Van Boerum & Frank Associates, Inc.
We set ourselves apart with innovative, award-winning designs and a commitment to our clients and achieving their goals.
Firm Profile
Intermountain Contractor
March 28th, 1983
A Passion for Engineering
A Commitment to Making a Difference
In the beginning
Howard Van Boerum developed a passion for drawing at a very young age and spent hours drawing perspectives of homes in his neighborhood. This talent led him to landing his first professional job as a draftsman at a civil engineering firm. For the next decade Howard honed his skills, earning his P.E. in 1967. In April 1972, he officially opened the doors of Van Boerum Associates Inc. in Salt Lake City with a staff of three and a focus on mechanical engineering.
In September 1972, Howard hired his first full-time engineer, John D. Frank, an engineering graduate from the University of Utah. John had worked for his father’s sheet metal company and was adept with HVAC ductwork and systems. John became a partner in the firm after earning his P.E. license in 1976. The firm changed its name to Van Boerum & Frank Associates, Inc. – since shortened to VBFA.
Today
We are recognized as one of the preeminent consulting engineering firms in the Intermountain West providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering services. We have grown to 18 principals and more than 100 employees located in 4 regional offices in Utah and Arizona with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.
We began developing new market sectors that coincided with the energy crisis in the mid-70s, and initiated an energy conservation program that saved public municipalities and private businesses significant money in regards to energy savings. We remain committed to pursuing new and innovative technology driven markets including the design of LEED Certified and Net Zero projects and the firm’s entrance into the coal-gasification industry. Other key ‘technology sectors” include hospitals, cogeneration, research laboratories and Olympic facilities.
Our willingness to take on projects from the most challenging to the basic has become the hallmark of our firm. A commitment to “making a difference” with our diverse projects and clients, and our constant exploration into new methods in efficiency and diversification explains the longevity of our firm. By fostering a culture of learning, open communication and growth, and by looking “outside of the box” and displaying a willingness to take the extra steps to arrive at the best possible solution has positioned VBFA at the top of our industry.
