2016 40 Under 40: Austin Bredow, PE, LEED AP, 38

Vice President, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Systems Design Inc. (ESD), Chicago BS Electrical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis M.Ed., DePaul University

By Jack Smith, Content Manager, and Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief May 16, 2016

Austin Bredow, PE, LEED AP, 38

Vice President, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Systems Design Inc. (ESD), Chicago

BS Electrical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis M.Ed., DePaul University

Bredow leads the high-tech studio for Environmental Systems Design Inc.’s (ESD) Workplace Solutions Practice, which specializes in technically complex projects requiring resilient, flexible infrastructure for clients located throughout the country. He began his career with ESD in 2001 as an electrical engineer in the firm’s mission critical group. He was soon put in charge of managing one of the firm’s most prominent clients: The Chicago Board of Trade. He quickly became a trusted advisor to the building-management team and numerous financial tenants that later contracted separately with ESD to develop high-tech office spaces as they grew and relocated to other locations throughout Chicago and elsewhere. Through this experience, he became a leader in the design of MEP systems for the rapidly evolving electronic trading industry, which has redefined the financial landscape. Bredow was promoted to vice president in 2013, and in 2014, he played an integral part in restructuring sections of the firm to better align ESD’s services with the fast-changing landscape of the professional workplace. In his current role, he manages a team of 10 engineers focused on designing high-tech office spaces. Bredow has been, and continues to be, actively involved with numerous outreach programs and volunteering opportunities largely focused on youth in impoverished communities or lacking secure family structures. In addition to traveling many parts of the globe, Bredow and his wife, Sarah, now embrace navigating the challenges-and rewards-of parenting. They recently welcomed their daughter to the family. Bredow enjoys cycling, running, and working on numerous home-improvement projects.