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News and Insights

National Surveyors Week 2025: The impact of women surveyors

 

This year, National Surveyors Week is March 16 – 22. March is also Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions women have made in history and our society. We took the opportunity to highlight three of our women surveyors to learn more about their work, their experiences as women surveyors, and the impact of surveying in our world. Read more about Atwell’s Project Surveyor Tori Aper, Surveying Technician Verena Lake, and Project Surveyor Julie Reincke.

How did you become interested in surveying, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career?

Tori: I became a surveyor by accident. I was teaching K-3 remedial reading with summers off. My husband Kurt (who others may know is now working at Atwell with me) told me about some administrative help needed at his then-employer’s office, so I volunteered. Once the admin tasks were completed, I picked up a self-guided tutorial for CAD and taught myself. I decided not to go back to teaching and moved into the survey department to start on houseline and topographic surveys.

Verena: I basically reverse-engineered my career path—I got my education before deciding what career I wanted, whereas most people choose a career then pick the best educational plan to achieve it. Geography and physics were my favorite subjects in school. When I started college, I wasn’t sure about my career path, so I focused on learning more about those subjects. As graduation approached, I began to research careers that aligned with the credentials I already had and landed on surveying.

Julie: I went to school for architecture and needed an internship to graduate. Atwell was looking for a CAD drafter in the survey department, which I got hired for. I didn’t know a lot about surveying yet, but I was happy to be doing CAD for a company. The more I did it, the more I understood surveying, and the more I came to love it. I’ve been at Atwell ever since.

What is your favorite part of this profession?

Tori: I learn something new every day. The technology changes so quickly that there is always something new to learn.

Verena: I love that I get to be outdoors and experience the multifaceted magnificence of nature. I love the entire process of how we support clients: taking measurements and data outdoors, seeing it processed in the office, using that to create high quality deliverables for our clients and making crucial decisions that affect communities and, in the case of construction surveying, produce a tangible structure.

Julie: Each day is different. Some days I work on construction projects, the next day it may be an energy project, and other days it’s a housing development. The variety is fun, and so are the challenges—especially the mathematical ones.

Verena Lake’s passion for geography, physics, and being outdoors led her to a career in surveying.

What has been your favorite or most memorable project?

Tori: I don’t have a favorite, but the large-scale projects are always fun and memorable. My first love will always be creating traditionally-shot topographic surveys and utilizing LiDAR or photogrammetry.

Verena: I did a job in Illinois, and it was the first job where I independently operated surveying equipment as a full-time surveyor. Though it’s a simple task of using a GNSS receiver to take elevation measurements, the vegetation was very thick, which made it really hard to traverse in most areas. It wasn’t necessarily my favorite project, but it was definitely the most memorable.

Julie: We got a new client a few years ago that came in with a lot of specific requirements. They had some out-of-the-box ideas, but after doing two or three projects for them, we began to understand them better. It felt really good when we got positive feedback from them. They enjoyed the way the survey looked, and they were impressed with the outcome and how well we handled and exceeded their expectations. That was pretty memorable.

Julie Reincke loves the variety of work and mathematical challenges that come with surveying.

What do you wish more people knew about women surveyors? Are there any surveying misconceptions you’d like to debunk?

Tori: A common misconception is that field crews require a lot of physical strength, and that’s not true—though you will be in much better shape after a few seasons in the field! I also think a lot of women in our field worry that they won’t be able to advance their careers and have a good work-life balance in this male-led industry. However, there are many successful women in surveying and if you can find the right company that aligns with your ideals and goals, they’ll support you along your career path, like Atwell has done for me.

Verena: I wish people knew that women surveyors do exist! Yes, it’s a male-dominated field, but there is space for us. Thankfully, Atwell is a place where I can just be myself and not worry about being treated differently due to my gender, race, or anything other than my talent.

Julie: I want people to know women surveyors are just as capable as men. A general misconception about surveying is that we are always out in the field, but the majority of my role is in the office working with CAD. Also, surveying is not just one thing; it’s a lot of little things. We are more involved in the structure, safety, and comfort of communities than people realize.

What impact do surveyors have on our world?

Tori: Surveyors influence a lot of our lives through mapping and cartography, natural resource management, infrastructure maintenance, and of course land and construction planning. We can be vital in legal disputes, acting as expert witnesses and using our surveys as legal documents for things like boundary disputes and easements.

Verena: Surveying is the unsung hero of society because it’s so vital, especially with the massive growth and structural improvements we’re experiencing. Unfortunately, many people don’t recognize that because many people don’t even know that we exist. We’re the cornerstone of every construction project, no matter the size. We’re everywhere in the background, working with other professionals to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of the communities that we serve.

Julie: Like Tori and Verena said, surveying is all around us. We see the landscape in unique ways that many others don’t think about, like water ownership on shorelines that cross international borders like the Great Lakes, or what is necessary for a home or business to extend its property.

Tori Aper enjoys employing new technology and innovative methods to her surveying work.

Can you tell us something about yourself that your teammates may not know about you?

Tori: I joined the Navy right after high school, then went to college for sign language while caring for my two small children. I worked with many disabled and hearing-impaired people through local park districts, and now I sometimes dream in sign language.

Verena: I love baking. Recently, I made a vegan red velvet cake from scratch for the first time and really enjoyed the process. I’d love to learn how to make more creative desserts. I always entertain the thought that if I had to switch careers, or perhaps if I lived in another lifetime, I would be a pastry chef.

