The firm has chosen to relocate to the new office space for improved efficiency.
Minneapolis, Minn. – Design and consulting firm WSB announced today the relocation of their St. Cloud office. The firm is building a national presence and making each office a welcoming space is included in that plan.
The firm’s new St. Cloud office is located at 3051 2nd Street South, Suite 103 and includes 3,998 square feet.
“The St. Cloud office is an integral part of WSB,” said Kyle Klasen, vice president of surveys. “We have had a building in the area since 1998, and we are excited to relocate to a new facility. We look forward to settling into the new space and continuing to build relationships in the area.”
St. Cloud hosts one of the seven Minnesota offices and has helped create the strong foundation WSB has with its Midwest clients and communities.
“Our top priority is making sure we find and create spaces where our staff will thrive and we can best support the community,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We are looking forward to a future in a new space with resources that reflect our values and brand for staff and clients. This relocation is a testament that we are continuing to invest in St. Cloud.”
With two recent acquisitions, the firm has grown significantly. Expanding its coast-to-coast client base and office locations has been a major focus for the firm. National development has been at the forefront, but the firm continues to prioritize the needs of each region. WSB looks forward to the future of the St. Cloud office in its new location.
WSB was recently named a Hot Firm by the Zweig Group for the eleventh consecutive year. Our firm ranks 11th on the 2024 Hot Firm List, a significant increase from our position last year at 43. This is one of our highest placements on the Hot Firm List, and we are incredibly honored to share this achievement.
Hot Firm #11
The list honors the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry in the U.S. and Canada. The chosen companies have surpassed both the economy and their competitors to emerge as frontrunners in their respective industries. Ranking is based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and growth.
The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry. The Zweig Group’s awards programs recognize and celebrate top AEC industry firms in several categories. Winners will be recognized at the 2024 Elevate AEC Conference in September.
Published by League of Minnesota Cities in the May-June month’s issue of the Minnesota Cities Magazine. MN Cities Magazine May-June
In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for bike and pedestrian park spaces across the nation, which has also become prevalent in cities across Minnesota. The trend reflects a shift in societal values. There are several factors we are seeing connected to this trend, including public engagement influencing demand, recognition of bicycle and pedestrian park space benefits, and the effects these types of park spaces have on city infrastructure.
Public engagement
Public engagement is increasingly encouraging communities to prioritize investments in bicycle and pedestrian park space, reflecting a growing interest in recreational spaces and active transportation corridors. As community members and stakeholders become more vocal about their desire for healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities, decision makers are responding by allocating resources to expand and enhance infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
Advancements in technology, such as social media, have provided new methods to collect citizens’ feedback and has led to an increase in community engagement participation. These methods allow cities to notify community members about opportunities through a variety of channels, which reach a high percentage of the people in each area. Online interactive maps, comment boards, and virtual meetings — methods spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic — allow for greater participation and input than only hosting in-person events.
The pandemic also underscored the importance of outdoor spaces for recreation and social distancing, while also emphasizing park spaces and trails that cater to diverse user groups. By engaging the community, cities and counties can clearly understand needs and are better prepared to provide meaningful bike and pedestrian experiences.
Health benefits
Bicycle and pedestrian park spaces offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to the health, activity, and environment of a city. Regarding health: bike and pedestrian park spaces promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles by providing safe and accessible trails for walking, jogging, and cycling, which can lead to a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. These spaces are designed to be accessible to all age groups and abilities. Research provided by City Parks Alliance found that walking loops increase park use by 80%.
Connectivity
Infrastructure that allows bicycle and pedestrian park spaces fosters connectivity between neighborhoods, business districts, and recreational areas — enhancing overall mobility and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Communities, big and small, are experiencing improved connectivity, heightened accessibility to amenities, and a revitalization of public spaces spurred on by bike and pedestrian focused infrastructure. Properties located near parks and trail corridors typically attract investment, as parks and trails are often viewed as desirable amenities that enhance quality of life and contribute to a higher standard of living. According to City Parks Alliance, houses near parks or trails have 8-10% higher property values than those in the surrounding community.
Bike and pedestrian park spaces contribute to the creation of vibrant and inclusive communities by providing opportunities for social interaction and recreation — fostering a sense of belonging and connection among residents. These spaces provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, even in urban environments, which has shown positive effects on mental well-being and reducing stress.
Environmental factors
In regard to the environment, prioritizing bike and pedestrian infrastructure promotes active transportation and encourages residents to opt for emission-free modes of transportation, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting active transportation and reducing reliance on cars, bicycle and pedestrian park spaces contribute to more sustainable and resilient cities, with improved mobility, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. Bicycle and pedestrian corridors also provide habitat corridors for wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity within a community.
Notable challenges
While these spaces offer many benefits, a few challenges of incorporating bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure may include funding, maintenance, site constraints, and community opposition. The expansion of bicycle and pedestrian park space significantly impacts city infrastructure, ushering in a wave of changes to communities.
Cities across Minnesota are seeing an increase in demand for bicycle and pedestrian park space attributed to an increase in community engagement participation and acknowledgement of the health, recreational, and environmental benefits. Cities have continued to adapt to this evolving infrastructure demand through comprehensive planning efforts and investment in park and trail infrastructure. By implementing these improvements, communities can enhance their quality of life for residents and position themselves as an attractive destination for tourists.
Jordan is a landscape architect with 8 years of experience. He has a passion to harmoniously integrate design into the natural environment. Throughout his career Jordan has worked with many communities to deliver transformational park and streetscape improvement projects. He is committed to collaborating with the client and providing thoughtful design input to create unique outdoor spaces that respect the surrounding physical and social context.
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 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
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.
