With its reputation for energy-efficient building design -- and ComEd's forecast of double-digit increases in electricity rates -- Hoffman virtually is assured of a greater number of requests for proposals from public and private entities.

The new office, in the Randall Point Executive Center, is double the size of the McHenry office.

It is home to more than 15 architects, engineers, project managers and staff whose stock in trade is senior living facilities, health care properties and school and office buildings. Projects completed in Illinois include one at the McHenry County Government Center in Woodstock and Pecatonica High School.


The site for the new office was picked for a number of reasons, says David Hougland, director of business development.
"We thought (the new location) was not only easier for us to do the work we do, but also easier for our clients to visit us," he explained.

Hougland says clients and employees find it more convenient since the office is near Interstate 90.

It's a major consideration, Hougland said, given Hoffman's plan to use the new office as a hub to bolster growth in the Elgin community and, in fact, throughout the Midwest.

"We felt that by moving to Elgin, it would greatly assist that," Hougland explained.

He said Hoffman is on the cusp of energy-efficient building designs, thanks in part to a company policy that dictates all staff members eventually be LEED-(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-accredited.

"That's a process by which you build through training and then take a test given by USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) to become a LEED-accredited professional," Hougland explained.

Projects launched under the LEED umbrella must be friendly to the environment, avoid the use of toxic materials and incorporate designs that reduce energy consumption.

Hougland says Hoffman is sensitive to the needs of building owners who require energy reduction in their operations.

To meet those demands, Hougland explained, Hoffman uses "energy modeling," a day-long look at such things as the ratio of glass to bricks and mortar, and how a building is oriented on site.

"By the end of the day, we really have a great idea of the energy consumption for that given facility," Hougland said.

"And on a personal note, it's a much healthier environment for the employees," he added.

The cost of an eco-friendly structure, Hougland says, is deceptive, because initial construction costs may seem higher than a counterpart built with no particular emphasis on ecological design or energy consumption.

The cost of operating and maintaining a so-called "green building" spread out over a 45- to 50-year lifespan actually is cheaper in the long run, according to Hougland.

Hoffman's expertise in the field, he said, can be attributed to its longevity. Established in 1892, Hoffman is now in its fifth generation of leadership.

"I don't think there's any substitute for experience," Hougland said.

"When a company's been around that long, you can be pretty well be guaranteed that they've found ways to make themselves better."

Copyright © 2006. The Courier-News.