History

Since 1991, Korbel Associates has been singularly focused on Medical Equipment Planning. While we have embraced a process of continuous innovation in the way that we deliver our service, our concentration for twenty years has always been providing accurate and timely equipment planning for healthcare facility construction project teams.

The company was founded by Carolyn and Edward Korbel on January 11, 1991. Ms. Korbel's reputation for thorough and high quality planning garnered small jobs at first; then jobs came more frequently and got larger. In 1993, the company rented a 600 square foot office space; today we have 2900 square feet at this same address. From this base in Minneapolis we have served projects in 29 states, plus for a handful of clients in the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and South America. The majority of our work has come via referrals, and we are proud to have a following of clients and architects that return to us for repeat engagements.

In 1998, Korbel Associates took on its largest project to date: a one million square foot, multi-functional healthcare facility. A project of this magnitude facilitated the design and implementation of the Korbel Associates Medical Equipment Planning website. This online interactive system for reviewing and approving equipment planning information on a project basis was rolled out in May of 1999. Since then, amidst periodic updates and user-oriented enhancements, it has been successfully used on over 80 projects.

In 2003, Korbel Associates added equipment placement drawings to its service offering. Foreseeing the industry’s adoption of BIM, we began creating 3D equipment icons in 2005. Now with a library exceeding 2300 richly detailed 3D icons, the firm supports the building projects it serves in both Revit and AutoCAD environments. While we have a graphics department for producing equipment icons and equipment placements, Korbel’s planners also have proficiency in using graphics programs. Our software systems link the way we perform planning, BIM, and procurement assistance.

Dave Sawchuk, who has been with the company since 1994, entered an ownership transition plan with the Korbels in 2005. Dave became the firm’s majority owner in 2010, and Carolyn and Ed have recently retired from the business. The company offers a generous benefits package to employees, ensuring a positive working atmosphere benefiting both employee and client. Korbel Associates Inc. is an S corporation registered in the State of Minnesota.