Good News 2024

A Year of Engineering Impact Across Georgia

ENGINEERING GEORGIA STAFF

Across Georgia, engineering firms are quietly reshaping not only the skyline but the lives of the communities they serve. From mentoring students to cleaning rivers and building homes, these companies are setting an inspiring example of what it means to combine technical excellence with heartfelt generosity. Their work exemplifies the belief that engineering isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering hope, and building a better tomorrow.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: RIVER CLEANUPS AND GREEN INITIATIVES

The rolling rivers, dense forests, and open skies of Georgia are more than a backdrop—they are a shared resource that many engineering firms have pledged to protect. Through innovative partnerships, hands-on efforts, and strategic initiatives, these firms are leading the charge in environmental stewardship.

In March 2024, PES Structural Engineers joined hundreds of volunteers for the annual "Sweep the Hooch" event, removing 32.5 tons of debris—including 2.25 tons of recyclables—from the banks of the Chattahoochee River. This impactful effort protected wildlife, improved water quality, and revitalized public spaces enjoyed by residents year-round. But their commitment to sustainability didn’t stop at the riverbanks. Later in the year, PES partnered with the Lifecycle Building Center (LBC) in Atlanta, helping to salvage and redistribute building materials for reuse, reducing waste while supporting affordable construction projects. “Through our volunteer work, we strive to make a meaningful impact by giving back, supporting local families, and protecting our environment. It’s an integral part of who we are as a firm,” said Michael Planer, PE, SE, President.

Jacobs also played a significant role in environmental cleanup efforts, contributing to "Rivers Alive," Georgia’s annual waterway cleanup event. Jacobs staff joined 180 volunteers in removing 2.1 tons of trash and 136 tires from rivers and creeks around Athens. Additionally, their team helped clear invasive ivy from Peachtree Hills Park in Atlanta during the MLK Day of Service, an effort that preserved native plant life and protected trees from further

HDR took their environmental stewardship further, partnering with Trees Atlanta to restore the Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill. With $32,827 in grant funding from the HDR Foundation, the firm supported the planting and mulching of native trees to reinvigorate this vital green space. HDR also teamed up with the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, awarding $10,000 to fund educational kiosks, rainwater systems, and native plantings aimed at enhancing environmental justice and stewardship in local communities.

Together, these firms demonstrate how engineers can step beyond the drawing board to act as caretakers of the natural world. Their contributions highlight the value of combining technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that Georgia’s landscapes remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come.

FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY: FROM FOOD BANKS TO HOSPITAL SUPPORT

Food insecurity is a persistent challenge, but engineering firms across Georgia are tackling the issue with resourcefulness, compassion, and a commitment to community well-being. By leveraging their organizational strengths and collective effort, these companies are providing tangible relief to families in need.

At the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB), firms such as Stantec, Practical Design Partners (PDP), and Edwards-Pitman Environmental worked tirelessly to sort, pack, and distribute thousands of meals. Stantec’s volunteers sorted over 22,360 pounds of food during their annual "Stantec in the Community Volunteer Week," creating 18,633 meals for families across the Atlanta region. PDP contributed to this effort by unpacking, organizing, and repacking food items, directly aiding in the creation of more than 8,300 meals for those most in need.

Jacobs added their support by helping pack over 11,000 pounds of food for local families. Their efforts underscored a company-wide ethos of community engagement, with Ellen Patterson, Executive Director of Operations for the Southeast U.S., noting, “Volunteering and community service is as much a part of our corporate culture as inclusion and diversity.”

For PES Structural Engineers, feeding the hungry extended to supporting families enduring long hospital stays. Partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer, PES packed over 300 meal and snack bags to provide comfort and sustenance to families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. “This small but meaningful contribution aimed to ease their burden,” said Mary Jo Butcher from PES, reflecting the firm’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities.

These efforts highlight a core principle shared by Georgia’s engineering firms: the belief that addressing basic human needs, like access to nutritious food, is foundational to building stronger communities. Whether working locally or globally, these firms are proving that their impact goes far beyond infrastructure, delivering hope and sustenance to those who need it most.

STEM EDUCATION: HANDS-ON LEARNING FOR FUTURE ENGINEERS

Engineers are not only solving today’s problems but also shaping tomorrow by inspiring and mentoring the next generation of innovators. Across Georgia, engineering firms are making education a priority, introducing young minds to the boundless opportunities of STEM fields and empowering future leaders.

Practical Design Partners (PDP) brought STEM to life through their hands-on activity at ACEC Georgia’s "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day." Guiding students in creating their own colorful concrete mixes, PDP demonstrated the science behind construction materials while igniting creativity and curiosity. This interactive experience left students with more than a keepsake—it gave them a tangible connection to engineering’s real-world impact.

Jacobs also made STEM education a priority, engaging with students during ACEC Georgia’s event by coaching young girls through the design of roadway intersections. Earlier in the year, their staff inspired K-12 students at the Sandy Springs Education Force’s STEAM Showcase, teaching transportation engineering concepts such as highway interchange design and emerging technologies.