Julie: I grew up in Chicago and was a Chicago Hawks fan growing up, but then I moved to Detroit and I’m now a huge Red Wings fan—a big no-no for hockey fans that were around for the Hawks/Wings rivalry of the 90s. I also taught myself to sew and crochet as a kid, and make a lot of my own clothes.

News and Insights

How the unique experience of an HBCU education prepares students for careers in AEC and STEM

 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to provide higher education opportunities for Black students during segregation in the United States, and they continue to play a crucial role in fostering academic excellence, cultural pride, and professional development. Today, HBCUs remain vital by educating, training, and supporting people of all races, nationalities, and backgrounds, offering experiences that are unique to other schools and often leaving students feeling seen, valued, and appreciated.

This February, as part of Black History Month, we’re recognizing the importance of HBCUs in our industry by sharing the experiences of three Atwell employees who are HBCU alumni:

  • Shanice Ouzts is a Planner and Designer who attended Morgan State University (Morgan) for two degrees, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in architecture & environmental design and her master’s degree in landscape architecture.
  • Richmond Linard Calapano is an Engineer who attended the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), obtaining a degree in civil engineering.
  • Shelton McGlory is an Engineer who attended Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View), obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering.

In this Q&A, they share how their HBCU experiences prepared them professionally, why aspiring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals should consider an HBCU education, and the value of HBCU graduates in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.


Why did you decide to attend your HBCU?

Shanice: I enjoyed the campus tour, and it was in-state. I had applied to mostly out-of-state schools, but as the time got closer, I realized I preferred being close to home. Morgan also offered a free summer program to help students adjust to college life.

Richmond: UDC was close to home with great scholarship opportunities. My sister had also graduated from there, so I was confident in the quality of education and the school’s ability to produce skillful students.

Shelton: I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Professional Resource and Land Management during the 2009 recession. I moved to Houston—the place to be for Oil & Gas careers—but it was hard to find a job. Since I wanted both management and technical skills, and I’d always been interested in engineering, I decided to pursue an engineering degree. I spoke to a few engineers who went to Prairie View and visited the school, where I immediately felt a difference from my first college. It was much more of an intimate family environment. I felt like people were invested in my success, instead of feeling like another number.

How did your education and experience at an HBCU prepare you for your career?

Shanice: I learned to be hardworking, what it takes to meet deadlines, and the importance of collaboration—all things that are vital to my job every day.

Richmond: As part of a smaller civil engineering class, I received personalized attention from professors who were invested in our success. We got hands-on lab work as well as opportunities to participate in organizations like American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and American Concrete Institute (ACI), which helped me gain real-world experience before I even graduated.

Shelton: There were high expectations—if you slipped below a 3.0, you would be dropped from your major. It was also a very hands-on education, and they were willing to change and evolve with the times. For example, when they noticed a trend of engineers becoming project managers, they added project management courses so we would be competitive once we graduated. It was also a very diverse school, which taught me how to build relationships with people from different backgrounds.

What did you learn or experience at your university that you may not have experienced at another institution?

Shanice: I wouldn’t have experienced the same sense of belonging and community. There is something special about HBCUs—you feel seen and valued, like you aren’t just another number passing through.

Richmond: I experienced a strong sense of community and mentorship that I believe is unique. Professors and staff were genuinely invested in my success, and I felt supported academically and personally.

Shelton: I don’t think I would have experienced as many different cultures or such caring administration. The people, from students to faculty, were more aligned with me and my experiences. It makes a difference to feel like you can go to a teacher or an advisor and not feel like just a number.

Are you still involved with your alma mater today? If so, how?

Shanice: Yes, I attend alumni events, homecoming events, and have gone back to speak on a panel for women in construction.

Richmond: Not currently, but I would love to find opportunities to get more involved.

Shelton: I’m still close to many of the friends I made there, and a group of us plan to start a scholarship for the university’s STEM programs. There are people from all walks of life at all stages of life, and I know every little bit helps.

What is one of your proudest moments in your academic or professional career?

Shanice: My proudest moment was winning the graduate school’s Researchers Award for my master’s thesis. A close second would be presenting my thesis and defending my research.

Richmond: One of my proudest moments was leading the American Concrete Institute student organization, where I organized events and participated in competitions. This experience strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced the importance of collaboration and communication.

Shelton: Earning two degrees, especially considering my circumstances when I enrolled at Prairie View: I was a new grad with a very specific degree, no job, in a recession, pursuing another demanding degree while working three to five days a week as an engineering intern, driving more than 60 miles to my job and to school each day, all as a new father.

Was there a professor, coach, or mentor you met at your university who had a positive impact on your education or career? Who was it, and how were they a role model to you?

Shanice: Several professors had a huge impact on me. One was Professor Fraiser; she was a licensed architect. Any course she offered, I enrolled in it. She always emphasized the need to be the best and work harder because of the typical demographics of the engineering field that I didn’t fall under—white and male-dominated.

Richmond: Dr. Z. Ahmet Zeytinci had a profound impact on my education. He strongly encouraged his students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam as early as possible, emphasizing how it could open doors to career opportunities. His guidance not only helped me build a strong foundation in engineering, but also motivated me to successfully pass the FE exam, setting me up for future success.

Shelton: There was a person in college who took a chance on me and offered me an internship. Not only did she extend the internship, but she let me do homework there and helped me with any questions I had. That internship led to my first job after gaining my engineering degree, and the person who helped me is now at Atwell, which is also why I decided to come to Atwell, too. So, a big thank you to Amy Bolin!

My mom is also another mentor of mine. She was the first in the family to go to college, and she also went to an HBCU. She set the bar for the rest of my family and our future generations, and we are following in her footsteps.

How did you first learn about Atwell?

