AIR Design Systems, INC.

04/10/2026

Progress continues on a large-scale project along the Chicago River—it’s great to see it all coming together through coordination, collaboration, and ex*****on.

This is the kind of work we’re built for at Air Design Systems.

Nearly five decades in, our values still guide how we work:
• People Matter Most
• We Do What We Say
• We Think Outside the Box
• We Are Masters of Our Craft
• We Have Each Other’s Back

Great connecting with CCBC and continuing important conversations that help move our industry forward.

Setting the standard in Chicago.

02/07/2026

Legendary workmanship doesn’t start in the field. It’s earned long before it gets to the field.

And it's not just about fabrication or prefab…anyone can do that.

What makes the difference is the team behind it: the planning, the problem-solving, the adjustments, and the pride in getting it right before it ever hits the jobsite.

02/07/2026

Legendary workmanship doesn’t start in the field. It’s earned long before it gets to the field.

And it's not just about fabrication or prefab…anyone can do that.

What makes the difference is the team behind it: the planning, the problem-solving, the adjustments, and the pride in getting it right before it ever hits the jobsite.

08/03/2025

Thank you SMACNA Greater Chicago!!

Pat Hickey founded AIR Design Systems, INC. out of her family's laundry room in 1977. Today, the company has become known as one of the most recognized ventilation companies in the Chicagoland area, with a vision to set the standard for collaboration and quality workmanship, no matter the size of the project.

Read the full feature! 👉 https://loom.ly/75rGCGo

08/03/2025

You can’t collaborate when your on MUTE.

While we appreciate the flexibility of remote work, we still live in a world where buildings are built by people not robots - at least not yet!

In-person collaboration reminds us that we’re part of a team, not just a task. When possible, we encourage face-to-face coordination; because solving problems side-by-side builds trust, accountability, and better outcomes.

10/05/2024

Great day today!

06/15/2024

Michael Rollins, one of our long-standing foremen, was interviewed with the Obama Foundation during President Obama's visit. Mike shares how he could have retired last year but decided to stay for this project. Mike leads by example, is a US veteran and is guiding the next generation to do the job right, the first time.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Io_gdSvyjjk&si=xYUDHfqoJkvHnEip

05/18/2024

A great day to honor the achievements of the class of 2024 at ACE Amandla Charter School. ACE Amandla, a charter high school focused on Architecture, Construction, and Engineering careers for minority and urban youth of Chicago.
We celebrated with a trip to the 2nd Annual Go-Kart Field Trip at Autobahn Country Club /Kart Circuit Autobahn in Joliet, IL. The event was hosted by Air Design Systems, Inc. and sponsored by Villa-Tech, Inc. The students spent the afternoon racing and learning about competition in life. Miguel Villarreal, the founder of Villa-Tech, Inc., shared his journey of overcoming challenges, setting a vision, and becoming a successful business owner.
A considerable number of these students have triumphed over numerous obstacles this year. Their resilience has been so remarkable that a substantial portion of them will be advancing to college, with full scholarships. There are some students pursuing internships and apply to union apprenticeship programs. Special thanks to Career Director Dominique Hicks, MSW and Principal Amanda Nagel.

The challenge for us in the industry is to ask ourselves:

1. What am I doing to invest and to support the next generation of construction leaders?

It is so easy to write a check, but giving talent and time pays dividends 100x more. Congratulations, class of 2024!

05/14/2024

We honored one our long standing foreman in the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 73 Friday, Steve Joy. Steve took his retirement a little early. - For those who could make it, the party was a great way to celebrate at Durbins!

Steve was with his workmanship and his time at Air Design Systems. Steve had a great talent in mechanical rooms and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

04/10/2024

Some work we have been doing at Northwestern University, grateful to our whole team Jim Dierking, Jeff Despain , Mike stellwagen, Johnny M, Jim DePasque, Steve L and our entire crew.

03/09/2024

Nice celebratory lunch with the crew and subcontractors on the OPC project.

03/09/2024

Meet M&M - Morgan and Mariel! One of the few women in the Local 73 sheet metal trade. They both show us what hard work and dedication means to our company. We are thankful to have them and celebrate this week!