Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Engineering Consultants in Lakewood, CO
Since 1959, Cator Ruma has been a leader in consulting engineering services for institutional, commercial, industrial, and medical facilities across the western and central United States. Headquartered in Lakewood, CO, our firm has built a reputation on engineering excellence, with over 100 employees and three regional offices. Our depth of experience spans healthcare, higher education, K-12, government, and private industry sectors, enabling us to deliver value-driven building systems optimized for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. We prioritize an integrated design process rooted in exceptional communication and early collaboration with all project stakeholders. Our team of registered professional engineers and specialists brings decades of cumulative expertise to every project, ensuring compliance with codes while addressing budgetary and functional requirements.From concept to commissioning, we remain engaged throughout the project lifecycle, offering mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology systems design. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our work on complex facilities, including laboratories, hospitals, universities, and justice centers, where we implement sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies. With a client retention rate built over 60 years, we measure success by the long-term satisfaction of the institutions we serve. Our leadership team actively mentors staff and maintains direct involvement in projects, ensuring continuity of quality and adherence to our core values of quality, integrity, and innovation.
Services
HVAC Design
Fire Protection Engineering
Power Systems
Low Voltage Systems
Commissioning
Plumbing Design
Lighting Solutions
Technology Infrastructure
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience in institutional engineering design.
- Our integrated design process ensures seamless collaboration with architects and clients.
- Dedicated commissioning department guarantees system performance and owner requirements.
- Specialized expertise in complex facilities like laboratories and healthcare campuses.
- Regional focus with deep knowledge of western U.S. building codes and needs.
What people say
Technical expertise
Collaborative approach
Energy-efficient designs
Long-term reliability
Code compliance
Services
HVAC Design
Our HVAC solutions optimize comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency for institutional and commercial buildings. We design systems that balance reliability with aesthetic integration, addressing temperature, humidity, and noise control. With expertise in healthcare, education, and government facilities, we ensure compliance with stringent operational requirements while minimizing long-term costs.
Fire Protection Engineering
We develop code-compliant fire protection systems tailored to complex institutional facilities. Our engineers navigate conflicting regulations to deliver solutions that prioritize occupant safety and property protection. Services include sprinkler design, fire alarm integration, and risk assessment for healthcare, education, and justice sector clients.
Power Systems
Our power system designs emphasize reliability, maintainability, and scalability for critical facilities. We incorporate energy-efficient components and future-ready architectures for healthcare campuses, data centers, and industrial sites. Services span emergency power, lighting controls, and utility infrastructure upgrades.
Commissioning
Our dedicated commissioning team ensures building systems perform to design specifications and owner needs. We employ proven processes for mechanical, electrical, and technology systems validation, from initial testing through occupancy. This service guarantees operational efficiency and reduces lifecycle maintenance costs.
Laboratory Design
We specialize in mechanical and electrical systems for high-tech laboratory environments, including BSL-3 and cleanroom facilities. Our designs address safety, contamination control, and energy efficiency while supporting complex research and healthcare applications across university and institutional campuses.
People
Michael Meints
Chief Executive Officer
Leading Cator Ruma since 2000, Michael brings 40+ years of mechanical engineering expertise. A registered PE in 21 states, he champions client engagement and mentors engineers to innovate solutions for complex institutional projects.
Jim Lazzeri
President
With 35+ years in engineering, Jim specializes in healthcare and technology projects. As President, he focuses on strategic growth while maintaining hands-on involvement in high-profile designs across multiple industries.
Sean Convery
Principal Mechanical Engineer
A laboratory design expert with 25+ years of experience, Sean has led over 60 lab projects including BSL-3 facilities. He co-founded the I2SL Colorado Chapter and speaks annually at sustainability conferences.
Josh Harwood
Principal Commissioning Authority
Josh specializes in optimizing building performance through commissioning. With 20+ years of experience, he ensures systems meet design intent while improving energy efficiency and operational outcomes for healthcare and municipal clients.
Kevin Miller
Principal Electrical Engineer
A LEED AP with 30+ years in electrical systems design, Kevin leads complex healthcare and aerospace projects. His expertise includes emergency power systems and sustainable electrical infrastructure for high-tech facilities.
Questions
What industries does Cator Ruma specialize in?
We focus on healthcare, higher education, K-12, government, justice, hospitality, and laboratory facilities across the western U.S.
How long has Cator Ruma been in business?
Founded in 1959, we have over 60 years of experience in engineering consulting services.
Do you offer commissioning services?
Yes, our dedicated commissioning department verifies building systems meet design specifications and owner requirements.
What makes your engineering approach unique?
We combine technical expertise with early team collaboration and ongoing client engagement throughout project phases.
Are you involved in sustainable design?
Yes, we prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable practices in systems design for LEED-certified and other green buildings.
Where are your offices located?
We have offices in Lakewood, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Boise, ID, serving the western United States.
