Engineering News-Record Ranks Benesch Among Top 100 U.S. Design Firms
Benesch has once again made the Top 500 Design Firms list published by Engineering News-Record, coming in at #100, up 12 spots from 2021.
Established in 1946 as a structural engineering firm, Benesch has grown to include engineers, landscape architects, scientists, construction managers, surveyors and planners. Each new employee, office and service added has been in support of providing an exceptional level of service. This commitment is reflected in our consistent inclusion and upwards movement on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms list.
“This achievement is the result of several long-term strategic efforts to grow upon our continued success, year-over-year, as we continue expanding into new markets and areas of the U.S.,” said Benesch President and CEO Kevin Fitzpatrick. “Benesch’s commitment to value focused and quality driven growth continues to resonate with both our employees and clients as we reach new milestones as a company.”
The list, which is published annually, ranks the largest U.S.-based design firms, publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue. The full list of engineering firms can be found on the ENR website at Top 500 Design Firms.
Project Highlights from 2021
Benesch continues to provide design and engineering services for major projects across the United States. From iconic bridges to unprecedented roadway expansions, many of our notable projects made significant progress in 2021.
North Washington Street Bridge over the Boston Harbor took shape as the drilled shafts were set, concrete piers were placed and girders were erected. For Benesch, this project has been 20 years in the making, starting with a bridge inspection in 2002. In 2014, Benesch began the design to replace the 120-year-old bridge carrying vehicles, pedestrians and utilities from Boston’s North End and West End areas to Charlestown.
In Michigan, construction progressed on the Benesch-designed US-31/I-94 interchange and US-31 extension project. The design-build project is part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to invest in state highways and bridges critical to the state’s economy.
US Route 322, Section 101 opened to traffic in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) engaged Benesch to find a solution that would allow US Route 322 to meet the modern transportation challenges of this rapidly growing corridor. Section 101 is the first of four projects planned to improve travel and safety of nearly seven miles of US 322.
Construction continues on the Benesch-designed $352 million Lincoln South Beltway project in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Beltway is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the DOT and will provide a new east-west connection between US Highway 77 and Nebraska Highway 2.
Closing out the year, the I-74 Mississippi River bridge, an iconic structure designed as part of a seven-mile corridor improvement project in the Quad Cities, fully opened to traffic in December. Benesch has played a significant role in this project since 2009, serving as Corridor-Wide Coordinator on behalf of the Iowa and Illinois DOTs and leading design plans for the extended Central Sections of the project. It is the largest-ever project to be let by the Iowa DOT.
Expanding Services & Capacity
Now with 44 offices across 20 states, Benesch’s notable jump in ranking is due, in part, to our expanding expertise and capacity nationwide. Serving a broad range of markets with an exceptional level of technical ability, clients continue to trust Benesch to handle their most complex projects.
In particular, our national rail practice continues to grow, serving clients in nearly every state. Our aviation market gained traction with the Georgia Division landing their first contract in 2021. Recent expansion in Florida has enabled Benesch to provide additional services and unique expertise nationwide, including increased planning, transit, ADA compliance and public finance capabilities.
Investing in Our People
Integral to Benesch’s growth has been our continuous work to ensure our policies and culture support a diverse workforce. Our EDI initiatives in 2021 included launching an Employee Resource Group program, which connects coworkers from underrepresented groups in pursuit of mentorship, meaningful resource and knowledge sharing and professional networking. Benesch looks forward to growing the program as we strive for a more diverse workforce.
As a firm dedicated to legacy-focused leadership, Benesch invests a significant amount into providing best-in-class professional development opportunities to employees. Our robust professional development programs ensure employees are supported at every stage of their careers. In 2021, a reimagined intern program connected Benesch interns with various members of leadership to explore the ins and outs of running a business, in addition to contributing to active projects across the country. Benesch continues to provide the resources and hands-on experiences employees need to succeed, hone their skills and develop into the company’s leaders of tomorrow.
In addition to ranking #100 on the Top 500 Design Firms List, Benesch was ranked #81 on the Top 100 Pure Designers list. To learn more about Benesch’s recent work, visit our newsroom.
