Lucas McGill, PE, LEED AP
President | Head of Electrical Engineering | Senior Project Manager

Lucas McGill is President of GHR Engineers and oversees the firm’s electrical engineering practice, bringing over 15 years of experience in both electrical and mechanical design. His project portfolio includes K–12 schools, higher education campuses, healthcare facilities, public buildings, and commercial developments. As a registered Professional Engineer and LEED Accredited Professional, he guides projects with a focus on energy efficiency, interdisciplinary coordination, and long-term system performance. His management style fosters a collaborative environment that keeps projects on track and teams aligned.

With a strong foundation in both mechanical and electrical engineering, Lucas offers a comprehensive perspective on building systems. His expertise includes advanced
electrical distribution, low-voltage technology systems, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable design. He has successfully directed projects with construction budgets of
up to $50 million and is known for delivering high-quality, cost-effective results on time and within budget.

Lucas holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and is a member of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.

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Richard Van Note, PE
Vice President | Senior Mechanical Engineer | Project Manager

Richard Van Note is Vice President of GHR Engineers and a senior leader in the firm’s mechanical engineering practice. With more than 15 years of experience, Richard
brings deep technical knowledge and a practical, solutions-focused mindset to projects across the educational, healthcare, civic, and commercial sectors.
Richard is highly skilled in the design and coordination of a wide range of mechanical systems. His strong analytical background and natural aptitude for mathematics allow him to quickly evaluate complex system interactions, assess energy performance, and develop designs that balance functionality, efficiency, and cost. He is especially valued for his ability to navigate the challenges of renovation and modernization projects, where legacy infrastructure and limited space require creative, code-compliant
solutions.

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Known for his steady leadership and collaborative approach, Richard works closely with owners, architects, and engineering teams to ensure that building systems are not only high-performing but also maintainable and well-integrated with project goals. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

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Sophie Shorish, PE
Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | Project Manager

Sophie Shorish is a Vice President at GHR Engineers and a mechanical engineer with a broad portfolio of work spanning K–12 schools, higher education facilities, healthcare environments, public buildings, and commercial developments. With over seven years at GHR and a background in both mechanical engineering and environmental design, Sophie brings a thoughtful, user-centered approach to every project.

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Sophie specializes in the design of HVAC systems that prioritize indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and long-term efficiency. She is known for her detail-oriented designprocess, careful attention to system maintainability, and collaborative communication style. Whether modernizing aging infrastructure or contributing to new construction, she brings a strong sense of purpose and technical precision to each phase of design.

In addition to her engineering work, Sophie works closely with clients, architects, and design teams to ensure that mechanical systems are seamlessly integrated into larger building goals. Her experience across diverse building types and her ability to balance technical performance with real-world user needs make her a trusted project managerand design lead.

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Sophie is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado.