Honored as a Fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the organization’s highest distinction, Roubal was as respected for his generosity as for his engineering and business acumen. His legacy lives on in the firm he co-founded: what began in a 12×12-foot Omaha basement has grown into a global integrated design practice, with more than 1,800 people connected by a shared commitment to elevate the human experience through design.

Born on December 24, 1931, in Grand Island, Nebraska, and raised in Central City, Roubal’s life was marked by professional achievement and the relationships he built as a trusted colleague, a loyal friend, and guiding presence.

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1953, Roubal served as an Officer in the United States Army Counterintelligence Corps from 1953 to 1955, with duties that included undercover investigation of construction sites in search of eavesdropping devices. After military service, his first professional venture was with the Mobil Oil Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1957, Roubal joined the Leo A. Daly Company as a mechanical engineer, where his talent and leadership began to take shape. In 1966, alongside Irving “Irv” R. Dana and William “Bill” L. Larson, Roubal co-founded Dana Larson Roubal and Associates in Omaha, Nebraska – a firm that would become a lasting part of his legacy.

Among his many accomplishments, Roubal took pride in his work on the Nebraska State Capitol air conditioning project in the early 1960s. Tasked with integrating modern systems into the historic building designed by Bertrand Goodhue, he developed an innovative solution that utilized existing ventilation shafts, preserving the building’s architectural beauty while delivering high performance. His other noteworthy projects include BlueCross BlueShield Headquarters and Physicians Mutual Insurance Headquarters in Omaha, and Tekamah Elementary School – DLR Group’s first official project and the start of the firm’s journey to become a global leader in K-12 education design.

DLR Group now operates out of 36 offices worldwide and celebrated its 60^th anniversary on April 1, 2026. The enduring impact of Roubal’s advocacy for engineering and integrated design is seen in landmark projects, including Ismaili Center, Houston – the first in the United States – for which DLR Group served as Architect and Engineer of Record; Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where DLR Group realized an award-winning multi-phased transformation, enhancing building performance and visitor experience through close collaboration across 13 in-house disciplines and services; and Baoshan Long Beach Winder Tower Complex, a world-class waterfront development that engaged DLR Group master planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering.

“Jim’s emphasis on skilled craftsmanship, collaborative process, and thoughtful design will guide our people and shape projects of lasting impact for decades to come,” McKay said.

“Employee owners at our firm have a rich culture and legacy from which to draw inspiration, thanks to his vision and leadership.”