The firm’s presence continues to grow nationally through the acquisition of AE Engineering, expanding leaders in the region.
Jacksonville, Fla. – WSB, a design and consulting firm, today announced expanded leadership in the southeast region. Roderick Myrick and Cory Nichols will support the firm in vice president roles as it grows in the southeastern U.S.
“As we integrate with WSB, I am excited for the opportunities available. Together, we can expand our resources and capabilities to better support our clients,” said Myrick. “When we combine our expertise, resources and talents— we will be a powerhouse in the southeast. I look forward to embarking on this journey with WSB and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
“This is an exciting step forward for our staff at AE Engineering and by joining WSB it will only increase our capabilities in the southeast region,” said Nichols. “We have begun collaborating on projects to make a positive impact on infrastructure. AE already has strong roots in this region, and I am eager to develop our services and connections with our clients as one team.”
The firm acquired AE Engineering, a high-growth infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. With this addition, WSB is establishing itself as a national brand and elevating leaders in the region. Myrick is now vice president, strategy and construction engineering and inspection (CE&I), and Nichols is vice president, operations.
“When I first met with Rod, Cory and AE Engineering, I was stunned by the services they were providing,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “Seeing how they operate and the culture they built both internally and with their communities, I knew we would be a great match. I look forward to what we can accomplish together as we forge ahead.”
Through recent acquisitions, WSB has grown significantly in size and service offerings. The firm has over 1,250 staff across the U.S. in regions including California/Colorado, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and now the southeast. With each acquisition, the firm’s services continue to grow, now offering more than 50 complimentary services in engineering, construction, environmental and community planning.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an incredibly important civil rights law that also provides a standard for which engineers can create safer roadways and communities. In 2010, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design provided a clearer minimum for what needs to be achieved for access friendly design. In August of 2023, the US Access Board improved upon those standards by issuing their Final Rule on the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Meeting these standards not only provides greater access for people with disabilities, but also improves designs that better the entire community.
Benefits for All Community Members
ADA standards on walkways and street crossings do not just provide improved accessibility for people with disabilities. Rather, all community members benefit from inclusive designs, such as parents pushing children in strollers or children riding a scooter. By improving pedestrian crossings, like placing curb ramps in locations that shorten crosswalks, communities can both meet ADA compliance requirements and improve safety. When pedestrian travel is easier and safer for people with disabilities it is easier and safer for all pedestrians.
Beyond safety and mobility concerns, properly following ADA guidelines when installing curb ramps makes maintenance far easier. For instance, antiquated pedestrian curb ramps that do not fulfill ADA compliance standards are not always wide enough or aligned to accommodate snow removal vehicles. With accessibility, safety, and maintenance in mind, heightened attention to detail is required to ensure all community members are affected for the better.
Understanding Project Needs First-Hand
To best understand the needs of a project and how to ensure it aligns with ADA standards, looking at top-down maps only goes so far. A pre-design field walk grants a closer look at the work needing to be done, what design options are feasible, what are the impacts, and much more. This pre-design effort provides a deeper understanding of how to properly link project needs to ADA standards while mitigating risks in project delivery. Procuring first-hand knowledge of every crossing, curb ramp, neighboring utility, property line, and every other inch of a project will allow greater ease in matching the various guidelines and standards like PROWAG. Having a deep understanding of ADA guidelines with first-hand knowledge of a project can ensure accessibility, lower costs and mitigate risks.
What WSB Can Do To Help
WSB provides a knowledgeable team with experience analyzing and working on hundreds of projects to meet the requirements set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Through this experienced team, our clients, stakeholders and communities achieve safer and more accessible living. Thoughtful designs will also improve safety and maintenance operations for communities. The design of pedestrian infrastructure for ADA needs can have a sweeping, positive impact on community and WSB can help execute strategic accessible designs that work for everyone.
Gus is WSB’s expert in accessible pedestrian and bicycle facilities, with a traffic engineering background which allows him to blend pedestrian accessibility with safety and mobility. He uses best practices to achieve constructable and usable pedestrian facilities for a variety of project scopes across different environments.
The firm promotes staff to the director level to support expansion initiatives.
Oklahoma City, Okla. –Fast-growing architecture, engineering and construction firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Oklahoma leadership team. The design and consulting firm is building a national brand that supports critical infrastructure across the United States and is prioritizing elevating leadership in each region it serves.
WSB has strategically invested in the development of its staff to better support the needs of each community it serves. Several staff have been elevated to the director level across all regions of the firm including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. Recent promotions in the Oklahoma region include:
Christopher Serrano | Director, Municipal Services
Darin Metzer | Director, Materials
Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration
Matias Mendez Larrain | Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services
Peter Regan | Director, Strategy
Steve Allen | Director, IT Service Management
Tony Terrell | Director, Utilities Management
WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.
“We build what’s next in infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. Our top priority is to provide the highest-quality services to our clients, and we can do so with established leadership” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “There is a lot of potential in the Oklahoma region, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together in this region with elevated staff. I am certain their guidance and expertise will support the firm and each community as we forge ahead.”
WSB was originally based out of one office in Minnesota. Over 28 years, the firm has continued to grow and expanded its footprint into the Oklahoma region last fall after the acquisition of EST. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 complementary areas and has expanded its markets to support communities nationwide.
The firm is prioritizing the development of staff to support regional expansions.
Minneapolis, Minn. –Design and consulting firmWSB today announced the expansion of its Texas leadership team. The firm is one of the fastest growing in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. This is part of WSB’s aggressive growth strategy to build a national firm that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.
WSB is committed to elevating leadership within the firm. Recently, WSB has promoted several staff to the director level across all regions including Texas, Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma and the southeastern United States. Director promotions in the Texas region include:
Richard Harper | Director, Contract Administration
Shawn Napier | Director, Civil Site Development
WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.
“Texas is heavily investing in their infrastructure, and it is an exciting time to support its communities and the infrastructure surrounding them,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We are leading the industry through revolutionary technology and the incredible expertise of our staff. With an expanded leadership team, we are building on our commitment to this region. I am confident these promotions will support our clients and staff to provide the highest-quality of service.”
Founded in Minnesota in 1995, the growth over the last 28 years has been significant. The firm first entered the Texas market in 2016, and after acquiring EST in the fall of 2023, the firm’s ties in Texas have only been strengthened. Today, WSB offers services in more than 50 areas, to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation across the nation.
The firm announced new leadership promotions at the director level to develop growing regions and service offerings.
Minneapolis, Minn. – Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Minnesota and North Dakota leadership team. The firm is one of the fastest growing in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, and additional leadership will support WSB’s initiatives as it continues to expand its geographic footprint from coast to coast.
WSB is developing leaders from within, creating a strong foundation to move the firm forward. Several promotions were made at director level in the Minnesota/North Dakota region, along with others in Colorado/California, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. Some recently elevated staff in the Minnesota/North Dakota Region include:
Jess Karls | Senior Director, Transportation Design
Jesse Sievers | Director, Talent Acquisition
Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.
“As we continue to establish WSB as a national firm, we are excited to bring recognition to staff at the director level in each of our regions,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We have been serving communities in the Minnesota/North Dakota region since we founded WSB in 1995, and our staff continues to raise the bar each year. I know this next level of leadership will only improve the services we already provide, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish with their mentorship and expertise.”
When WSB was founded in 1995, the company had five staff, one office and three services areas. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 complementary areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets to support communities nationwide.
Building the next level of leadership strengthens the firm as it continues to build a national presence.
Denver, Colo. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of leadership in its Colorado region. The firm leads the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry while establishing itself as a national firm that supports infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.
WSB recently promoted several staff to directors across all regions including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. With an expanding footprint, more service offerings and increased expertise throughout each region, the firm is eager to elevate the next level of leadership. Recently promoted to directors in the Colorado/California region include:
Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration
Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services
Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic
Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.
“Now more than ever, we are committed to not only the growth of our firm, but also the growth of our staff,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “I am excited to develop additional leadership throughout each region of the U.S., and I know these elevated directors will provide a strong foundation for our staff moving forward. With their guidance, I am certain we will continue to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
WSB, headquartered in Minnesota, was founded in 1995. Since then, the firm has expanded its markets and service offerings to meet the needs of its clients. After recent acquisitions, the Colorado region was strengthened even more. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets across the U.S.
WSB is proud to announce our newly promoted staff. Annually, we recognize the staff who display leadership, determination and expertise in their field. Each staff member consistently brings different elements of our values, results and leadership into their work. We are dependent on the continual development of new talent and leadership to build our success and support our growth. We are fortunate to have such strong and committed leaders at WSB that have chosen to invest their careers with us. Each of the staff members below have made a commitment to the company, clients and each other to lead by example and help us improve each day. Congratulations!
