News – RMH Group

Leading the charge are top-tier programs at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), the Colorado School of Mines, and CU Anschutz, alongside a regional consortium led by Elevate Quantum. Designated a Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration¹, Elevate Quantum is working to accelerate quantum technology commercialization by strengthening ties between academic institutions, private industry, and federal partners. Colorado’s robust scientific ecosystem actively supports this initiative, featuring national labs such as NREL and NIST, as well as more than 40 federally funded research entities across the state.

The Elevate Quantum Model prioritizes workforce development by implementing a comprehensive strategy that spans from K–12 STEM engagement to higher education and industry-aligned training and career development. This multi-tiered approach aims to cultivate a homegrown quantum workforce by exposing students to quantum concepts early and offering pathways through technical colleges, universities, and on-the-job training programs.²

With over $114 million in public funding, including state tax incentives and targeted regional support, and an expected private investment between $1 billion and $2 billion, Colorado is positioning itself to lead the country in quantum research and talent development. More than 3,000 quantum-related jobs already exist in the state, with projections for continued growth of up to 10,000 as demand for skilled talent and high-performance research environments increases.³

However, in order to fully realize this potential, institutions must evolve their physical campuses. Engineering firms are uniquely positioned to guide these transformations, establishing the right infrastructure to support the highly specialized demands of quantum science.

The Infrastructure Demands of Quantum Technology

Quantum technologies, particularly quantum computing, sensing, and communications, require environments far more controlled than those used in conventional research labs. Key facility needs include:

Cryogenic systems and ultra-low temperature environments: Quantum systems often rely on superconducting qubits or trapped ions, both of which require environments cooled to near absolute zero.⁴ These systems not only need a significant amount of electricity and cooling water but also require a vibration-isolated infrastructure, extensive helium or dilution refrigeration systems, and enhanced ventilation and safety protocols.
Electromagnetic shielding: Even minute electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt quantum coherence. Shielded rooms and Faraday cages, integrated into lab designs and building envelopes, are critical to minimizing noise.⁵
Vibration isolation and acoustic damping: Quantum labs require low-vibration environments to ensure experimental stability and precision. This often involves the use of isolation pads, floating floor systems, and specialized HVAC design.⁶
Cleanrooms and particle control: Certain quantum hardware components are fabricated in Class 100–1000 cleanroom environments, requiring precision air filtration, pressure zoning, and strict control of contaminants.
High-density computing and cooling: Quantum labs interface with classical high-performance computing (HPC) systems, demanding robust data infrastructure and advanced thermal management systems.⁷

A Colorado Roadmap: Higher Education Leading the Way

Institutions across Colorado are actively investing in infrastructure to support this new frontier. At CU Boulder, the new space for the Quantum Engineering Initiative Lab within the College of Engineering and Applied Science, along with the campuswide Cubit Quantum Initiative, demonstrates a commitment to enabling cutting-edge quantum research.⁸ Similarly, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus is prioritizing infrastructure flexibility and energy resilience through its Energy Master Plan, designed to accommodate next-generation research needs.⁹

Elsewhere, the Auraria Campus and Colorado School of Mines are aligning facilities planning with quantum-readiness goals. Engineering assessments, clean energy upgrades, and strategic STEM space programming are helping lay the groundwork for advanced research.¹⁰

At RMH Group, we’ve had the privilege of supporting energy master planning and infrastructure design across many of these campuses. Our work on the CU Boulder Geothermal Study, for example, helps position the university to meet precision temperature requirements for sensitive labs while also achieving its carbon reduction goals. Most recently, we provided engineering services for a new laboratory on the Auraria Campus designed to support advanced research in quantum computing and physics, further underscoring the region’s growing role in the quantum ecosystem.

The Role of Engineering: Future-Ready Campuses

As Colorado institutions advance their quantum initiatives, collaboration between academic leadership, researchers, and engineering teams will be essential. Engineering firms can add strategic value by:

Designing modular, future-proof labs: Anticipating how labs may evolve as quantum tech advances help institutions avoid costly retrofits.
Integrating sustainable energy systems: Solutions like geothermal exchange and advanced controls ensure operational stability while reducing long-term costs.
Aligning infrastructure with available funding pathways: Understanding and leveraging state and regional incentives for clean energy and STEM facility upgrades can help finance these complex capital projects.

