Sam Graner is hoping you never notice all his hard work.

If all goes well, his efforts stay behind the scenes; his team doesn’t get much credit. That means everything was done right.

Designing heating and cooling systems is less flashy, less visible than some of the more noticeable pieces of any project. But that’s no testament to its importance, which you’ll truly understand only if something goes wrong.

And Sam ensures it doesn’t by putting design first. He considers design the most important aspect of a project: Good design minimizes risk and ensures the result is exactly what the client is looking for. It’s good engineering practice that meets codes and regulations while keeping within a budget and masterfully coordinating with the electrical, plumbing and structural engineers and architects.

Sam’s not in this for the credit. He’s not in it for time spent in the office, looking at lines on paper. It’s the field work – troubleshooting in a loud, hot mechanical room – that’s more his style. It helps him appreciate what he’s working on and allows for a better understanding of the system – and a better connection with the contractors installing his pieces. The hands-on experience allows him to better understand problems and how to manage them. Sam’s listening to the maintenance folks, the ones who have to live with the work for 30 years. If he can make them happy, make their jobs easier, he’s done his job.

Ideally, no one notices or cares about his work because it’s been done so well. A bit of a thankless job, but one that he takes great pride in.