Principals
Ben Barker | Director, Right of Way
Brad Martin | Vice President, Construction
Buddy Williams | Vice President, Strategy
Caleb Austin | Vice President, Transportation
Chad DeMenge | Director, Contract Administration
DJ Sosa | Senior Project Manager
Gary Evans | Vice President, Construction
Jeremy Kilbo | Director, IT Operations
Karne Newburn | Vice President and General Counsel
Kelly Selman | Vice President, Transportation
Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration
Liz Weber | Director, Financial Planning and Analysis
Loyl Bussell | Director, Structures
Mike Vahabzadegan | Executive Vice President, Strategy
May 13, 2024 By Behnaz Beladi, Director of Renewable Energy, WSB
Escalating environmental concerns and urbanization are driving a paradigm shift in city energy priorities, encouraging them to invest in sustainable solutions. Renewable energy offers a plethora of benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality and enhanced energy security. Transitioning to renewables presents an opportunity for cities to assert their commitment to sustainability while simultaneously reaping economic advantages through job creation and investment in clean technologies.
Key to this transition is the development of comprehensive renewable energy strategies tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of each city. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach, incorporating policy initiatives, technological innovations, funding opportunities and community engagement.
Targeting Local Policy and Embracing Innovation
At the policy level, cities must enact ambitious targets and regulations to incentivize the adoption of renewable energy solutions. This may involve setting renewable energy mandates, implementing carbon pricing mechanisms and phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels. Additionally, cities can leverage their purchasing power to procure renewable energy for municipal operations and encourage private sector investment in clean city energy projects.
Technological advancements play a pivotal role in facilitating the integration of renewable energy into urban infrastructure as well. From solar panels and wind turbines to energy-efficient buildings and smart grids, cities have a myriad of options at their disposal to harness clean energy sources. Embracing innovative technologies not only reduces carbon emissions but also enhances energy efficiency and promotes a more resilient urban infrastructure.
Using Federal Investment Opportunities
Recent investments from legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant cities new opportunities and room to maneuver. Some of these investments include $16.5 billion for the deployment of new transmission lines, $21.5 billion towards clean energy demonstration projects that are directed towards large projects that drive local and regional economies and $40 billion in loan authority for clean energy projects. These programs create new opportunities for cities to not only develop renewable and sustainable energy solutions, but also economic drivers for their communities.
However, these types of investments will not fund the entirety of any one project, and each grant will include a variety of requirements that first need to be met. Cities that incentivize the adoption of renewable energy solutions will set the groundwork necessary for the types of investments made available by federal legislation like the IIJA and IRA or from state agencies. Federal and state investments can be a boon to a city’s energy development plans.
Collaborating and Cooperating Across Communities and Industries
As cities transition to renewable energy, local community engagement is also incredibly important. Empowering residents through education, outreach and participation in decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for sustainability initiatives. Community-led initiatives, such as neighborhood solar cooperatives and energy efficiency programs, can significantly contribute to the widespread adoption of renewable energy at the grassroots level.
Moreover, transitioning city energy towards renewable energy requires collaboration and cooperation across multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, academia and civil society organizations. By fostering partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms, cities can leverage collective expertise and resources to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards sustainability goals.
Challenges and How WSB Can Help Overcome Barriers
While there are numerous benefits in clean energy transitions for cities, there are also challenges. From policy barriers and technological limitations to financial constraints and community resistance, the path to achieving sustainable urban transformation is fraught with obstacles. However, WSB is uniquely positioned to help cities overcome these challenges and navigate the complexities of transitioning to clean energy.
For municipalities struggling to develop and implement policies that incentivize the adoption of renewables, WSB can provide invaluable expertise in policy analysis and development, helping cities design and enact robust regulatory frameworks that promote renewable energy deployment.
Technological barriers may also pose significant challenges to the widespread adoption of renewable energy in urban environments. WSB specializes in innovative engineering solutions, and we can work with cities to design and implement cutting-edge renewable energy technologies tailored to address the unique needs and constraints of urban infrastructure.
For cities exploring what renewable energy investments fit financially for their community, WSB can help by conducting feasibility studies, identifying funding sources and developing business models that maximize return on investment.
