Ronald J. Unterreiner

Every time I look at the photo of the Logan, W.Va., addition and renovation project, as depicted on the cover, I am reminded of the uniqueness of this HBE design and construction firm. In my career, I am not sure I could think of any one individual or any one company or certainly any one structural engineer who would dare to risk it all by hanging a hospital building out over a raging river supported by piers driven into saturated soil on an unworkable hillside. Who does such a thing? And how and why? In many ways, this is the HBE story. A community in need; no space to expand; lack of funds to relocate and build new; but so much need and so much responsibility to serve its community. This is the need that Fred Kummer saw across the landscape of the United States. Welcome to SMART DESIGN – The HBE Story; if you are in the industry in any capacity, you will want to read this story, and my bet is you will find it fascinating.