well-managed approach to field work, evaluation and analysis, cost estimating, design, and execution. The majority of our work has involved evaluating and improving end of life or poorly functioning systems, equipment, and controls. We have a reputation for quickly identifying options, working with preferred vendors and suppliers, and recommending cost effective solutions, oftentimes aligning project scope with availability of State funds to achieve the desired outcome.
Project Experience
Hoover State Office Building 3rd Floor Renovation
State of Iowa Capitol Complex – Arc Flash Study
State of Iowa Capitol Complex and Iowa Labs – Building Automation System Upgrade
Grimes State Office Building – Switchgear Replacement
Lucas State Office Building – 6th Floor Office Space Renovation (Design)
Lucas State Office Building ICN CRAC Unit Replacement
Capitol Complex – Parking Lot LED Lighting
Completion
2012 - Current
Project Types
Office Renovations
Electrical Distribution
Electrical Equipment
HVAC Equipment
Arc Flash
Building Automation Systems
Elevators
Iowa Army National Guard
Statewide, Iowa
KCL Engineering’s previous work on over 15 Iowa Army National Guard projects speaks to a firm with an established reputation as a trustworthy and experienced design partner. From renovations and systems upgrades to state-of-the-art video display technology, KCL has an excellent track record of accurate cost estimating, design quality, and system performance.
Project Experience
Camp Dodge Arc Flash Study Update
Camp Dodge UH60 Simulator Facility
Camp Dodge W07 Building Renovation
Camp Dodge S4 Classroom Renovation
Camp Dodge S33/S36 Complex
Camp Dodge S60 War Room
Camp Dodge S70 AMEED Renovation
Camp Dodge A42 Elevator Addition
Camp Dodge B61 Renovation and Addition
Camp Dodge Iowa Gold Star Museum Lighting
Camp Dodge Iowa Gold Star Museum Display Improvements
Camp Dodge Fire Tower
Fairfield Readiness Center Renovation
STARC Armory Enhanced Classroom
STARC Armory JRFH COMSEC Conversion
132nd D Wing Motor Vehicle Storage West Des Moines Readiness Center Commissioning
Iowa Veterans Home Power Plant Upgrades
Marshalltown, Iowa
KCL evaluated life cycle cost for new chiller and identified improved maintainability factors for chilled water and heating water systems. Complexities of the expansive undertaking surrounded sequencing of equipment decommissioning, removal, and installation of new equipment, as well as coordination between the various pieces of equipment being replaced. The project was lead by multiple KCL team members in order to provide experienced leadership across the diverse scope requirements with internal KCL coordination paramount to the project’s success. Completion
The Iowa Veterans Home campus power plant required upgrades to replace equipment at the end of its useful life and improve overall operation and maintainability. An arc flash study was also updated per national electrical code requirements.
The scope of the work included; BAS Upgrade, Decommission Boiler #4 and Addition of new Boiler #8, Deaerator System and Pump Replacement, Chiller Replacement, Cooling Tower Replacement, Enclosure of electrical switchgear, Arc Flash Study, and Metering.
Completion
2013 - Current
Project Types
Cabins
Shelters
Restrooms
Concession Stands
Shop/Maintenance Buildings
Fish Hatcheries
Iowa Department of Natural Resources IDIQs
Statewide, Iowa
KCL Engineering’s extensive experience working with the Iowa DNR includes six IDIQ contracts totaling over 25 projects.