Finally, for those working to garner support and build community consensus for renewable energy projects, WSB specializes in stakeholder engagement, facilitating dialogue between local communities, government agencies and other stakeholders.
Overall, federal and state funding for renewable energy projects is spurring many cities toward exploring and investing in renewable energy. For cities unsure of where to start or for cities who need help navigating the complex nature of renewable energy projects, WSB brings together multidisciplinary experts with diverse skill sets and backgrounds to help cities address their unique challenges and chart a course toward a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.
Behnaz manages the multi-disciplinary renewable energy team in project and program operations. She is an accomplished academic, with a PhD of Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna, an associate of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and has served on the board of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, advocating for policy and regulatory initiative’s that strengthen the industry.
May 13, 2024 By Chris Kester, Director of Project Controls, WSB
Economic instability, rising inflation, and labor and supply chain issues have created price fluctuations and instability in the construction industry in recent years. Now you are seeing prices level out and projects coming in within budget and everything is back to normal, right? Wrong. Costs and supply availability are still hard to predict, adding undue complications to those planning and executing construction projects.
Every construction project, every client, and every contractor is different, but many are facing similar challenges. While there are no quick and easy solutions to completely predict and overcome rising costs and swift market changes, there are some things to consider that can help mitigate risk and help you overcome obstacles.
Consider alternate materials. There are still some lingering supply chain issues from major events of the last few years. It can be difficult for suppliers to provide certain building materials to contractors at certain times, and short summer construction seasons in colder climates squeeze supplies even more. It’s typically good practice to have alternative materials and design options and these are best entertained early. If you must substitute a material post-letting, it could be your best option at the time, but those scenarios are usually best when they are avoided by foreseeing them ahead of time.
Plan ahead. It is important to plan out projects ahead of time as much as possible and stick to your timeline. Suppliers often cannot commit materials until contracts are signed, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. You might entertain the idea of pre-procuring those materials that pose the most risk or you could estimate the lead times and work that into the planned construction schedule.
Be flexible and work in stages. Projects are continuing to increase in complexity and we have very little influence over things like traffic, utilities, and limited ROW. However, you do have the ability to decide what is being built and to anticipate the best possible way that it can be built efficiently. Cost can be impacted significantly if the design is not properly staged to work around those things we cannot change.
Understand risk and how developers predict cost. Trying to predict project costs has become more difficult, from the price of materials to the cost of labor, and everyone is working to keep their financial risk at a minimum. Often, there is a sizable imbalance between the price it takes a contractor to complete a project and the price the contractor bids for the work. Dramatic price fluctuations have caused a great deal of frustration for owners who are confused as to why a project might be so expensive compared to the price of the same project a few months earlier. Different types of projects like design-build and construction management/general contractor, for example, come with different amounts of risk, so it’s important to think through what works best for your project.
While there’s no crystal ball in the construction industry, common sense planning and following these tips can help mitigate risk, provide confidence to all parties involved, and set your cosntruction project up for success.
How WSB Can Help
A review from the experienced estimators at WSB can help identify areas of potential risk, allow you to anticipate problems and provide alternative plans to keep your projects on budget and schedule. Contact us to learn more about mitigating possible project roadblocks.
Chris spent most of his career with a regional construction company where he prepared production-based estimates in excess of $300 million annually, many of those being DOT or State-Aid. He provides the ability to analyze from the perspective of a contractor and assemble a contractor-style estimate while identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks.
Engineering News-Record (ENR) has recognized WSB in the Top 500 Design Firms List of 2024. WSB is honored to have ranked #134 on the list moving up 44 places from last year. This is the 12th consecutive year WSB has been included on the list.
Each year, ENR completes an annual survey that ranks companies throughout the United States according to the revenue for design services performed. Covering topics such as business management, design, construction methods, technology, safety, law, legislation, environment and labor, ENR provides industry professionals with information to do their jobs more effectively.
Since WSB was founded 25+ years ago, we have committed to continuous growth not only in the communities we serve but across the nation. Our strong values, collaboration, dedication to our relationships and forward-thinking ideas have positioned us to grow each year. We aim to discover innovative solutions that look beyond the needs of today’s infrastructure and prepare us and our clients for the future.
WSB staff and their bold ideas and resilient work ethic are what allow this firm to thrive. We would like to thank our staff for their diligent efforts and for advancing WSB and the industry. We look forward to continued partnerships with clients and building what’s next in infrastructure.