Richmond: I first learned about Atwell while searching for job opportunities. During my interview, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that both the director and a senior project manager were alumni of my university. Since I attended a small school, this common connection led to a great conversation about our shared experiences, making the interview process even more engaging and meaningful.

Why should more companies pull from the talent pool at HBCUs?

Shanice: HBCUs are not inferior to other schools in any way, shape, or form. A student from an HBCU is already acclimated to the odds of the professional environment, so it gives them extra drive and motivation to succeed.

Richmond: HBCUs produce highly skilled graduates who bring unique perspectives to the workforce. Many HBCU students gain hands-on experience, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic, making them valuable assets to any company.

Shelton: There is a lot of talent at HBCUs, but we’re often overlooked. Once I joined Atwell, more recruiting was done at Prairie View. I would love for that to happen with other HBCUs, whether or not the alumni are at Atwell.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about the HBCU experience?

Shanice: I wish more people knew that HBCUs are really diverse! I went to school with people from various nationalities; traditional students and non-traditional students; and people transitioning careers. It gave me the opportunity to learn about different walks of life while maintaining respect for people that aren’t like me.

Richmond: As someone of Filipino descent, I truly felt a sense of belonging at my HBCU. I wish people knew how welcoming HBCUs are to individuals from other backgrounds.

Shelton: Going to an HBCU was the best decision I made in my academic career. Without the patience, guidance, opportunities, and relationships I built there, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

News and Insights

Solving problems, changing lives: What it means to be an engineer

 

In honor of National Engineers Week, we sat down with a few of our engineers to discuss their love of their work and the advice they’d give to future engineers.

Rachel Sutherland is an Associate Project Manager who has been practicing plan development for three-and-a-half years; Lindsay Galarza is a project engineer in a managing position, working with Atwell for the last six months; and Ray Holliday is a discipline manager in our Oil & Gas division who has been practicing in the industry for more than a decade.

Tell us about your journey to engineering and why you decided to pursue it as a career.

Rachel: My dad has a background in mining engineering. From a young age, he inspired a love of science and math in me. I have a lot of fun memories of doing science projects and math problems with my dad at our kitchen table. Those early experiences geared me toward a STEM-related field. I chose to pursue civil engineering specifically because of a project in my freshman year of college where I got to participate in an asphalt design competition. That project showed me the real-life impacts my career could have on my community, and I found that very exciting.

Lindsay: I attended an underfunded school after my family left Mexico, so I didn’t have many resources growing up. Despite this, my elementary school offered a class aimed at getting students involved in STEM. My parents enrolled me, and I excelled—so much so that I had the opportunity to transfer to a better school for middle school. I continued following my passion for math and robotics throughout high school; it felt like I was developing a love for math and a curiosity for engineering. I received a scholarship to college where I attended a career fair and learned about civil engineering. That sparked my passion even further and I’ve been following it ever since.

Ray: I was inspired to pursue engineering by my mom, who is also an engineer, and seeing her passion for the field growing up. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, and engineering felt like a great way to apply that in the working world.

What do you love about being an engineer?

Rachel: Every day is different! I’ve met engineers who’ve been doing this for 40-plus years, and they still run into things every day that they’ve never seen before. There are a lot of opportunities for new experiences and growth within the field, and it never really gets boring. I love that’s there’s always something new to learn.

Lindsay: I enjoy taking an idea and turning it into something real. In this field, I get to see projects move from an idea to something in real life; that’s my favorite part. I also like that engineering constantly evolves. It’s never going to stay stationary. You’re always going to learn something new. Knowing we’re building an impact that will last into the next generation is fulfilling.

Ray: I like taking problems, solving them, and seeing real-world results. It’s fun to create designs, send out the plans, and then get a call from the contractor saying they found something underground that presents another challenge to be resolved. A lot of pipelines are underground, so you never really know what lies underneath until you start digging. So, you’re creating a plan and adjusting as new challenges arise. In the end, you get a successful project and the satisfaction of a job well done.

What’s a common misconception about engineering that you would like to debunk?

Rachel: I would like to dispel the myth that engineering is a man’s world. I think anyone can be successful in this field if they put their mind to it, regardless of identity. There’s room for everyone; if someone wants to be an engineer, they should do it!

Lindsay:  Engineering is evolving and there’s room for everyone.  Another misconception would be that engineering is just math. There’s so much more to it. In my experience, you must be creative and collaborative, not just a mathematician.

Ray: I think there is a misconception that all engineers are reclusive. I know quite a few very outgoing engineers, many of whom must give presentations to clients and think outside the box to win work as project managers. Everyone thinks engineering is just sitting behind a computer making calculations, but you’re problem-solving on the fly, out in the field, and face-to-face with clients. You can’t be hidden behind a desk.

Do you have a favorite engineering-related mantra or quote that keeps you motivated or inspires you?

Rachel: One of my all-time favorites is Bill Nye’s quote, “Every single person you meet knows something you don’t.”  I think it’s a great way to approach life. With that mindset, you can approach problems and your colleagues with a kind of sponge-like attitude. You can come with curiosity rather than a fixed perspective.

Lindsay: Two things truly get me through most things in life, work included. I’m always thinking, “Just do it,” because I want it done more than I want to find a way out of doing the work. Second, I like to remind myself, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Engineering is not an easy job, but it is rewarding. In the difficult moments, those two mantras keep me going.

Ray: I’m a big sports fan, specifically basketball, and my favorite athlete is Michael Jordan. His quote was, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”  You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have a good team around you and you’re not smart about it, then you’re likely to fail. Understanding that you must work together to be successful is key.

