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HED Enriches Its Mission Critical Sector by Welcoming Dennis Christgen

HED, a leading integrated architecture and engineering firm based in Chicago, has recently introduced Dennis Christgen as their Mission Critical Sector Leader. This strategic addition is aimed at boosting the firm's capacity to serve clients dealing with complex and high-performance data infrastructure projects effectively.

Dennis Christgen brings an extensive background that intersects architectural practice, electrical contracting, and design management. This combination equips him with a unique 360-degree perspective essential for navigating the intricacies of project delivery in mission-critical environments. His career trajectory has provided him with invaluable insights into how to conceive, design, and execute mission-critical facilities under the pressures of real-world operations.

In his own words, Christgen emphasizes the urgency of decision-making in the fast-paced realm of data centers, stating, "These projects demand speed without compromising clarity or reliability." According to him, modern data centers play a pivotal role in the functioning of economies. His primary focus is thereby ensuring that project teams are aligned regarding priorities from the onset. This proactive approach ensures that when rapid decisions are required, they are well-informed, deliberate, and executable on-site.

Christgen has a rich history of guiding both hyperscale and enterprise-level data center projects through various delivery methods, effectively managing every phase from design to construction. He is recognized for his ability to bring structure to complex problems—early framing of decisions, risk identification before issues escalate, and facilitating team progress when considerations of cost, schedule, and uptime converge.

In his new role at HED, Christgen aims to spearhead the development and governance of the Mission Critical sector. He will work collaboratively within the firm’s integrated design model, fostering deeper cooperation between architecture, engineering, and construction partners. His expertise will further enhance HED's capacity to engage earlier with clients, scale operations effectively, and provide support amidst increasingly complicated project environments.

Enrique Suarez, CEO of HED, has expressed confidence in Christgen's capabilities, stating, "His ability to see projects simultaneously through the lens of designer, contractor, and owner aligns directly with how HED works—thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with long-term performance in mind." This addition to the team significantly enhances HED's expertise in the mission critical field at a time when clients are expecting more from their infrastructures.

Christgen's leadership style is characterized by practical judgment and a deep respect for the realities of project delivery. He focuses on strategic components including budgeting, scheduling, inherent risks, and team mentoring—ensuring that each decision made is comprehensible, not merely executed without thought.

"What differentiates strong teams is context," Christgen explains. By ensuring that team members comprehend not only what decisions are made but also the 'why' behind those decisions, project efficiency and team morale improve considerably.

This latest appointment reflects HED's ongoing commitment to fostering sector leadership and amplifying its dedication to thoughtful, integrated design as the demand for resilient, high-performance infrastructure continues to surge nationwide.

About HED

HED has established a reputation for delivering excellence in architecture and engineering through a comprehensive and integrated design approach. By harnessing creativity, strategic purpose, and advocacy efforts, HED responds to the evolving needs of its clients. As one of the top-ranked design firms in the U.S., HED caters to multiple sectors including healthcare, education, mission-critical infrastructure, housing, science and technology, and federal government projects. Their diverse team of over 400 professionals is committed to realizing award-winning designs across the country. For further information on their services, visit www.hed.co.