Platinum Geomatics introduced students to the cutting-edge world of drones and geospatial surveying. At a local career day, team member Evan Drake shared his expertise with over a dozen elementary school classes, bringing the excitement of surveying and mapping into the classroom. Additionally, the company’s co-founder, Byron Freeman, worked with local Scouts to help them earn their historic Surveying Merit Badge, blending engineering education with tradition.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams perfectly captured the essence of these initiatives during HDR’s "All Kids Bike" program, which provided bicycles to local schools as part of their physical education curriculum. “It’s not even about the bikes,” she said. “It shows students that people care about them. That they are important and that we see them.”

These firms are proving that education is a powerful catalyst for change, equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and confidence while fostering a passion for problem-solving. By mentoring the next generation of engineers, Georgia’s A/E/C industry is ensuring that the future will be shaped by capable, inspired leaders ready to build a better world.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: WATER ACCESS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Engineering has the power to transform lives, and for many Georgia-based firms, that mission extends far beyond local borders. Through innovative solutions, compassionate partnerships, and boots-on-the-ground service, these firms are addressing critical global challenges and bringing hope to communities in need.

Aulick Engineering has embraced this call to action through their "Aulick Cares" program, which launched a transformative project in Camotán, Guatemala. This region faces dire challenges, including water scarcity, malnutrition, deforestation, and inadequate shelter. In October, Aulick sponsored a team of engineers to travel to Camotán, where they installed 50 rainwater harvesting and filtration systems, seven eco-efficient cooking stoves, and roofed structures for two families. Their efforts provided immediate relief while laying the foundation for long-term resilience.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, Aulick’s team distributed 80 "Embrace Food" bags to families with malnourished children and delivered food and school supplies to two local schools. These efforts were further enriched by donations of sports equipment and craft supplies, creating moments of joy and connection for children. Reflecting on the project, Nancy Sheldon, Founder and Director of Servant Ministries, said, “Aulick Engineering’s dedication to long-term solutions is invaluable. They’ve left a lasting impact.”

CDM Smith has also made a profound global impact through its long-standing partnership with Water For People (WFP). Over the past five years, their Tifton office alone has donated over $26,000 through payroll contributions, achieving 100% employee participation. Beyond financial support, CDM Smith’s employees actively engage in fundraising events such as 5K runs, bake sales, and game nights. These efforts directly support WFP’s mission to provide clean water and sanitation to communities worldwide.

Joe Cowan, CDM Smith’s Tifton Office Leader, highlighted the significance of these contributions: “Our team’s generosity demonstrates that CDM Smith cares deeply about those less fortunate around the world.”

These global efforts underscore the expansive reach of Georgia’s engineering firms. By leveraging their skills and resources, they are not only solving pressing challenges but also empowering communities to thrive. Through partnerships and perseverance, firms like Aulick Engineering and CDM Smith are proving that engineering is a universal language of hope, resilience, and transformation.

LOCAL IMPACT: HOUSING SUPPORT AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

At the heart of engineering is the desire to improve lives, and for many firms in Georgia, that mission extends far beyond their professional projects. Through acts of service, preservation, and compassion, these companies are uplifting local communities and restoring dignity where it is most needed.

Gresham Smith exemplified this commitment through their partnership with Status: Home, Inc., Atlanta’s largest provider of housing for individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Volunteers transformed the property’s garden into a vibrant space by planting native perennials, installing a hummingbird feeder, and adding thoughtful touches like wind chimes. As Tracy Alladice of Status: Home reflected, “Great things bloom when hearts and hands come together. Gresham Smith has sown seeds of beauty, hope, and community for our residents.”

Edwards-Pitman Environmental demonstrated the powerful intersection of technical expertise and community preservation. Their archaeology team worked to delineate the boundaries of a historic cemetery within a Boy Scouts campground, ensuring the site’s protection while allowing Scout activities to continue in other areas. The project held special meaning for several team members who were former Scouts, connecting their professional skills with personal values.

Meanwhile, Jacobs staff rolled up their sleeves for the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s annual Women Build event. In just one day, volunteers helped raise the walls of a new home in Hampton, providing not only shelter but also a sense of security and hope for the family who would soon move in. “Volunteering is as much a part of our corporate culture as inclusion and diversity,” said Ellen Patterson, Executive Director of Operations for the Southeast U.S. “It’s in our collective DNA as a company.”

Croy demonstrated how small gestures can have a profound impact through their annual "Croy Cares Week." Employees took part in diverse initiatives, from spreading mulch at the Cobb County Animal Shelter to organizing toy drives for homeless children. As COO Eddie Wade emphasized, “We pride ourselves on being more than just consultants. This is why we believe in community before company.”

These acts of compassion and service highlight how Georgia’s engineering firms are using their resources and expertise to restore dignity, preserve history, and provide hope. By addressing the needs of their communities with care and intention, these firms remind us that engineering is not just about building structures—it’s about building stronger, more connected communities.

BEYOND INFRASTRUCTURE: ENGINEERING'S COMMUNITY LEGACY

Volunteerism across Georgia's engineering firms reflects a universal truth: the work of engineers doesn't end when the project is complete. As Michael Planer of PES Structural Engineers notes, "We're not just designing buildings—we're building stronger, more resilient communities. Volunteer work is an integral part of who we are."

These efforts remind us that engineering is about more than solving problems—it's about seeing people and building hope, dignity, and connection in our communities.