What is special about being an engineer at Atwell specifically?

Rachel: Atwell has a lot of different markets that we serve, so the opportunities within land development are plenty. For example, you can get a diverse project list, or you can move up into a management position if that’s something you’re passionate about. I was able to make that advancement and feel supported in the process. Being a larger company has given me opportunities to work with people all over the country, who are in different states and have different local requirements, and I’m able to learn from all of them and expand my breadth of knowledge.

Lindsay: I appreciate the collaboration at Atwell. I’m more collaborative with my team since working remotely than I was in an in-person environment. We’re always on Microsoft Teams talking to each other, and one-on-one time with leadership is prioritized. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with people from various places, regularly engaging in conversations with colleagues from different regions. I’ve appreciated the chance to learn from colleagues across the country and get to know new faces I wouldn’t otherwise see.

Ray:  What makes being an engineer at Atwell special is the amazing people I get to work with every day. I came to Atwell because of the people I met through my interview process and people that I already knew at Atwell. The people I’ve met since joining the company have been immensely helpful and supportive. The teamwork, support, and collaborative environment make it a great place to grow and tackle exciting projects together. It’s a company I’d want to bring my network into, too.

What advice would you give to young people interested in becoming engineers?

Rachel: Be curious! Join organizations and groups that you know you’re interested in, then engage as much as you can. Take advantage of STEM-related opportunities at your school and within your community and explore different types of engineering. Also, having a mentor can make a world of a difference in any stage of your life. I know that has made a huge difference for me and my career.

Lindsay:  Don’t be intimidated by the math and science of things, embrace the challenge and lean into your creative side. Be persistent, lead with your passion, and, as Rachel said, get involved and get a mentor who can guide and support you along the way.

Ray: My advice is to dive in. Engineers come out of college wanting everything to be perfect. Once you get into the industry, it’s OK to make mistakes. There are experienced engineers who can catch those mistakes and mentor you along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  There’s so much wisdom and experience out there, and most engineers want to share, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.  As Lindsay and Rachel said, a good mentor is helpful, but don’t be afraid to dive in and make mistakes.

News and Insights

Atwell’s rapidly growing Land & Right of Way Solutions team helps clients establish land control to meet development goals

 

Our Land & Right of Way Solutions (Land Solutions) team brings real estate to the forefront of land development by securing the rights that clients need to construct projects. With more than 120 dedicated individuals, the Land Solutions team establishes land control to support client’s future development goals through land and right-of-way, right-of-way support, and research services. Since Atwell started offering right-of-way services in 2007, Land Solutions has grown significantly thanks to the committed team delivering outstanding counsel and collaborating with clients to tackle the dynamic marketplace.

“Consistent with Atwell’s values, our land and right-of-way services stand out due to Atwell’s distinctive approach to consulting services,” said Deb Wilson, Vice President of Land and Right of Way Solutions. “Our intellectual capital is what sets us apart, and we’ve proven our effectiveness to consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients. Since offering Land Solutions services to our clients, we have expanded our work to include utility, pipeline, electrical, and renewable energy markets. Our administrative team further supports community engagement, surface and mineral title abstracting, curative title activities, royalty payments, document preparation, and recording.”

The history of the Land Solutions team within Atwell is the embodiment of organic growth centered on meeting client needs driven by the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the Atwell culture. Land Solution’s history parallels a start-up company, embedded within the organization to fill a critical niche at a time of significant growth, change, and challenge. In 2006, the organization experienced significant national growth, with leadership identifying Land Solutions’ core services as highly compatible with emerging markets, particularly within the power sector. With the increase of state policies driving renewable energy development, Atwell was steadfast to enter this emerging market.

Driven by leadership’s pursuit of new opportunities, individuals from diverse career backgrounds united inside the organization to develop a range of services designed to acutely address a rising national demand. Like any start-up, in the early years, Land Solutions faced higher levels of uncertainty, particularly in our entry market where we faced the ebbs and flows of federal and state policy. Fortunately, the highly skilled Atwell staff possessed unwavering determination, the trust of our clients, and a leadership team with an innate ability to manage risk.

Today, the Land Solutions team continues to be responsive to our clients’ evolving challenges and follows the ideals of the organization to add value to our daily work. “Atwell’s clients have benefitted from our continued expansion in this area as we can truly say Atwell can provide all the necessary development services within one organization. By including our subsidiaries Strategic Construction Solutions and RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture, we can incorporate all the best of industry practices,” added Wilson.

Organic growth within an organization often takes an enormous amount of dedication by staff to focus on the vision, develop their skill, adapt processes to evolving markets, and understand policy. The benefit is immeasurable in the level of acumen staff bring to their clients derived from all that is gained through the growth process. “Rarely does an employee have the benefit of building a start-up idea into a primary service sector within an organization,” said Wilson. “The opportunity to take part in the process and growth is absolutely career-defining, and I look forward to the future of my team and the valuable work we do for our clients.”

Our work in evolving markets continues to grow, and we look forward to helping guide clients through all of their future land and right-of-way needs. Given the future of the energy market, we’re excited about the role the Land Solutions team will play in adding value to our clients’ projects for decades to come.

 

News and Insights

Atwell leader insights of 2024: Continuously innovating, building, and improving

 

2024 has been full of significant social, environmental, political, and technological developments that have affected all corners of the AEC industry. Through them all, Atwell has remained committed to serving our clients, supporting our communities, and producing high-quality work thanks to the knowledge, advice, and extensive experience of our teams and their leaders. Their insights and ideas have not only educated others about important issues in our industry, but have also played a role in driving positive change, innovation, and thought-provoking conversations. Here’s a review of the industry news and insights that our leaders shared in 2024:

With January being a popular time for goalsetting, Deb Wilson, Vice President of Land Solutions, applied her 25 years of industry experience toward outlining valuable career advice for people navigating their career in the AEC industry.

