It is with great sorrow we inform you of the passing of our founder and chairman, Hem Gupta. Mr. Gupta died on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the age of 85.
“My Dad served as a big brother, father, or grandfather figure for members of our ESD family,” recalled his son, ESD CEO Raj Gupta.
Hem Gupta started his professional career at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1954. He was chief engineer at Perkins & Will when he started ESD in 1967.
After securing one of his first major clients, the Chicago Board of Trade, Hem and his partners quickly built ESD into the largest MEP consulting-engineering firm in Chicago – a position it still holds. Thanks to Hem’s guidance and entrepreneurial spirit, ESD — celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — has established partnerships with some of the most recognized companies, renowned architects and developers throughout the world.
Hem was authentic and well-respected. His values of integrity, kindness and hard work defined the culture of ESD.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Hem’s widow, Asha; his children Reeta Gupta Brendamour, Raj, David and Mark; his 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.