About 15 months ago, KLH Engineers, a national MEP and technology engineering firm based in Kentucky, spun off Levcon Analytics, which uses data to provide AEC firms with design, construction, and operations advice. By uniting design and building teams, Levcon’s Convergit data integration platform also improves a building owner’s asset management and project execution.
Late last month, KLH spun off another entity. Known as Configure, the now-separate business has been developing a construction marketplace that digitizes supply and makes it easier for designers and contractors to specify, compare, and purchase engineered-to-order products from manufacturers. Configure’s platform is accessible through web apps or Autodesk Revit plug-ins.
PRICING PRODUCTS, MADE SIMPLER
Its conception was born out of the frustration of trying to specify equipment with pricing information being immediately at hand, explains Michael Albanese, a principal with KLH Engineers who, with principal Jeff Leuderalbert, came up with Configure and developed its platform.
Leuderalbert elaborates that during a project’s design phase, suppliers communicate with potential customers within their Revit models, and designers can link products, product data and pricing directly into their models. During pre-construction, Configure matches contractors with local suppliers so they can solicit and compare bids in one platform, and select the package that best fits their project and budget.
Some of Configure’s early customers include Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Green Bay, Wis.; Silicon Valley Mechanical, San Jose, Calif.; and Peck Hannaford + Briggs, Cincinnati, Ohio.
SUPPORTERS FROM INSIDE AND OUT
During Configure’s early development, KLH allowed Albanese and Leuderalbert to leverage the firm’s in-house software team to build their platform. Configure has raised $2 million in a seed round led by TitletownTech, a Wisconsin-based venture capital fund formed out of a partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. Configure will deploy its new capital to expand its software technology and make additional product development hires.
These spinoffs demonstrate KLH’s innovation beyond engineering consultation, says Tavernelli, who implies there might be more to come. “We learned so much throughout this journey and KLH will leverage that experience to continue seeking ways to create new value in the industry.”
Related Stories
| Apr 2, 2014
8 tips for avoiding thermal bridges in window applications
Aligning thermal breaks and applying air barriers are among the top design and installation tricks recommended by building enclosure experts.
| Apr 2, 2014
Check out the stunning research facility just named 2014 Lab of the Year [slideshow]
NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility takes top honors in R&D Magazine's 48th annual lab design awards.
| Apr 1, 2014
Planned global commerce center breaks ground near Phoenix
When completed, PhoenixMart will be one of the largest single-level trade centers in the U.S.
| Apr 1, 2014
Paints, coatings and sealants: Choosing products and procedures for best performance
This course covers life cycle assessment, color selection, emissions, durability, resilience, corrosion resistance, specification standards, and other critical aspects of choosing coatings for interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and roofs.
| Mar 31, 2014
Removable flood prevention system installed in one of New York City's largest office buildings
EKO Flood Protection created a flood prevention solution for one of New York City's largest office buildings, 55 Water Street, that can be put up in 8 hours by a crew of 30 people.
| Mar 31, 2014
Extreme conversion: Soaring Canadian church transformed into contemporary library
Even before the St. Denys-du-Plateau Church was converted into a library, it was an unusual building, with a towering nave designed to mimic a huge tent inflated by the wind.
| Mar 31, 2014
Tips for creating a competitive bid using codes and loads
Landing a project feels like winning a prize, sort of like finding that forgotten $20 bill in the pocket of a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in a while. But living on the “chance” of winning a job isn’t a great way to pay your electric bill. So, how do you swing the chances in your favor?
| Mar 28, 2014
Crazy commuting: British artist wants to construct 300-foot water slide on city street
Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram hopes that the temporary installation, once funded, will encourage the public to think about "how we want to use the city, and what sort of future we want to see.”
| Mar 27, 2014
Develop strategic thinkers throughout your firm
In study after study, strategic thinkers are found to be among the most highly effective leaders. But is there a way to encourage routine strategic thinking throughout an organization?
| Mar 27, 2014
16 kitchen and bath design trends for 2014
Work on multifamily housing projects? Here are the top kitchen and bath design trends, according to a survey of more than 420 kitchen and bath designers.