In February, Senior Director Jesse Zellmer explained the vital role of make-ready utility work in fiber expansion. With an unprecedented level of fiber deployment in 2023, his timely insights gave clarity to the importance and power of collaboration between key entities in the utility sector. We also looked into the complicated permitting process in Maryland, and how developing and maintaining relationships at various municipal levels is essential to successful permitting.

In April, Danielle Peoples, Project Director of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, discussed the advantages of proactively engaging with and understanding the communities we work in and how stakeholder engagement reduces risk while increasing community benefits.

In May, we learned about the process, benefits, and best practices of wind repowering from Senior Director Courtney Schmidt, Associate Director Leonard Powell, and Project Manager David Greer.

June brought an exciting update for Maryland surveyors: Thanks to the efforts of Senior Project Manager William Bower and the Government Affairs Committee for the Maryland Society of Surveyors, the Reasonable Access bill was passed in the Maryland General Assembly. Maryland became the 32nd state to either allow private surveyors the right of entry or exempt them from trespass when engaged in land surveying activities. In June, we also learned more about the advantages of an 80/20 wind repower vs. a full wind repower, thanks to the knowledge and insights of Vice President Jason Utton and Senior Director Courtney Schmidt. We rounded out the month with a look into the power and potential of electrification in the Oil & Gas industry, with insights from Senior Project Manager Jake Kapp.

In August, our Land Solutions and Title teams explained the importance of land title research in project success and how developers can select the best Land and Title partner for their needs.

In October, conversations were buzzing about how the next President of the United States could impact various industries, including the energy sector. Vice President Jason Utton discussed how the results 2024 presidential election could result in different scenarios and outcomes for energy clients and legislation.

In November, we learned from Senior Director Danielle Peoples why it is essential for both the client and the community to prioritize community engagement in project development. November also gave us information on how AI data centers are reshaping the energy grid and what developers can do to get ahead of this. Director Travis Bousquet, Director Scott Perrie, and Senior Director Courtney Schmidt explained how the future of data centers is linked to the evolution of the energy infrastructure that powers them. We closed the month with ideas from Christian Hoelsken, Associate Project manager, on how utilities can drive grid modernization, which is necessary for stabilizing and supporting the energy grid in the future.

In December, Chief Operating Officer Dan McNulty reflected on Atwell’s growth and diversification in 2024, our continued emphasis on employee morale and company culture, and the various ways we’ve supported the development and growth of our people and our clients. He also shared why working in the mission critical space will be essential in 2025, opportunities in public and private infrastructure projects, and the launch of Atwell’s corporate giving initiatives.

 

We are proud of the valuable insights and perspectives that our leaders have shared about our industry, and hope that the information will be an asset and resource to clients, peers, and anyone curious about AEC topics. We look forward to continuing the conversations and connections in 2025!

News and Insights

Atwell project highlights of 2024: Doing work that makes us proud

 

One of Atwell’s core values is to do work that makes us proud. The projects we completed and shared in 2024 are a testament to our employees’ passion, expertise, and commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships. From navigating challenging wetlands to managing successful solar programs, our projects and initiatives have made positive impacts on our communities and environments. Here’s a look at some of our amazing work from 2024:

 

In January,  we highlighted Creeks Crossing in Texas as an outstanding example of the community building that can come with well-executed manufactured housing projects. Manufactured housing can bring together residents by offering expanded social and gathering amenities that shatter outdated stereotypes, such as community centers and clubhouses to athletic fields and dog parks.

In another January project feature, understanding and increasing accessible housing and equality was at the core of the work done for the city of Shoreline, Washington. Following four months of work collecting data and insights, the Atwell planning team provided a detailed Racial Equity Report in response to amendments made in the Growth Management Act. The report, now publicly available on the city’s commerce website to serve as an example for other jurisdictions, will help shape the future of the community.

Creeks Crossing offers the best of both worlds: small-town charm with scenic views and a slower pace, and a strategic location between two of Texas’ largest cities with access to the conveniences and opportunities in those metro areas.

In March, we discussed how consumers of all ages have expressed growing interest in the build-to-rent (BTR) market as it presents an option for many to have their own detached home or downsize to something that fits their present needs. Atwell’s Marietta team worked on The Cottages at Battlefield Crossing in Oglethorpe, Georgia to create a beautiful, contemporary BTR community. Our team’s focus on collaboration with internal and external stakeholders helped foster a positive community response to the project.

March 18th is National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day, a day to recognize the people who bring natural gas to homes and businesses. Our project for Aspire Energy involved transporting six million cubic feet of gas daily from a greenfield natural gas processing facility in Guernsey County, Ohio, to a downstream delivery point. We provided numerous turnkey services to support our client’s goal of providing clean, safe, reliable energy to the public.

In July, our survey team in Naperville, Illinois was able to accelerate the progress of a 4,000-acre solar farm thanks to the added efficiency of aerial mapping. Using drone-based technology, the entire site was flown and images were captured within just a few days, offering critical savings in time and resources.

Another featured solar project in July was one led by our Land Solutions team. They assisted DTE Energy in reaching its solar acreage goals as part of a massive update to their energy grid makeup. By harnessing the power across Atwell’s land solutions, development, survey, environmental, payments, documents, project management, and leadership teams, Atwell’s program management approach helped DTE to not only meet but exceed its solar acreage goals in one year.

