BIG INNOVATION FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS: THE JOURNEY OF AIR DESIGN SYSTEMS

Air Design Systems is known as one of the most recognized ventilation companies in the Chicagoland area. The company’s 45,000-square-foot facility uses the industry’s most advanced technology to fabricate the highest-quality ductwork in house. Their portfolio boasts complete ventilation and sheet metal work for multi-million-dollar projects like the Obama Presidential Center and UChicago Medicine — jobs that belie the company’s humble beginnings.

“My mom started the company while I was still in diapers, out of the family laundry room,” said Bridget Chojnacki, Vice President. “We used to store the sheet metal in our garage.”

Pat Hickey founded Air Design Systems in 1977, a time of innovation and progress — but not progressive enough for her to take out a business loan on her own. A man had to accompany Hickey to the bank to help secure the funding.  

“At the time, it was rare for a woman to be part of this industry — let alone own her own company,” Chojnacki said. “As a second-generation owner, I have a huge amount of respect for how my mother handled all the ups and downs. Reaching 48 years in operation is a significant milestone, and our work on high-profile projects like the Obama Center and the University of Chicago Cancer Center reflects the expertise and excellence we’ve cultivated through the years.”

The company was intentionally built around the support of union apprentices, many of whom have contributed 30-plus years of exceptional skill, work ethic and plenty of elbow grease to elevate Air Design Systems into the industry leader it has become. Their top-notch training has given the company a competitive edge through nearly five decades to “move up” in the industry, beginning with the Cook County Jail project in the late ‘80s, to the Northwestern University Lurie Cancer Center, to the high-tech data centers that Illinois is proposing to build for quantum computing.

“If you’re looking for a company with values and quality workmanship, that’s the heartbeat of who we are,” said Air Design Systems’ Chief Growth Officer Matthew Mele. “We deliver excellence in our craft and installation across every project from a bathroom grille to a cancer hospital.”

Jacob Chojnacki, general manager, explored those company values further, explaining the collaborative environment the team embraces from the top down.

“Our vision as a company is to set the standard for collaboration and provide legendary workmanship in Chicago,” he said. “In the past, companies across the nation have viewed partnerships as a checkbox. We want to flip that on its head and set a standard for real, genuine collaboration that’s mutually beneficial for our firm and other firms.”

In keeping with the spirit of collaborative partnerships, Air Design Systems created its on-site BIM Partnership Center, which encourages in-person meetings for all key players involved in a project to help deliver a seamless product. Beyond industry partnerships, Air Design Systems also seeks out partnerships that make a positive impact in the community. In the aftermath of the pandemic, they began a mentorship program with a local charter school to help students discover career paths outside the traditional college route. They’ve coordinated field trips to SMART Local 73, Plumbers Local 597 and connected students with IBEW Local 134 to gain a better idea of what opportunities are available.

“We want to expose urban minorities and youth to the trades,” Jacob said. “It’s so easy to write a check and host a fundraiser where everyone has a nice dinner, but at the end of the day, who’s actually sharing their stories and showing these students what it’s like?”

Tomorrow’s generation of workers is the next challenge for Air Design Systems leadership to navigate, and they’re using the book “Working Genius” by Patrick Leoncioni to make sure they have the right team in place for the right roles.

“It’s opened our eyes to the unique strengths each person brings, and how we can empower them to grow in their careers,” Mele said. “We’re striving to be thoughtful and forward-thinking as we engage with the next generation of professionals. At Air Design Systems, we believe that staying curious, humble, and committed to a learning culture is the key to success well into the future.”