Conclusion

Quantum technology isn’t just a new research focus—it’s a paradigm shift that demands a new kind of campus. With the right infrastructure, Colorado’s higher education institutions can lead the world in this emerging domain. Engineering firms that understand the nuances of quantum science can become key partners in this transformation, helping to build not only stronger labs but smarter, more resilient campuses ready for the future.

References

US. Economic Development Administration. (2023). 2023 Tech Hubs Designees and Strategy Development Grant Recipients
Elevate Quantum. (2024). Elevate Quantum Awarded \$127 Million
The Sum & Substance. (2024). Colorado Lands Coveted Tech Hub Designation to Boost Quantum Sector
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Quantum Computing: Progress and Prospects
Quibit Components. Electromagnetic Shielding: Defending Quantum Systems from the Outside World
TMC Vibration Control. (2024). Quantum Computers: The Importance of Vibration Isolation
Cornell University, Quantum Physics (2025). Hardware-level Interfaces for Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing Systems
University of Colorado Boulder. (2023). Leadership Highlights Investment and Momentum for Collaboration, New Projects at Quantum Engineering Lab Ribbon Cutting
University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus. (2025). Energy Master Plan
Colorado School of Mines. (2025). Quantum Engineering

We are proud to announce that The RMH Group has once again been named a Top Workplace by The Denver Post. This honor reflects our incredible team’s passion, integrity, and dedication. But this recognition is not just a milestone; it demonstrates the championship culture we continue to build together. At RMH, engineering excellence goes hand-in-hand with a strong sense of community, shared purpose, and genuine care for each other.

Building a Championship Culture

From the office to the job site, we shape our culture through non-negotiable core values: client dedication, care and respect, teamwork, trust, honesty, and integrity. We weave these values into everything we do, from tackling design challenges to supporting and celebrating one another. We foster this culture by:

Empowering ownership and accountability across all levels of the firm
Celebrating individual and team achievements, both big and small
Encouraging continuous growth through learning, collaboration, and feedback
Maintaining high standards and taking pride in our work every day

A Workplace That Feels Like it was Built for You

We believe in more than just good benefits and flexible schedules—though we offer those, too. RMH stands out because we connect as people, support each other, and make space for every voice to be heard. Through wellness programs, team-building events, and open dialogue, we are creating a workplace where:

People feel valued and seen for who they are
Collaboration strengthens bonds across teams and disciplines
Everyone works toward a clear and compelling vision, not just a project deadline

Looking Ahead

Being named a Top Workplace for 2025 reinforces what we already know: when you invest in people, everything else follows. Thank you to our RMH team for bringing this culture to life each day. Your passion, commitment, and care make RMH a great place to work and a great partner in engineering a better world.

We are honored by this recognition and excited for what is ahead.

The Backbone of Healthcare: Smart MEP Design through Collaboration

The clinic’s design reflects a growing trend in healthcare toward specialized outpatient care, where targeted therapies can improve patient outcomes and experiences. Our approach to MEP design is enhanced by extensive collaboration, studies, and field investigations, which enabled us to assess existing systems and pinpoint improvements for a smooth transition into the new space.

We conducted a heating, ventilating, cooling, and power load analysis and confirmed that the two rooftop units (RTUs) serving the second and third floors, along with the electrical panel, were sufficiently sized to support the planned expansions, including the installation of two x-ray machines and a C-Arm. This careful analysis minimized unexpected costs and design changes, resulting in a high-performance environment that supports effective healing and recovery.

Additionally, RMH collaborated with stakeholders to reconfigure the base building’s HVAC systems, enhancing tenant control and
aligning our approach with the planned construction for the Cancer Center on the Garden Level and Level 3. By fostering open communication and teamwork, we adapted our strategies to effectively split the design packages, even at a late stage of the process. This flexibility allowed us to navigate project phasing smoothly while maintaining our commitment to quality throughout the design phase.

A Model for Future Healthcare Engineering

The Castle Rock Muscular Skeletal Gym and Clinic exemplifies how effective collaboration between the client, architecture team, and MEP engineers yields a facility designed with patient needs and experiences at its core. The insights derived from working closely with the AdventHealth leadership team addressed their unique challenges and needs, leading to functional and healing spaces.