Project Experience
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Restrooms and Park Shelter
Pine Lake State Park Cabin Renovations
Spirit Lake Law Enforcement Shop and Storage Building
George Wyth State Park Shop Building
Manchester Fish Hatchery – Fish Room Remodel
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area New Shop Building
Olofson Shooting Range Training Center and Range Renovations
Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery Electrical Upgrades
Dolliver State New Park Shop and Office Building
Lake Darling State Park Cabins
State Fairgrounds Aquarium Building MEP Renovation
State Fairgrounds Exterior Lighting and Interior Restroom Upgrades
State Fairgrounds Interior Lighting and Air Circulation Upgrades
George Wyth State Park Beach Concession Remodel
Maquoketa Caves Restroom Addition
Honey Creek Resort Activity Center Mechanical Room Renovations
Honey Creek Resort Lightning Protection Project
Odessa Wildlife Area New Headquarters Building
Otter Creek Wildlife Area Building Renovation
Green Valley State Park New Office & Storage Building
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Cabins
Union Grove State Park Cabin
TECHNOLOGY
Governor Reynolds in front of video display wall at STARC Armory - designed by KCL Engineering
TECHNOLOGY DESIGN
Technology Services
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Traditional Distribution (Copper/Fiber)
Passive Optical LAN Carrier coordination (Fiber/Copper Services)
Diverse and Redundant Service
Planning
Telecommunication Space Build Outentrance facility, equipment rooms, floor distributors
Audio and Video Systems
Performance Spaces Classrooms
Commons Areas
Athletic/Competition Spaces
Telecommunications Grounding and Bonding
IP Telephony
Access Control and Intrusion
Detection
Team Members
Chris Davis, RCDD, DCDC Chief Technology Engineer
James Harris, CTS-D Senior Technology Engineer
Video Surveillance
General Purpose Paging and Intercommunications
Centralized Clock Systems
Fire Detection and Alarm
Emergency Communications Systems
Distributed Antenna Systems
Justin Lorenz, CTS-D Technology Engineer
Brandon Chandler Technology Designer
Kai Whitt, RCDD Technology Designer
David Pivonka Technology Designer
Jon DeWild, RCDD Technology Designer
Omer Alnaeemi Technology Designer
T-Mobile- Immersive Igloo
Missoula Public Library - Maker Space and Demonstration Kitchen
Missoula, Montana
KCL Engineering providing technology engineering for this new, award-winning 107,000 square foot library. The audio-visual systems encompassed general area information signage, classrooms, conference rooms and large scale partitionable meeting spaces. Crosscoordination was required with various design consultants to achieve lighting control and life safety systems integration.
For use by the public, a maker space includes 3D printer, laser cutter/engraver, CNC routers, 3D scanning technology, computer programming, sewing machine and art supplies, and a variety of hand tools. A demonstration kitchen provides culinary and health literacy.
T-Mobile - Overland Park Renovation
Overland Park, Kansas
Additional revamped spaces in this T-Mobile corporate location include a more intimate pubstyle gathering area with tiled video wall and an “igloo” collaboration space with 360 degree projection and video conference integration. Completion
Reimagined collaboration areas create exceptional user experiences with robust technology integration and magenta branding. T-Mobile’s 12,500 sf atrium event space boasts a premium audio-visual system including a giant LED wall, speech and music audio system, and seamless integration with Cisco WebEX video conferencing.
Completion
2023
Size
163,000 sf
T-Mobile - 2340 Dulles Office Renovation
Herndon, Virginia
Technology Engineering design for audio/visual, telecom, and security systems as part of an expansive, 8-story commercial office renovation project. KCL Engineering’s scope of work included understanding dozens of different space usages within the building and coordinating with the architect and project team on system requirements including equipment and device functionality, power, data, and cooling with documentation to build a complete technology package to T-Mobile standards. Security design involved an integrated system entailing access control, door hardware coordination, and infrastructure planning for vendor-provided cameras all in an effort to provide a safe but convenient working environment.
MidAmerican Energy Office Building Renovation Urbandale, Iowa
This expansive workplace modernization provides MidAmerican Energy team members with multiple workstation, office, collaboration, and large training arrangements.
A new, larger security operations center includes a vast display wall and provides staff with more room and improved technology. Completion
KCL Engineering’s technology team designed audio-visual systems for an elaborate 5,000 sf “conference center” that can cater to various meeting formats for up to 200 occupants. This platinum level system, equipped with Crestron controls, efficiently manages all lighting, audio, and visual components. Its high flexibility even allows for multiple smaller meetings to take place concurrently.
