Michael McLaren, SE, PE, ENV SP, F. ASCE, currently serves as RLG's CEO/President. With over 25 years of structural engineering experience, Mr. McLaren possesses a vast knowledge base of various facility types, most notably in the education sector. Today, we asked him a few questions about the education market sector, specifically in the Midwest, and how it has changed and what he has noticed.
How has RLG’s work across the Midwest influenced your approach to K-12 education design and delivery?
"My experience working with school districts across the Midwest has shaped a very practical, adaptable approach to K-12 design and delivery. Districts in the area face constraints, including climate, budgets, and aging facilities, so our role is to design solutions that are durable, flexible, and realistic to build.
Since the pandemic, construction costs have risen roughly 30 to 40 percent, which has significantly changed how districts plan projects. Many are now utilizing the construction manager delivery method, which provides our design teams with real-time pricing and constructability feedback as the design evolves. This allows districts to make informed decisions early and get the most value from their budget."
Based on your experience, what common challenges do Midwest school districts face today, and how does RLG tailor its approach to address those needs across different communities?
"One of the biggest challenges Midwest school districts face today is balancing rising construction and operational costs with limited funding. Many districts shifted toward fewer but much larger projects, such as major additions or full replacement schools, to address aging infrastructure more efficiently.
Regional conditions also influence our design decisions. In colder Midwest climates, for example, we often use pre-cast construction for storm shelters to support year-round construction and align better with cost and schedule constraints. No two districts are the same, larger districts may be planning for growth, while smaller ones focus on modernizing their existing facilities. At RLG, we tailor our approach based on district size, long-term goals, and financial realities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution."
Can you highlight a Midwest K-12 education project that demonstrates how RLG approaches collaboration, problem-solving, and long-term facility planning?
"We are currently working on three major K-12 projects in Central Illinois out of our Peoria office: Washington Lincoln Grade School, Wilder Waite Elementary School, and Murrayville Woodson Elementary School. Each reflects RLG’s collaborative approach and focus on designing facilities that support both immediate needs and long-term performance.
Wilder Waite Elementary School is a strong example of how we approach problem-solving and long-term planning. From the beginning, the district was focused not only on construction costs but also on energy use and ongoing operational expenses, which represents a substantial portion of a school’s budget. In response, our team designed the roof structure to support solar panels.
Throughout design, we worked closely with the construction manager and MEP team to evaluate multiple HVAC system options, including cooling towers and rooftop units, each of which impacts the structure differently. By developing and reviewing multiple design scenarios together, we were able to identify solutions that aligned with the district’s budget while still meeting performance goals."
Thinking about the school projects we’ve covered, can you walk us through the team structure, the roles involved, and how collaboration supported the design and delivery process?
"For Wilder Waite Elementary School, the project team included the project engineer, project manager, and principal-in-charge, with Crystal Parker, Amanda Deyo, and me, Michael McLaren, providing oversight and strategic direction. Mark Kaiser, a structural senior associate located in our Dallas office, has supported storm shelter design and conducted peer reviews across multiple schools.
Washington Lincoln Grade School included Allen Taylor, Robin Shelton, and Sam Lawrence, with support from our Dallas office, including Raymond Kakala. Murrayville Woodson Elementary followed a similar approach, with Allen Taylor, Robin Shelton, and Sam Lawrence forming the core design team. Across all projects, close teamwork between RLG staff, construction managers, and district representatives ensures clear communication, practical solutions, and facilities that meet current and future needs.
Collaboration with the construction manager was key. By coordinating closely, we ensured the design was practical, on budget, and aligned with the district’s long-term goals."
About RLG Consulting Engineers
Founded in 1953 by Raymond L. Goodson, Jr., RLG Consulting Engineers specializes in civil, structural, surveying and forensic engineering. For 70 years, RLG has been recognized as one of the top engineering firms in Texas for their ability to attract and retain a talented, experienced team. Known for thorough and meticulous work, RLG has designed major projects in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and throughout the country. The staff of more than 80 employees, includes professional engineers holding licenses in 47 states, graduate engineers and registered professional land surveyors.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Hart | lhart@rlginc.com | 214-739-8100