In August, we shared the creative problem-solving implemented at Esplanade Wiregrass Ranch, a Taylor Morrison community in Pasco County, Florida. The area often presents significant development challenges given the number of wetlands in the area. The successful project was a joint effort by the Atwell team and RVi team in Tampa, Florida. Meticulous engineering and landscape architecture transformed the wetlands into an award-winning, luxury community.

A person wearing a helmet and cycling gear rides a bike along a paved path lined with palm trees and greenery on a sunny day. The path runs beside a body of water and a black fence. The sky is clear and blue with a few wispy clouds.
At Esplanade Wiregrass Ranch in Florida, multiple boardwalks were made possible thanks to Atwell’s drainage and stormwater management in a wetland-heavy region.

In November, Atwell announced the completion of Phase III in the redevelopment of Glenarden Hills, a historical community formerly known as the gem of Prince George’s County, Maryland. Serving as the project consultant for the entire project, we offered a full scope of services in order to revive the 27-acre master planned community into a place that restores pride and joy within its residents.

 

While these projects are just a sampling of all the work done across the company, they are wonderful representations of the impact that our collective team has on people and communities across the country. Our work illustrates the breadth of experience and skills that Atwell offers to our clients and the communities we serve. We look forward to continued innovation, problem-solving, and community building in 2025!

News and Insights

GIS Day 2025: Connecting the dots through GIS

 

GIS means connection. GIS (Geographic Information System) connects data by leveraging the spatial component of information, allowing for the integration, analysis, and visualization of diverse datasets to gain insights into geographic patterns and relationships. At Atwell, our projects rely on data, and we use GIS to collect and manage the data so we can interpret it and keep our clients informed in real-time.

GIS gives us the ability to manage multiple layers of data collection from both the natural environment – such as water courses, water bodies, wetlands, and species – to the built environment – such as buildings, roads, solar, wind, transmission – and more, within the same system. We can leverage whatever combination of data gathered from the field, mined online, or other product data and display it all on top of each other to help inform decisions.

Our team of GIS experts provides both internal support to our teams and external support directly to our clients. Whether we’re supporting our land development, natural resources, or our environmental clients, our GIS team is working to ensure their data reflects the most up-to-date and accurate numbers to minimize risk and maximize opportunities for our clients.

This year’s GIS Day theme highlights how GIS technology has changed the way we perceive, navigate, and shape our world. It shows how combining human creativity with technology helps us discover hidden trends, support sustainable growth, and make smarter decisions using the power of location data. We’ve used ArcGIS StoryMaps to highlight the evolution of GIS, Atwell’s GIS team, and the GIS trends you can expect in 2025 and beyond.

About the Author

Lauren Federsel

Associate Director

Lauren Federsel is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional with over 25 years of geospatial experience. She has multiple levels of experience in GIS Management which includes long-term geospatial visioning and strategic planning to keep companies on the forefront of digital technologies.

News and Insights

The power of early and thoughtful community engagement: Reducing risks for developers and community members

 

Danielle Peoples is a Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Atwell. Danielle has a passion for community engagement and getting “boots on the ground” as soon as possible to immerse her team in a community’s priorities and sentiments. In this blog, Danielle shares why it is essential to prioritize community engagement and that while there are best practices, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Years ago, I started using a downhome phrase within my project teams that I still pull out today: Follow the Mama Rule. It’s my light-hearted way to encourage team members to slow down and think about the people and places that will be impacted by a project. By thinking about the figurative “Mama” of the community, we can try to empathize about what Mama would want to know:

  1. Tell her the plan and get her thoughts.
  2. If the plan changes, give Mama the update and explanation.
  3. And, importantly, clean up our mess when we’re done and share appreciation for the support.

In our work, the communities we’re connecting with are “Mama”—we want them to know what’s going on, support the process, and keep them informed along the way.

Start early, stay engaged

I’ve never heard the sentiment from a project team that they started community engagement too early; I have heard them commiserate that they started too late. Because the risks and opportunities with community engagement have the potential to make or break a project, it’s ideal to start the community and stakeholder research at the very beginning of a project. Early engagement lays the groundwork for trust, support, long-term benefits, and community-led insights to avoid surprise complications.

Time and again, we’ve seen how this early investment pays dividends over the long-term as stakeholders have a clearer view of the intention and community members feel included in the success of the project. Bringing the community through the evolution and decisions for the project contributes to the trust and inclusion that community members feel.

Research the community thoroughly

With our clients, we often start our scope with community and stakeholder research. This involves seeking to understand the community’s history and current priorities, to identifying community members who are likely to have an influence on people’s attitudes toward the project. Recognizing the decision-makers who can impact the success and timeline for the project’s development is also a vital part of this process. This is the foundational information that helps us design an informed communications and engagement plan with our clients.

How, then, do we go about researching these communities to understand their values, their priorities, and their opinions? We use a two-fold approach to do our research: 1) Desktop research of available public information, and 2) Site visits along with information gathering interviews.

Desktop research involves reading news articles and local history publications, reviewing local government meetings and changes to ordinances and regulations, and reviewing other development and infrastructure projects for benchmarking. We seek to connect the dots with this information to anticipate how synchronizing our communications and initial outreach could build support and meaningful community benefits.

An important part of this research phase is to take the time to go look and go see the community. I remember trying to anticipate traffic concerns that could stem from a project. During a site visit, we realized a large industrial site was already sending dozens of trucks down the same route to the highway. The situational awareness showed that we took the time to understand what was already happening in the community and how our project was part of a much broader experience for stakeholders.

