Architectural & Engineering Building Blocks

Architectural & Engineering Building Blocks 

By Tiffany Gorrell | Director of Business Development & Marketing at GLHN Architects & Engineers 

GLHN Architects & Engineers was founded in Tucson in 1963 by Irvin Finical, AIA, and Leon Dombrowski, PE, who worked together at the iconic Place and Place Architects. Their partnership resulted in one of the first architectural and engineering integrated firms in the state. Originally called Finical and Dombrowski, the firm’s first clients included The University of Arizona, Pima County, and Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Within the next decade, electrical and civil engineering disciplines were added, providing our clients with many solutions under one roof. As the firm founders transitioned out, new leaders stepped up—David Grigsby, John Lynch, Roger Harwell, and William Nelson—the G, L, H, and N of our current name.  

In 2000, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was formed, and by 2008 GLHN was 100% employee owned. Because employees are owners, or on the path to becoming one, they have a personal and professional interest in the success of our firm and, therefore, our clients.  

In an effort to expand our regional presence and better serve our clients throughout Arizona, GLHN opened a Phoenix office in 2016. Currently located in Midtown on Central Avenue, the studio’s focus is healthcare, higher education, and private development.  

GLHN is guided by the principle that our success comes from helping others succeed. This philosophy fosters dedication and long-term client relationships. For example, GLHN has worked for nearly two dozen higher educational institutions across the United States while building strong relationships closer to home with The University of Arizona, City of Tucson, Towns of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita.  

We have established ourselves as leaders in the development of campus carbon reduction programs, promoting initiatives to economize building performance and implement the use of alternative energies. GLHN excels at long-range utility master planning, design of central plants and underground utility distribution systems, complex multi-phased renovation projects, medical and laboratory facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities, and enhanced systems commissioning.  

With recent changes at the executive-level, GLHN is looking forward to future growth and opportunities. We have established an architectural design studio that focuses on the inhabitants’ environment while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly architecture for future generations.  

GLHN’s staff includes LEED Accredited Professionals in all disciplines, WELL Certified Professionals, Building Energy Simulation Analysts, Certified Energy Managers, Energy Reduction Analysts, Certified Commissioning Providers, staff Certified in Plumbing Engineering (CIPE), and a Lighting Certified (LC) designer.  

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