As we look to the future, it is clear that successful healthcare engineering will depend heavily on collaborative efforts that include proactive planning. By fostering a patient-centered design philosophy and working hand-in-hand with clients, we have the ability to develop healthcare facilities that not only exceed performance expectations but also create nurturing environments that promote healing and wellness. The collaboration and understanding gleaned from the Castle Rock project will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for excellence in future healthcare environments.

Creating a brand video isn’t merely about showcasing services—it’s about telling a story that reflects our mission and ethos. At RMH, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect on a deeper level. Our new video is a testament to the passion and dedication that drives us every day. It offers a glimpse into our work culture, our commitment to innovation, and our pursuit of excellence.

Our core values form the backbone of our operations, and this video serves as a visual representation of those principles. We crafted the narrative to align with our mission making a difference in our world and environment through engineering a better place through of delivering top-tier engineering services while prioritizing professionalism, innovation, sustainability, and reliability. By weaving these values into every frame, we aim to inspire and attract individuals who share our vision.

Driven by Our Core Values

Our core values are the compass that guides our actions and decisions. They are deeply ingrained in our culture and serve as the foundation of our operations. Our brand video brings these values to life, illustrating how they influence our work and interactions.

- Client Dedication: We are committed to serving our clients and consistently exceeding expectations.
- Caring and Respect: We care for and respect each client, treat everyone equally, and foster a culture of mutual respect among ourselves.
- Teamwork: We work together, pooling our diverse skills and experience to achieve a common set of goals.
- Trust: We instill confidence in our stakeholders by making the right decisions guided by our core values and industry expertise.
- Honesty: We uphold the principle of being truthful and straightforward in all our interactions and communications.
- Integrity: We are committed to demonstrating strong moral principles in all our actions and decisions.

Embark on a Journey with The RMH Group

Our brand video isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s an invitation to be part of our story. Whether you’re considering joining our team, partnering with us, or exploring our services, we believe this video will inspire you to take the next step.

Join us on this exciting journey, and let’s create a future of innovation, excellence, and positive impact together.

At the heart of Denver, the Auraria Campus is a beacon of knowledge and opportunity, serving over 40,000 students, faculty, and staff from three institutions—Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. An intricate part of Auraria Campus’s mission is providing comfortable and conducive environments for learning and working. The Campus HVAC Replacement project marks a significant step towards this goal while enriching the local community.

The RMH Group (RMH Group) is the prime consultant on the project, providing mechanical and electrical engineering services focused on replacing an aging mechanical infrastructure. This project provides more efficient and reliable service for nine key buildings on campus, covering over 1.25 million square feet. It touches classrooms, laboratories, and offices that form the core of a vibrant academic community. An updated mechanical infrastructure is essential for the continued operation of these buildings. A phased schedule allows the campus to remain operational, reflecting RMH Group’s commitment to minimizing disruption while maximizing impact.

RMH Group considers HVAC upgrades more than just regular maintenance and believes it’s an imperative response to aging equipment and more frequent extreme weather conditions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, based on data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, heat waves are steadily increasing, occurring more frequently, lasting longer on average, and becoming more intense since the 1960s.¹ This likely does not surprise many of us within the Denver metro area. In July, we saw three consecutive days when temperatures reached or even exceeded 100 degrees. In contrast, January 2024 ranked as the eighth-coldest four-day period since 1951.² With such varying degrees of weather, maintaining thermal comfort is vital, particularly for institutions like the AHEC.

Our project with AHEC aims to provide practical solutions and the thermal comfort of all the students, staff, and faculty on the campus. We are all about creating an environment that is not just conducive to learning but also to fostering knowledge and productivity under the best conditions," shares Natasha Hernandez, RMH Group's vice president and higher education market lead.

Natasha Hernandez, RMH Vice President, Higher Education Market Lead

By upgrading HVAC systems and replacing antiquated infrastructure, RMH Group is not just maintaining the smooth operation of these buildings but also enhancing the environment where our future leaders, innovators, and change-makers can grow and thrive. This commitment stretches beyond client satisfaction and human comfort. The firm is tuning into the pulse of our changing climate and adapting our systems to meet these challenges head-on.

“We believe in creating lasting, sustainable solutions while catering to our client’s immediate needs,” Natasha stated. “This project’s impact will extend far beyond the buildings themselves.”

So, whether it is an antiquated system, extreme heat, or cold, AHEC can count on RMH Group’s expertise and commitment to providing top-notch HVAC solutions for its campus stakeholders and the surrounding communities. With RMH Group’s expertise and commitment to excellence, the firm is confident that this project signifies a leading example of how HVAC upgrades can transform learning environments.

