Company History

Van Boerum & Frank Associates, Inc. (VBFA) is a consulting engineering firm that specializes in sustainable and energy-efficient designs. Since 1972, when Howard Van Boerum opened the doors, VBFA has been committed to providing the highest quality engineering designs for all types of buildings, including healthcare, educational, religious, municipal, and industrial facilities. We have been developing new market sectors and technologies in response to changing demands since the mid-70s, when the energy crisis pushed our team to initiate an energy conservation program that saved municipalities and private businesses significant money. This focus on innovation continues to this day, where we are on the forefront of LEED, Net Zero, and Zero Carbon design.

Our History

Engineering Excellence

Today, VBFA has grown to more than 150 employees in 5 regional offices, and continues to grow to meet the market demand for expert MEP engineering, building systems commissioning, fire protection engineering, energy engineering, and more. In addition to our commitment to energy efficiency, we also emphasize cost-effective solutions to challenges related to building performance and maintenance, and occupant comfort. Our results speak for themselves. VBFA clients experience healthier indoor environments; reduced operating, maintenance, and project costs; and overall increased value of the project.

Our Mission and Vision

Our vision is to create a wonderful place to work where inspired people have opportunities to grow and collaborate, to make the world a better, safer, and more comfortable place.

We promote a culture that celebrates achievement − including the successes of those who challenge our present abilities. We believe that as we admire the best in others and strive to emulate it, individual ability will increase and align with the achievements of others.

We support leadership that attracts quality people and builds relationships to accomplish great things, endeavoring to effectively mentor and encourage the youngest among us to transcend our greatest achievements.

We seek a culture of innovation that quickly solves problems and continuously produces improvement, always recognizing the creativity and courage of those who bring progress so we can have more of it.

Furthermore, we seek to extend these guiding principles beyond our company to benefit our families, our industry and the communities in which we live.

“It’s impressive to think about VBFA’s longevity. Success requires the efforts of the whole company – one person can’t do it all. It requires all of us working together–principals, engineers, BIM specialist, administration team – all of us together is what makes VBFA successful.”

– Jeff Watkins, President/CEO

Why Trust VBFA as Your Preferred Engineering Firm?

As a leading provider of MEP, fire protection, energy engineering, and commissioning services, VBFA has established a reputation for delivering innovative solutions for every project.

Proven Track Record of Success

VBFA has completed thousands of successful engineering projects across a wide range of industries. This experience gives us a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with each project type, which allows us to deliver superior results for our clients.

Latest Tools & Technologies

VBFA stays at the forefront of the latest engineering tools and technologies. This allows us to provide our clients with state-of-the-art solutions that meet their specific needs.

Team of Experts

VBFA’s team of experts has the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex engineering projects. We take a collaborative approach to each project, which ensures that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process.

Sustainable Design Solutions

We understand that each project is unique, so we take a tailored approach when working with clients. Leveraging our expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable designs, we provide innovative solutions to optimize building performance for each and every project.

Valued Relationships

VBFA values its relationships with its clients, partners, and employees. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This collaborative approach allows us to deliver superior results for our clients.

Commitment to Excellence

At VBFA, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. This commitment drives us to continuously improve our processes and procedures so that we can provide our clients with the best possible experience.

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Working With Us

Design Your Ideal Career With VBFA

We see our talented team as our greatest asset, and so we treat each member that way. When you join our firm, you’ll find the support to achieve even your most ambitious career goals. We’re proud that many on the VBFA team have a 10+ year tenure in the firm, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our employees’ satisfaction and professional fulfillment. If you’re looking to work on unique projects with an accomplished team, VBFA is the right place for you.

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Exceeding Your Expectations is What We Love to Do

Lewis (Wong) can easily communicate to clients and is very knowledgeable about electrical engineering. He is always willing to brainstorm creative ways to meet budgets and schedules on projects. He is considerate of the client’s budget and works hard to make the project successful.

