Employee Spotlight: Nathan Lewis, Education Studio Director

Nathan Lewis was recently named Education Studio Director at KLH Engineers. He joined the firm in 2009 where he started as a Senior Electrical Designer. From there, he took on a Project Management role in the Education Studio which eventually led him to where he is today.

How did you get into the Architectural/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry?

When I was in high school, I took a drafting class (hand drafting) and learned that I really enjoyed being able to create and work through the technical aspects of building design. That experience helped me to decide that I wanted to work in the AEC industry.

What types of projects have you worked on?

Since working at KLH, I have worked on every type of K-12 project you can imagine—anything from new 170,000-square-foot high schools with tornado shelters to new security vestibules and everything in between. I have worked on 19 college campuses all over the country with projects consisting of residence halls, food courts, academic spaces, utility upgrades, lab spaces and more. I have also worked on numerous churches, libraries, and even a Jimmy Buffet restaurant in a local casino.

Can you share and describe one of your most memorable projects?

One of my most memorable projects was Morgens Residence Hall for the University of Cincinnati (UC). I remember having to survey from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in temperatures approaching triple digits. The building itself was taken down to the structure and the new design had a completely new interior, along with new skin on the outside. We encountered a tricky element to the project when it was discovered that some of the MEP systems were tied into other campus buildings. There was a lot of pre-planning and coordination that took place to bring the old building up to current standards and code. In the end, this project took dedication and hard work, but the final product produced one of the nicest residence halls on UC’s campus. MSN listed it as one of “The 15 Most Beautiful College Dorms in the U.S.” It also earned an American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Ohio Award not just for style, but also sustainability and eco-friendly efficiency.

Congratulations on being appointed to the Education Studio Director. What are you most excited about taking on this new role?

I’m very excited and honored to be taking on the new role as Education Studio Director. I am most excited about having the opportunity to help expand the Education Studio. We have the perfect opportunity to leverage our technical strategy with our existing clients and partner with new clients as well.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m away from the office I enjoy being outdoors. I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including riding ATV’s in West Virginia, camping across Ohio and Kentucky, hunting, fishing and working on projects at home.

Give me three words that best describe you.

The three words I would use to describe myself are honest, hardworking and determined.