This is also a time to have low-risk, information-gathering conversations with key stakeholders like local government staff, economic developers, and supportive landowners to validate impressions and observations. This is where we identify and begin to manage potential risks and introduce ourselves as people beyond a project name and company logo.

A dynamic, engaging plan is better than a “perfect” plan

I’ve observed a tendency over the years for teams to want to have all the details figured out and questions answered before introducing a project to the community. While the first impression is very important, inviting people to be part of the process of deciding and refining the project is true engagement. Introducing the project and telling the story of why the project is desired is more memorable than all the design details initially. And it can feel somewhat adversarial if people don’t feel like there was an opportunity to give feedback or weigh in on options.

Community-specific tactics that match how people like to receive and share information should be aligned with project milestones and can include one-on-one meetings, group presentations, community meetings and events, fact sheets, visual simulations and tours, and websites. This is another opportunity to invite people to share early on how they’d like to be engaged throughout the project.

Perfection of all the answers you think you should have for the project introduction is not as important as a demonstrated ability to engage with community members, listen and hear their concerns, and respond in a timely manner. As project timelines and expectations are better informed with feedback, the engagement strategy should be updated and discussed amongst the project team dynamically to reflect this.

When we suggest stakeholders should be made aware of changes, that especially includes the community. Trust is broken more easily than it is built, and if the trust of a community is broken due to lack of communication, the risks to long-term success will only increase.

Consistency and proactivity benefits everyone

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that something as simple as showing up consistently with the same people, the same faces, and being timely in responses can make all the difference. This consistency doesn’t just apply to the initial days, either. Honoring commitments made through construction and operation helps not only the project reputation but all developers, current and future.

Proactive messaging also allows the client to determine and set the project narrative. If a developer assumes they should wait to speak about the project until they have all permits approved and in hand, it creates a void. That void can be easily filled by detractors, allowing them to step in and create a negative narrative about the project. That is obviously not ideal and can cause communication to suddenly become reactive.

Ultimately, community engagement is more than a nice add on – it is crucial to project success. A well-engaged community leads to smoother project approvals and sticking to the scope, schedule, and budget for our clients.

Connect with Danielle to discuss further how Atwell can support your efforts to follow the “Mama Rule” with thorough research, development, and coordination of communications and stakeholder engagement plans for your projects.  

About the Author

Danielle Peoples

Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Danielle Peoples is the Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement. She has more than 13 years of industry experience in strategic engagement, change management, communications, and crisis responses. She is passionate about community engagement and giving back to her community.

News and Insights

Election 2024: What it means for the energy industry and clients

 

By Jason Utton

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the energy industry faces a period of uncertainty, with the outcome poised to shape the future of domestic energy policy and international relations. Whether the next administration prioritizes renewable energy, fossil fuels, or energy infrastructure, its decisions will have profound implications for the industry’s direction and the country’s role in the global energy landscape.

Possible impacts to fossil fuels and deregulation

The speed and direction of the energy industry will depend heavily on the election’s outcome. If Donald Trump is re-elected, expect a shift toward policies that favor fossil fuels, deregulation, and a focus on U.S. energy independence. Trump has been a vocal critic of climate initiatives and would likely pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement once again, while also aiming to reverse efforts like the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) push for corporate climate risk reporting. His administration would likely backtrack on domestic climate goals, prioritizing economic growth over emissions reductions.

A key pillar of Trump’s energy plan would be to expand drilling locations for natural gas on federal land and lift restrictions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. He is also expected to pursue heavy tariffs on imports, particularly energy-related imports, which could trigger a trade war with key international partners. While such tariffs could boost domestic production, they also pose risks of increasing consumer costs and long-term volatility, particularly if major energy exporters retaliate.

Despite Trump’s ambitions to reshape energy policy, any substantial legislative changes would require bipartisan support. Divided government remains the most likely scenario, with projections showing the GOP likely to benefit from a favorable 2024 Senate map, while Democrats are expected to regain a narrow majority in the House. Even if Republicans secure control of Congress, sweeping changes – like a full rollback of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) –would be difficult to achieve without cross-party compromise due to the slim governing margins.

The Inflation Reduction Act: Strong bipartisan roots

Certain provisions within the IRA, such as tax credits for carbon capture and storage (45Q), hydrogen production (45V), clean fuel production (45Z), and manufacturing incentives (45X and 48C), have bipartisan support, particularly in rural and industrial communities. For example, most wind farms and solar facilities are in Republican-leaning rural districts, where these initiatives have created jobs and economic benefits. These factors make a complete repeal of the IRA unlikely, even under a second Trump administration.

If Kamala Harris is elected, her administration would likely continue the current trajectory set by the Biden administration, focusing on expanding clean energy initiatives and strengthening the implementation of the IRA. The Harris administration would prioritize distributing IRA funds to local communities, supporting renewable energy projects, and promoting grid modernization. However, even if Democrats win a governing trifecta, enacting sweeping changes requiring congressional action would likely result from intraparty compromises.

In contrast, a Trump administration would focus on leveraging domestic energy resources, such as expanding drilling and natural gas production, while also emphasizing trade policies that protect U.S. energy industries. This approach could create tension with global trade partners, potentially limiting international energy cooperation, but it would prioritize the expansion of U.S. energy dominance. Balancing these domestic opportunities with the risk of international isolationism would be a central challenge for a second Trump term.

The role of Congress: Bipartisan challenges ahead

Regardless of who occupies the White House, the makeup of Congress will play a significant role in in shaping energy policy. Experts believe that policy changes requiring congressional approval will hinge on bipartisan negotiation, driven by narrow governing margins.