– Stacy Hamm, UVU

The creation of a healing environment excels when there is an integrated team to push boundaries and challenge everyone to strive to do better. Since 2000 I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Jeff on nearly a dozen such healing environments in Utah. Jeff has proven to be an instrumental leader and collaborator in the creation of environments that reflect the community in which they serve and stand the test of time.

– Todd Tierney, HDR

For many years VBFA has been a vital part of Intermountain Healthcare’s design team. Their rich experience combined with an expert’s eye for engineering detail have helped deliver state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in the communities we serve throughout Utah. When challenges arise, as they inevitably do in large and complex projects, VBFA has been instrumental in helping us find and resolve the causes.

– John Ellis, Intermountain Health

VBFA was chosen for the job because of their reputation for excellent service and quality work. Throughout the project, from concept through construction documents and final punch, I was quite satisfied with our decision to work with VBFA.

– Florence Hawkinson

I appreciate the engineering skills of Jeff Watkins and David Baranowski and their VBFA teams and their ability to provide constant and timely input to the design and construction team. Precision engineering expertise and systems were both critical to the success of our project and the team delivered.

– Russ L. Bachmeier, AIA

One of the most remarkable features in the building (Syracuse High School) is the geothermal heating and cooling systems. This is one of the largest projects that has used the thermal mass of the earth to heat and cool the building. This is a very efficient system that results in significant energy savings.

– Dennis Forbush, Hogan and Associates

VBFA was a very important team member, of a very successful design of one of the most uniquely designed theatres in the world…They helped to provide a constant “actor” in every play, which is the building and its systems that in so many ways participate in every production.

– Lyle Beecher, AIA

VBFA provided insightful, practical, creative, and responsible design to each of their disciplines from concept phases through construction documents, always in support of our architectural design objectives.

– Stephen Dayton

I personally appreciate VBFA’s expertise and teamwork. For twenty-five years this team has been my first choice mechanical consultant, and they have continued to push the envelope of what is possible in mechanical systems design.

– Jeanne Jackson, VCBO Architecture

Jeff (Watkins) has always been a very technically sound and trained engineer and has been an amazing partner in helping us solve some very complicated projects and situations. His attention to detail and knowledge of our buildings and their systems is crucial to the success of treating thousands of patients safely and effectively.

– Jerry North, U Health

Jake (Beck) demonstrates skill levels in engineering, problem solving, and interpersonal relationships generally evident in engineers with many more years’ experience. We recently worked together on two Net Zero Energy fire stations for Salt Lake City. These award-winning fire stations are the first two Net Zero Energy fire stations in the United States, and we are proud of that accomplishment and thankful for Jake’s role in our success.

– Brian Backe, AIA

Jared (Smith) is an integral and invaluable component of the design/construction team. His ability to visualize and address complex mechanical issues/assessments/solutions in an expeditious manner has proven his capabilities beyond his years.

– Gary Lukaszewski, HDR

Scot (Muir) is knowledgeable, efficient, and trustworthy in his design and management of his mechanical engineering team. He has always met timeline schedules, been respectful of budget constraints while providing innovative mechanical designs and is an eager participant during value engineering or problem solving if needed.

– Mike Vela, AIA

Energy costs are monitored very closely by the Davis School District. Money saved in energy costs goes directly back into the classroom. At the same time, school buildings must be comfortable for student learning to be at its peak. Wade Bennion has been very successful balancing between comfort and energy efficiency. He is an integral team member with the District. Due to Wade’s leadership, the District regularly uses, with great success, several innovative HVAC systems such as, ground source heat pumps, thermal air displacement, and indirect evaporative cooling in many buildings.

– Bryan Turner, FAIA

VBFCx took their responsibility as Owner’s Representative to heart. We were kept in the loop through the whole process and their persistent communication with the entire team is key to the success of the project today.

– Weston Weeks, Davis School District

You can and should choose a commissioning team based on evidence of performance, and I whole-heartedly recommend VBFCx. I’ve had the good fortune to work with them on projects with significant size, scope, and complexity, projects like Adobe Phase II and the Rehabilitation Hospital at the University of Utah, and their constant and proactive presence contributes to our success.

– Ron Keller, Okland Construction