Education / Institutions / Campuses
GHA: Engineering the Future of Education
Educational institutions stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, shaping the leaders of tomorrow. At GHA, we understand that educational institutions, from K-12 districts to higher learning campuses, are more than just physical structures. They are pivotal centers of growth, discovery, and progress for teaching and learning.
We proudly contribute to this dynamic landscape as site design specialists, embracing the diverse nature of educational institutions. Our experience spans enhancing athletic fields, optimizing pedestrian pathways, and coordinating comprehensive multi-campus improvements. With every project, we incorporate that experience to allow for safe and efficient traffic flow, ensuring a seamless blend of function and design that supports the daily operations of the institution.
Securing Right of Entry (ROE) permits can be an intricate process, but at GHA, our deep understanding of regulatory framework ensures each project moves forward smoothly. We uphold a commitment to a high standard of service, serving as a reliable partner to educational institutions.
K-12 EDUCATION
GHA’s impact on K-12 education is evident in our trusted relationships with more than 40 northern Illinois school districts. We excel in streamlining project funding that yields upgraded, functional facilities that adapt seamlessly to the growing demands of schools.
For more than 15 years, GHA has had the privilege of providing civil engineering services to Lake Zurich Community Unit School District (CUSD) 95. We tackle complex factors like drop-off/pickup traffic operations, onsite wetlands, stormwater improvements, and the modernization of infrastructure within confined spaces. Our team thrives on finding innovative solutions that embody efficiency.
The range of our contributions includes athletic improvements such as synthetic turf replacement and stadium infrastructure upgrades. Site enhancements span from parking lot reconstruction to strategic planning for future expansions. This partnership with Lake Zurich CUSD 95 exemplifies our dedication to the educational landscape and underscores our passion for delivering tailored solutions.
HIGHER EDUCATION
When collaborating with colleges and universities, we personalize our approach to suit their unique needs. Our expertise extends from enhancing faculty and student residence infrastructure to upgrading athletic facility capabilities, always prioritizing efficiency and scalability, regardless of the project’s size.
Whether upgrading athletic facilities, enhancing pedestrian walkways, or working closely with institutions on broad-scale improvements, GHA applies a detail-oriented approach. We pride ourselves on identifying and maximizing untapped potential, transforming challenges into opportunities for meaningful and impactful enhancements within the educational landscape.
P.E., CFM, Director of Site Design Services
“When we work with colleges and universities, our commitment goes beyond project completion. We share in their passion for education and thrive on creating spaces that inspire learning, collaboration, and innovation. Each campus has unique potential, and our mission is to unlock it in a meaningful way.”
– Brian Wesolowski, P.E., CFM, Director of Site Design Services
Our dedication to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions, paired with our passion for educational excellence, positions us as trusted advisors in this ever-evolving sector. Let’s shape the future of education together.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Scott Gaunky, P.E.
Principal
SGaunky@GHA-Engineers.com
Brian Wesolowski, P.E., CFM
Director of Site Design Services
BWesolowski@GHA-Engineers.com
Parks & Recreation
GHA: Shaping Community Parks, Enhancing Local Connections
PARK DISTRICTS
Park districts are integral components of any community, offering much more than playgrounds and sports fields. They’re dynamic spaces that invigorate, inspire, and contribute to the wellness of community members. At GHA, we understand the pivotal role of these public spaces, and for decades our Site Design division has worked alongside park districts, helping them evolve with the changing needs of the communities they serve.
Partnering with more than 35 northern Illinois park districts extends beyond just civil site design and infrastructure. We have provided master planning services, guiding the future development of parks and recreation facilities in a sustainable and thoughtful manner. Our dedicated approach fosters long-term relationships, making GHA a trusted partner for park districts and their communities.
“Having the opportunity to shape the public spaces where memories are made and community ties are strengthened is a role we approach with passion and fidelity. At GHA, our extensive experience with parks and recreation has made us understand that our designs impact more than just landscapes; they touch lives. Our expertise lies in creating solutions and spaces that serve communities in meaningful ways today and for generations to come.”
– Brian Wesolowski, P.E., CFM, Director of Site Design Services
Our collaboration with the Waukegan Park District on Greg Petry SportsPark demonstrates GHA’s innovative and responsive approach. Tasked with the transformation of a 135-acre golf course into a sports complex in response to strong community demand, GHA served as the lead consultant, overseeing all stages, from planning to final construction. Given the substantial scope of the project, including large-scale earthwork, utilities installation, and a robust stormwater management system, we identified the need for a comprehensive and well-structured strategic plan. Implementing this plan, GHA was able to acquire all necessary permits within four months. This resulted in a state-of-the-art complex recognized by Enjoy Illinois as “the top sports complex in Northern Illinois” and “a perfect place to host tournaments and events.”
FOREST PRESERVES
Forest preserves are nature’s retreats within bustling urban landscapes. GHA has a history of serving forest preserve districts around Chicago by enhancing open spaces and creating trailways for the public’s enjoyment, while also improving infrastructure such as roadways and parking to allow access to those places. To facilitate the ongoing management of the lands, we further assist in developing state of the art maintenance and operation facilities.
GHA’s specialty lies in delivering these projects with an emphasis on minimizing disturbance beyond the site improvements. We work diligently to ensure the natural serenity and ecological integrity of forest preserves are preserved while implementing necessary enhancements. Our commitment to this delicate balance solidifies our position as a leading provider of engineering services for forest preserves.
In both park districts and forest preserves, GHA’s approach has been about more than just design and infrastructure. It is our passion for preserving, enhancing, and revitalizing public spaces that sets us apart and aligns us closely with the communities we serve.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Thomas A. Rychlik, P.E.
Senior Engineer
TRychlik@GHA-Engineers.com
Brian Wesolowski, P.E., CFM
Director of Site Design Services
BWesolowski@GHA-Engineers.com
Government
Governmental agencies must perform a balancing act with funds from public sources and distribution from other public agencies while creating, maintaining or replacing these important services.
GHA has been serving governmental clients since day one. Public infrastructure is the backbone of society and plays a crucial part in the built environment. GHA’s essence is centered on the experience gained over 40 years serving governmental clients where the foremost priorities are at the core of civil engineering: investigating, designing, and constructing projects with maximum cost efficiency while accomplishing all the goals of the project for the agency. The use of public funds commands a high respect for transparent, fully documented actions.
MUNICIPAL
GHA serves many municipal clients, always focusing on guiding projects from studies and planning through the design process and to completed construction. Cities and Villages bear a heavy responsibility to deliver the best possible outcome of infrastructure improvements on limited budgets to their municipal constituents. GHA helps maximize the effectiveness and longevity of these improvements with four decades of experience and insights.
TOWNSHIP
GHA also serves many township clients that bear responsibility for infrastructure including unincorporated areas. GHA guides township projects with emphasis on coordinating with multiple participating municipal and county agencies.
COUNTY
We also serve numerous County-level clients that have the additional responsibility of providing the structure of projects that may impact multiple municipalities, as well as infrastructure assets that serve whole networks of communities across the county.
STATE
State-level agencies such as the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois EPA are key hubs of general public safety when it comes to delivery of essential infrastructure services. GHA often either serves directly or in compliance with a wide range of regulations, guidelines, and procedures set in place to guarantee standards are met.
Have Questions?
Leo Morand, P.E.
Director of Municipal Services
LMorand@GHA-Engineers.com
Matt Turk, P.E.
Director of Transportation Services
MTurk@GHA-Engineers.com