One of the most pressing fiscal issues in 2025 will be the expiration of several tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) – approximately $5 trillion in tax cuts passed by President Trump. Extending these cuts will require substantial revenue offsets, and some lawmakers may argue for repealing portions of the IRA to cover the costs. However, such a move could face strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans who support the job-creating provisions in the IRA.

As energy infrastructure projects require long-term investments and planning, a cooperative bipartisan approach will be critical to ensure progress continues amid political transitions.

Grid modernization: A shared priority

One area where both parties may find common ground is the need for significant improvements to the nation’s aging power grid. Over 70% of the U.S. grid is older than 25 years old, and as renewable energy projects come online and electricity demands rise, modernizing the grid will be crucial to meeting future energy needs. Upgrades will require building new transmission infrastructure, expanding interconnection capacity, and ensuring that renewable energy can be delivered efficiently to customers.

The growing role of datacenters, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing will further drive electricity demand, adding urgency to the need for a more reliable and resilient grid. Both Republican and Democratic administrations recognize these challenges, and federal support will be essential to streamline permitting processes, fund large-scale infrastructure projects, and ensure grid stability in the years ahead.

Final thoughts

The 2024 presidential election is a key variable in determining the future of U.S. energy policy and its impact on both domestic markets and global geopolitics. Most projections suggest that divided government remains the most likely scenario, with narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Even if either party gains full control of the government, enacting sweeping changes to federal energy policy will be a challenge due to the complexities of the legislative process.

While the Trump administration would likely prioritize fossil fuel expansion and trade protectionism, and the Harris administration would focus on continuing clean energy investments, one thing is certain: energy policy will remain a central issue in U.S. political discourse. Regardless of which administration is in power, renewables and energy storage are expected to dominate the energy transition due to their lower costs and faster speed to market, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the global energy transformation.

About the Author

Jason Utton

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President of Atwell’s Power Group, Jason Utton has been developing renewable energy projects for more than 17 years, with experience in wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the country. He currently provides large scale investment and development clients with business goal setting, renewable portfolio optimization, and capital deployment strategies.

News and Insights

3 considerations when looking for the right Land and Title partner

Identifying and purchasing the right parcel of land for a project can be the difference between a successful project or a drawn-out headache. When looking for and identifying a parcel of land to develop, there are several questions clients should ask themselves. For example: Who owns the land? Are there any additional burdens and/or encumbrances that will negatively affect the project, and can they be resolved? As a project developer, you may have an answer for the first question, but what about the second? Having the right Title Research, Land, and Right of Way team on the project is crucial for thoroughly reviewing the title and minimizing risks, while still being able to offer cost-effective solutions.

It’s critical for project success that thorough land title research is completed to provide holistic awareness and complete project risk understanding. Once thoroughly completed, it is imperative that this is effectively communicated to all parties involved. Here are three considerations when looking for your next title work partner:

 

1. Will the title work be completed by the contracted land team or with a third-party land service company?  

There are numerous benefits to partnering with a company offering full title research solutions from the project initiation. These benefits include lower project costs, shorter timelines for stages of completion, and earlier initiation of work. Whether it’s a surface title or mineral title, our team of experts at Atwell hits the ground running so you get results that are faster and more effective.

2. How many parties will be involved in communication?

Effective and thorough communication drives schedules and efficiencies of a project. When working with a company that provides full field services for a project—such as title services and land survey—there is true value in the reduced need for additional communication. When there are fewer voices involved in decision-making and movement, the project will simply move faster.

When title work is completed by the Atwell Land Solutions team, the client receives consistency and efficiency across departments as a byproduct of effective and timely communication. Any issues that may arise are identified and resolved immediately amongst team members, as opposed to traditional scenarios where questions or issues are addressed through lengthy email chains between third party land service company and the project team.

A critical component of a project is landowner engagement. Understanding and communicating landowner concerns or restrictions is a must for all field activities. The key goal with effective communication is to minimize progress delays and eliminate any landowner issues.

3. Who is identifying critical issues and solving them?

As a development project starts in the entitlement process, often times the client is not aware of any potential land encumbrances that may affect the project. Identifying these critical issues early in the project is imperative. Issues such as understanding the chain of title history, potential land restrictions, identifying underground encumbrances, and other interests that are tied to the piece of land in development are essential to understand early in the entitlement process. Atwell’s Title team has the knowledge and experience to identify these potential issues and communicate effectively to the client, the landowner, and the project team during the entitlement process.

Certain mortgages may also have language that prevents work from happening to the surface. Many components of that mortgage may need to be picked apart for language that could prevent the development. This is a task for someone experienced in the matter. Atwell has deep experience doing this exact type of work to ensure we catch this language early in the process and assist in accomplishing client goals.

Our Land and Title teams kick off the work for the rest of our services. When Land gets involved, the lifeline of the process is initiated, and the concerns of the owner are at the forefront. The team can identify what areas to avoid and why, while helping clients understand and determine what areas of the property to pay special attention to.

 

At Atwell, we build strong relationships with owners, so they know who to call with questions and who to expect during those early mornings on their property. We respect our clients and the owners, and foster environments of mutual respect for all employees on the job. This is key for all our projects and is not an initiative we take lightly. Success is built on relationship longevity, and that relationship begins at the title work.

Utilizing Atwell’s subject matter experts in title work has several benefits: We have closed circuit communication, expert knowledge and experience, a passion for developing relationships, and cost-effective strategies that benefit our clients’ goals. Be it surface title or mineral title; we have the capabilities to jump start your project and get the ball rolling so you know things are already in motion before the survey team even arrives on site.