Civil Engineering & Site Design
Civil engineering is everything between the property line and the building: how water drains, where cars go, how utilities get in, and how it all meets local code. We take sites from data gathering and early concepts through final construction plans and permits.
We're especially careful on the tricky ones: vacant land with wetlands nearby, tight urban redevelopment, and sites where the existing utilities are a mystery.
Site Design
Grading, paving, and drainage plans for commercial, institutional, and residential sites. We start with conceptual and preliminary engineering so you can see your options and costs before committing, then carry the design through permit-ready construction drawings.
- Conceptual and preliminary engineering
- Grading, paving, and drainage plans
- Parking lots, drives, and site circulation
- Erosion control plans and permits
Roadway & Pavement Design
Urban and rural roadways, from new streets in a subdivision to the reconstruction of a village main street. We also evaluate existing pavement and help communities decide what to fix first, which matters when the budget never covers everything.
Sanitary Sewer & Water Distribution
Sanitary sewers, force mains, and water distribution systems, designed to the standards of the utility that will own them. We coordinate with the utility early so there are no surprises at plan review.
Airport Engineering
Pavement, drainage, and site work at general aviation airports, coordinated with airport managers and state aviation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What does a civil engineer do on a commercial site project?
We design everything outside the building: grading, drainage and stormwater, parking and drives, utility connections, and erosion control. Then we get those plans approved by the municipality and any state agencies, and we can stay on through construction.
How long does site plan approval take?
It depends on the community and how many boards need to see it. Many sites in Racine and Kenosha Counties need plan commission review plus stormwater and erosion control permits. We'll map out the schedule at the start so you can plan around meeting dates.
Do you work with our architect?
All the time. We regularly partner with architectural and MEP firms as the civil and survey member of the design team, from concept through construction.
Do I need a survey before you start design?
Almost always. A topographic survey (and usually a boundary survey) gives us accurate existing conditions to design from. We do both in-house, which keeps the schedule tight.
Planning a site or a road project?
Send us what you have: an address, a sketch, a deadline. We'll tell you what it takes.