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
| Feb 26, 2013
CRSI releases new technical note on stainless steel reinforcing bars
The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) has released a new technical note, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Stainless Steel Reinforcing Bars, to its online collection.
| Feb 25, 2013
HOK sustainability expert Mary Ann Lazarus tapped by AIA for strategy consulting position
Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, LEED® AP BD+C, has accepted a two-year consulting position with the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. Her new position, which begins March 1, will focus on increasing the AIA's impact on sustainability across the profession. The St. Louis-based architect will continue consulting at HOK.
| Feb 25, 2013
Atkins appoints new CEO for North America
Atkins announces that Joe Boyer will join the company as CEO of its North American region on March 18, 2013. Boyer will join Atkins from Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. in Austin, Texas, where he has held the position of president of its Federal division.
| Feb 25, 2013
AISC seeks proposals for development of BIM best practices guide
The American Institute of Steel Construction seeks assistance from BIM users in identifying and documenting best practices to facilitate the long-term standardization of BIM in structural steel construction.
| Feb 25, 2013
Turner employs rare 'collapsible' steel truss system at Seattle light rail station
To speed construction of the $110 million Capitol Hill Station light-rail station in Seattle, general contractor Turner Construction will use an unusual temporary framing method for the project's underground spaces.
| Feb 22, 2013
Dutch team's 'bioconcrete' can heal itself
Two researchers from Delft Technical University in Holland have developed a self-healing cement that can stop microcracks from forming in concrete.
| Feb 22, 2013
Defense department report: Green design saves taxpayers money
An independent report on energy efficiency and sustainability standards used by the Pentagon for military construction affirms the value of LEED-certified high performing buildings to America’s military and U.S. taxpayers.
| Feb 21, 2013
BD+C's 2011 White Paper: Zero and Net-Zero Energy Buildings + Homes
We submit our eighth White Paper on Sustainability in the hope that it will inspire architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers, building product manufacturers, environmentalists, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, officeholders, and the public to foster the development of net-zero energy buildings and homes.
| Feb 21, 2013
BD+C's 2008 White Paper: Green Buildings + Climate Change
In this White Paper, we provide concrete ways in which AEC professionals can have a positive role in addressing climate change.
