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Q&A With Partner, Zac Morton

by Kat Phelps, Marketing Manager

Zac Morton

PE, LEED AP | Partner

Zac Morton, PE, LEED AP serves as a Partner at DBR, overseeing MEP Engineering services for the San Antonio office. Since starting with DBR in 2002, Zac has developed a wide range of project experience including new construction, additions, renovations, and system upgrades. Zac holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University and is a licensed engineer.

As a LEED® Accredited Professional, Zac has developed an understanding of the requirements and best practices for energy-efficient designs. With a conscience for responsible and sustainable design, he works to ensure a better built environment for our clients. Zac’s personal attention to his clients, solution-oriented thinking, and down to earth personality makes him a valued leader in our San Antonio office.

Q&A with Zac:


Q: As a Partner and leader in the firm, how do you mentor the designers of today to become better leaders for tomorrow?

A: I do my best to stay involved with the design process – meeting with clients, checking our projects, and taking advantage of the training opportunities that affords.  I try to lead by example on the level of client service and expectations of quality we have at DBR.  It’s important for all of our partners and other senior personnel to help others learn the lessons we learned along the way (sometimes the hard way).  We are increasing our mentorship and training efforts, and partners play a key role in those efforts.


Q:
What are some proven methodologies you have used to ensure DBR delivers projects that go above and beyond our client’s expectations?

A: Two things: thinking outside the box and continuous quality control.  We are often asked to do things that are not typical.  We enjoy solving problems that are outside of the normal ways of designing MEP systems.  It energizes us to find new solutions – whether it’s a thermal storage central plant for Alamo Heights ISD or fitting a VAV air distribution system into Tafolla Middle School (San Antonio ISD), which was originally constructed without air conditioning.

For quality control, nothing works better than getting the design team around the same set of plans for review and coordination.  That happens digitally now, with plans on our touchscreen displays in the conference room.  As we’re all working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, we’re now using Bluebeam Studio to virtually gather around the plans, share comments, coordinate, and mentor.


Q:
What do you see as key opportunities for the San Antonio office in the next 5 years?  

A: Several area school districts expect continued growth.  Those that do not are upgrading aging facilities.  DBR has a strong background in new school construction and renovation so we are expecting to continue supporting local school districts with those projects. We also hope to see continued commercial and hospitality development around the Pearl Brewery, Broadway, and downtown.

Hero image at the top of page:
Pleasanton ISD – Pleasanton Elementary School | LPA, Inc. | Pleasanton, Texas

Have questions? Give Zac a call:

Zac Morton, PE, LEED AP
Partner
210.546.0200
[email protected]