Spencer O’Dell

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AR Team Participates in Interactive Construction Staking Activity 👷🏼‍♀️

Last week, we hosted an interactive survey activity with our staff focused on construction staking—a critical step in ensuring accuracy and efficiency on our projects. The session gave our team the chance to share insights, ask questions, and reinforce best practices for translating design plans into precise field layouts. It also provided insight into the different styles of staking that are used based upon scenarios and difficulties that may be encountered on a site. Construction staking is where planning meets reality, and getting it right is essential for project success!  We also covered some GPS fundamentals for topographic survey. This allowed us to discuss how information is picked up in the field vs how the design team interprets the data. A big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed their expertise. Your feedback helps us continuously improve and deliver quality results. #ProfessionalDevelopment #AREngineering #Survey

Monthly InsidAR - October 2025

western michigan pmi professional development day

Whitney Pizzala and Spencer attended WMPMI’s Professional Development Day at The Gilmore in Comstock Park. This year’s theme, “PM Powered: Driving Change & Delivering Impact,” emphasized purpose-driven leadership and the positive impact of project management. The event featured expert sessions, networking, and a community-focused activity where we built solar-powered kits benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids.

MICareerquest 2025

AR Engineering had the opportunity to participate in the MiCareerQuest Southwest event which took place on October 28-29, 2025 at the Kalamazoo Expo Center.  This event is organized annually by the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) and provides the opportunity for 4,500+ 8th grade students from across Southwest Michigan to experience a variety of careers hands-on!   This year the AR team prepared two activities to help engage students, First, a scaled topographic relief map of the city of Kalamazoo as visual aid in a discussion about elevation and flood risk, and second,  a 3D laser scanner to show off our capabilities in high tech lidar surveying. This was our second time participating in the MiCareerQuest Southwest, it a great event and our team is looking forward to next year!

annual pumpkin carving and chili lunch

AR Engineering recently held our annual Fall celebration, featuring a chili cook-off and pumpkin carving contest! We all enjoyed a delicious lunch while informally judging a great selection of chilis (including a tasty vegetarian lentil soup). While every dish was a winner in its own right, the afternoon's main event was the pumpkin carving competition. Teams formed to create some truly unique designs. The office neighbors next door had the tough job of voting for the best, and the winning pumpkin was the one eating a smaller pumpkin! A fun fact: all the pumpkins were grown right in the AR Garden.

AIA Southwest michigan design Awards

AR Engineering was honored to be a sponsor and attend the 2025 AIA Southwest Michigan Design Awards, held at The Desenberg in downtown Kalamazoo. The evening celebrated the creativity, innovation, and impact of architectural design across our region. It was inspiring to connect with peers, celebrate outstanding projects, and support AIA Southwest Michigan Chapter. Congratulations to all the award recipients!

Monthly InsidAR - September 2025

ABC Excellence in Construction Awards

On the evening of September 18th the West Michigan chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ held their Excellence In Constructions Awards Event.  The Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards recognize the best of commercial construction in west Michigan.  The evening was a game show themed extravaganza with over 650 attendees.  Winners were announced, awards collected and fun was had by all.  AR Engineering was thrilled to attend our first EIC and we congratulate all the winners. 

Bronson Children’s WAlk

AR Engineering was proud to once again participate in the Bronson Children's Hospital Run and Walk on Sunday, September 29, 2025. We are grateful to continue our partnership with such a remarkable community healthcare provider for this great cause. A big thank you to Bronson Children's Hospital and all healthcare providers for their tireless service. We had a great time joining community members from across the area to walk and run on a beautiful fall day.

Fall WMU engineering expo

Whitney Pizzala and Carolyn Kurtz participated in the Fall Engineering Expo at Western Michigan University on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The event was held in Floyd Hall on the Parkview Campus, the home of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Whitney and Carolyn had the opportunity to meet with WMU students and share information about civil engineering, surveying, and internship opportunities. The AR Engineering team appreciates the chance to support students at WMU and looks forward to attending this excellent event each year.

🏌️‍♀️ MSPS SW michigan golf outing 🏌️‍♀️

On September 4th, AR Engineering participated in the annual SW Chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) Golf Outing. It was a beautiful day for golf at Saskatoon Golf Club in Alto, Michigan.  This annual event is a great opportunity to gather and connect with fellow surveyors near the end of a very busy surveying year.  AR Engineering’s Team of Sam Kindermann, and Thom Carpenter recorded a respectable five under par for their round just a few strokes off the lead. 

⛳AIA/NAWIC/CFMA Golf outing⛳

AR Engineering was proud to take part in the recent joint golf outing hosted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Southwest Michigan, Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Kalamazoo/Battle Creek. This annual event brought together professionals from across the design and construction industry for a day of connection, collaboration, and community impact.

Beyond a fun day on the course, the outing supported a meaningful cause—raising funds for student scholarships. Investing in future architects, engineers, and construction professionals ensures that our industry continues to grow stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive. AR Engineering is honored to play a role in supporting the next generation of leaders who will shape our built environment. The event also provided a great opportunity to connect with clients, colleagues, and industry partners in a relaxed setting. We value the relationships we’ve built and enjoyed the chance to strengthen those connections while supporting a worthy mission.

We extend our thanks to AIA Southwest Michigan, NAWIC Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, and CFMA for organizing such an impactful event. AR Engineering looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that give back to our community and foster the future of our profession.

Monthly InsidAR - August 2025

Annual AR Company Picnic

Our company picnic was the perfect way to wrap up summer! Families gathered to enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ, plenty of sides, and sweet treats that hit the spot. While a few pickleball matches brought out some friendly competition, the real crowd-pleaser was relaxing together and catching some college football as the season kicked off. The kids enjoyed the playground, various yard games and fishing from the pier. Nothing beats good food, great company, and cheering on your team. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fun day!

AR Engineering volunteers with Habitat for humanity

On August 26, a team from AR Engineering spent the day with Habitat for Humanity working on a local house project. The team spent the day placing a termite shield around the perimeter as well as preparing the foundation for a modular home to be constructed upon. Everyone was able to bring their construction skills as well as try out new techniques and tools. We were honored to be a small part in bringing a home to a family in Kalamazoo!

🏌️‍♀️ asce southwest michigan golf outing 🏌️‍♀️

AR Engineering was proud to participate in the annual ASCE Southwest Michigan Branch Golf Outing at The Lynx Golf Club in Otsego. It was a beautiful day spent on the course with great company and even better weather! Our team—Whitney Pizzala, Spencer O’Dell, and Emily Grunewald—had a fantastic time supporting ASCE’s mission to raise scholarship funds for future civil engineers. Events like these are a great reminder of the strong community we have in Southwest Michigan and the importance of investing in the next generation of professionals. Thanks to ASCE for hosting another successful outing, and to all the sponsors and participants who made it a memorable day!

AR Team pickleball outing

Our corporate pickleball outing was a huge hit! 🎉 From beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to a couple who have played before showing off their skills, everyone got in on the action. The courts were filled with plenty of laughs, a little friendly competition, and lots of team spirit. It was the perfect way to step out of the office, stay active, and connect with coworkers in a fun, relaxed setting. We are already talking about the possibility of a rematch! 🏓✨