“Coordinating projects at EAB has taught me the importance of paying attention to detail. I have also learned the value of goal setting and how to manage teams to meet goals.” – Bryan (Chip) Lacy
Chip’s Time at EAB
In 1983, Chip received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas before starting his career at EAB as a Technician in Training. In the same year, Chip led his first project in the Katy Transportation Center. This project set the groundwork for his future at EAB in project management.
Chip continued to hone his skills, and over the course of 9 years (1987-1995), his hard work paid off, and he assumed the role of Project Coordinator and then Project Manager during this time. He was instrumental in many projects and worked on laboratory, healthcare, and research facilities. A couple memorable projects during this time were Harris County State Psychiatric Hospital and TAMU Veterinary Medical Center.
In 1996, Chip was certified as a Test and Balance Engineer (TBE) by the Associated Air Balance Council (AABC).
Serving as the Houston Training Manager from 2001-2014, Chip developed EAB’s first structured training program. He was also instrumental in the creation of a comprehensive test which prepares technicians for the National Certification Test for AABC.
Chip has had an impressive 39 year career at Engineered Air Balance. From leading milestone projects, to mentoring countless employees in Testing and balancing, we are so thankful for all Chip has contributed to our team over the years. Chip continues his extensive career at EAB as Project Manager in the Houston office serving the healthcare and research markets.
Milestone Projects
From 1986-1991, Chip had the opportunity to work on the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. This facility is for the assembly and disassembly of nuclear weapons and a stockpile holding area operated by the federal government and overseen by the DOE. In 1986, he was selected from the Houston office to assist a Project Manager on the project. After six months the project was turned over to Chip to finish out. In 1991 when the Pantex HE Facility was constructed, Chip was assigned the Project Manager position for the project.
Chip maintained a long-standing relationship with Rice University, and managed projects over a 13-year period (1996-2009). A few projects he oversaw included: Rice University’s Nanoscale Building, Nanotech Building, and Duncan and McMurtry Hall.
In 1997, Texas A&M University built their first domed sports arena, Reed Arena Sport Complex, and called on EAB to support the project. Chip acted as a Project Manager on the project and oversaw the testing, adjusting, and balancing of the entire facility.
In 2002, the M.D. Anderson Mays Clinic Ambulatory Building in the Texas Medical Center was one of the first large-scale projects that Chip managed from start to finish.
In 2006, Chip managed the UT Health Science Center Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases. He led a skilled team of professionals who worked tirelessly to resolve issues and create an optimum environment for molecular disease research.
The following year, 2007, Chip had the opportunity to oversee the Bastrop Basic Research Education Building. This facility houses over 2000 primates for cancer research for MD Anderson. Chip oversaw the project to ensure that the facility met their specific needs.
The sophisticated Houston Methodist Research Institute Translational Research Building was another marquee project that Chip had the privilege of overseeing in 2010.
In 2019, Chip served as a Project Manager on the KBI Biopharma project. KBI Biopharma is a bio-pharmacy and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) lab that accelerates the development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Chip’s past experience with laboratories prepared him well to work in this type of environment.
More About Chip…
What is your ideal room temperature, and why?
78 degrees with a draft because it reminds me of a day on a Caribbean beach in the shade.
What did you want to be when you were little?
A Forest Ranger. Why? Simply because I would rather be outdoors than indoors.
Which of these core values (Integrity, Quality, Consistency and Teamwork) do you most identify with, and what does it mean to you?
Consistency is performing the accepted procedures taught with a repetitive focus. It means taking the time to methodically perform the task without taking shortcuts.
What is your absolute favorite thing about working for EAB?
The bonds you make with fellow workers and the spirit of teamwork.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I enjoy hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and motorcycle riding.