The RMH Group, a leading engineering firm with over six decades of innovation and excellence, is proud to announce that it has been named a Top Workplace in 2024 by The Denver Post. This prestigious recognition, awarded to The RMH Group seven out of the last 12 years, highlights our commitment to creating a work environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and excellence.

This accolade is based strictly on feedback from our employees, gathered via a comprehensive survey conducted by Energage, LLC, an employee engagement technology partner. The survey assesses critical aspects of workplace culture, including alignment with company values, execution of business strategies, and the strength of connections within the team. We are honored that our efforts to build a supportive and dynamic work environment have been recognized in this way.

Our employees are the backbone of our company, and we couldn't be prouder to be named a Top Workplace by The Denver Post based on their feedback. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our employees.

Mike Watkins, RMH President

Founded over 60 years ago, The RMH Group has remained at the cutting edge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems design. Our dedication to sustainability, efficiency, and innovative solutions has established us as a trusted partner in various markets such as healthcare, higher education, aerospace, and more. Our projects range from local community initiatives to international collaborations, demonstrating our technical authority and commitment to improving the built environment.

In addition to our project work, The RMH Group prioritizes community involvement and employee engagement. Our dedicated committees coordinate activities ranging from food drives to environmental cleanups, supporting both our local and global communities. We also foster a vibrant workplace culture through social events, team-building activities, and wellness challenges, ensuring our employees enjoy a balanced and enriching work-life experience.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our employees for their dedication and to The Denver Post for this esteemed recognition. We will continue to strive for excellence, innovate for a sustainable future, and build upon the strong foundation that has made us a Top Workplace these past years,” said Mike Watkins.

The RMH Group is pleased to announce their newly formed acquisition and partnership with Technology Plus, Incorporated (TPI).

This partnership, effective December 1, 2022, brings together two firms that highly complement each other and will be able to enhance their services by being able to offer more to their clients.

Howard Feingold, President, and Founder of TPI states, “We have worked together on projects over the past 30 years, and now as one team, can position our client’s projects for today and the future. Our team will bring clients an integrated solution for green and smart buildings, campuses, and districts.” Now a true MEP/T firm, the company will be able to provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services as well as technology design. MEP and technology integration will allow the firm the abilities to bring together experience and expertise by complementing each other, allowing clients a more seamless experience and added value to their projects.

RMH, founded in 1961, and TPI, founded in 1991, have over 90 years of combined experience. Headquarters will remain in Lakewood, Colorado with TPI employees joining the team on Colfax Blvd. The addition of TPI, has expanded the company beyond Colorado and Arizona, and now also has an office in California. Clients will continue to receive the same service from the team and enjoy the benefits of the additional capabilities provided.

The partnership allows for more growth and benefits for the staff as well. “At RMH, our employees are our biggest asset. TPI and RMH company cultures and values align well. We are both excited for this partnership and excited for the opportunities we bring to each other,” said Mike Watkins, RMH President.

The RMH Group is based in Lakewood, Colorado, with an office in Phoenix, Arizona and now, Los Angeles, California. RMH serves clients throughout the U.S. as well as internationally, and is a recognized leader in low-energy-use and high performance building system design. RMH specializes in highly technical design for public and private sector markets.

TPI specializes in technology convergence and collaboration, positioning clients to meet short-term needs and long-term goals. TPI provides clients with an unbiased needs analysis with system solutions and equipment recommendations and keeps abreast of new technologies as they emerge, providing clients with the latest technological innovations.

The RMH Group (RMH) is pleased to announce that Mike Watkins was elected to the position of company president at the firm’s board of directors meeting held on May 18, 2021. Watkins previously served as RMH’s Chief Operating Officer and (before that) RMH Aerospace Group Market Leader.

Watkins began his career at RMH 21 years ago and quickly emerged as a respected leader and technical resource for other engineers within the company. As Market Leader of RMH’s Aerospace Group, he built long-lasting relationships with some of the most prominent firms in the aerospace industry and oversaw projects as large as $350 million in scale. Watkins also founded RMH’s Lean Committee, which has steadily streamlined operations within the firm.

Past RMH president Bill Green will remain with the firm as a principal and QA/QC specialist.