Long-Time Leaders Principal Engineer Melinda Miller and Chief Operating Officer Marci Boks have purchased ABD Engineering and Design, one of North America’s leading independent acoustical consulting and AV design firms.
With this transition of ownership, ABD Engineering and Design will continue to be a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise as well as a Women-Owned Small Business.
Marci Boks, Chief Operating Officer
Miller and Boks are focused on expanding opportunities—in the marketplace and also within the profession. “Our work continues to expand across the country, both in terms of industry sectors and geography, with recent projects in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Florida,” said Boks. “We continue to develop close working relationships with a diverse group of architects and facility managers across the country, and our practices in healthcare, higher education, and mixed-use continues to grow.”
Melinda Miller, Principal Engineer
“Education is a big part of what we do—and part of what fuels that growth,” said Miller. “We strive to ensure we not only deliver great work and practical recommendations, but that our clients understand how to implement those recommendations so everyone experiences the expected acoustical environment. I think that is one of the things clients come to value as they experience working with us and why they come back.”
Expanding career opportunities is also important for the new owners. Miller and Boks feel called to pursue diversity and inclusion within the field of acoustical consulting: mentoring non-traditional students interested in acoustics and AV technology, expanding recruiting to universities with smaller or lesser-known programs, and providing regular internships to those who may have fewer opportunities. Miller is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants.
As the new owners, Miller and Boks will continue in their existing roles. Together, they have more than 20 years’ leadership experience with ABD Engineering and Design.
The firm was founded in 1999 by Kenric Van Wyk. To every professional he met, Kenric was more than a colleague; he became a friend. With passion and joy, Kenric built a firm of dedicated professionals who shared his spirit and his love of what we do. In 2016, Kenric led the company’s merger with Daly, Standlee & Associates, Portland, OR. After Kenric’s passing in 2017 and until now, his wife, Carol, served as President of the firm to continue Kenric’s legacy. “We are privileged to have worked with Kenric for many years, and we’re excited to continue building a firm that remains filled with his spirit of enthusiasm and love of acoustics and AV,” said Boks. “That passion is a key component of what continues to grow and strengthen relationships with clients all across North America.”
