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For nearly three decades, our story has been one of steady, purpose driven growth, beginning with two employees in a single Chicago office and expanding to a team of more than 200 professionals across nine offices in eight states. Progress rarely happens by accident. It takes opportunity and the determination to seize it. For many small businesses, including ours, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program was that opportunity. It did not give us outcomes; it gave us a chance. It opened doors that had long been closed to talented small firms, allowed us to compete on projects we might never have seen, and created a marketplace where capability and commitment could be seen and measured. 

I recognize that the DBE program has been debated, critiqued, and, at times, demonized. But we should judge policies by their outcomes. For firms like ours, DBE was not a subsidy; it was an on-ramp. It helped us prove our value, build credentials, invest in people, and scale into the fullservice civil engineering firm we are today. We began as a DBE/MBE subconsultant on most projects; today, we lead as a prime consultant, often partnering with XBE firms as our subs. That transformation shows what true opportunity can achieve. 

The ripple effects of our growth have been profound: the creation of good jobs with benefits, internships and apprenticeships for the next generation, shared business successes for both local and national partner firms, contracts for local vendors and suppliers, and tangible improvements to the built environment in the communities we call home.  

As the program is being redefined, the challenges it addressed remain. Barriers do not disappear just because a rule changes. Talent is universal; opportunity is not. That is why our commitment going forward is both simple and resolute: 

• We will keep winning on excellence. Our clients can expect the same rigor and quality that have defined our work from day one. 

• We will keep building inclusive teams. Diversity makes us better problem solvers, and we’ll continue mentoring and partnering with emerging firms. 

• We will keep investing in communities. Every project is a chance to make places safer, more connected, more sustainable, and more resilient.  

• We will keep advocating for fair competition. Transparent, equitable practices benefit everyone.  

To our clients and partners: thank you for trusting us with your most important work. To our employees: your dedication and perseverance remain the engine of our success. And to small and minority-owned firms wondering what’s next: excellence still opens doors. Let’s keep teaming, innovating, and delivering projects that matter. 

Whatever changes come, our promise stands: we will keep transforming the built environment through ingenuity. 

Thank you for continuing to be part of the journey. 

From one office in Chicago to nine across eight states, IEI has grown through the dedication and diverse perspectives of our team. Their commitment is the driving force behind every successful project and partnership.

To our clients and partners, THANK YOU for trusting us to partner with you for nearly three decades. Your confidence in us has fueled our growth and inspired our best work.

Here’s to continuing to build strong communities and lasting relationships, together.

See more of IEI over the past 27 years. 

IEI joins in observing Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflects the resilience and influence of generations who have shaped our shared spaces.

Hispanic professionals have played a vital role in civil engineering, advancing urban development and contributing to more inclusive, connected communities across the country.

As one of the largest minority-owned civil engineering firms in the U.S., we recognize the value of diverse voices and experiences. We honor the legacy, leadership, and future of Hispanic and Latinx trailblazers – within our firm, in our industry, and across the country.

That’s a wrap on an exciting summer! Over the past eight weeks, 19 interns brought their talent, energy, and fresh ideas to IEI, diving into real-world engineering, construction, IT, business development, and marketing projects. They closed out the program with impressive presentations and made a lasting impact. IEI is committed to supporting the next generation of AEC talent through meaningful, hands-on experience. Thank you, Class of 2025. Best of luck on what’s next!

IEI is excited to share that Vice President and Aviation Business Practice Lead, David Robbins, M.S., was recently featured in Airport World with his article, “Rules of Engagement.” In it, David dives into the importance of early collaboration, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement in delivering successful airport capital programs, especially in today’s fast-changing landscape.

Drawing from hands-on experience, the article emphasizes how inclusive planning, strong partnerships, and a focus on long-term value can help airports tackle funding pressures, operational hurdles, and shifting passenger needs. It’s a great example of IEI’s commitment to smart, forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.

Read the full article here.

Learn more about IEI’s Aviation Engineering.

We are grateful for the recognition alongside so many talented peers shaping Chicago’s infrastructure on the 2025 Crain’s Chicago Business List of Largest Engineering Firms! This milestone reflects the dedication of our incredible team and the trust of our clients and partners.

Here’s to continued growth, great projects, and building a better future!

 

Today on National Women in Engineering Day, we recognize and celebrate the talented women at IEI who help drive our success every day.
Diversity drives ingenuity—and the contributions of women across our offices strengthen our work, our culture, and the communities we serve.
Thank you for all that you do!

Juneteenth, a federal holiday, is observed annually on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, bringing freedom to the last enslaved people in the Confederacy.

The 2025 theme, “A Reckoning: Reclaiming the Past, Remembering Black Voices, Reshaping the Future,” calls us to reflect on our history, uplift Black voices, and continue the work toward justice and equality.

As an African American-owned civil engineering firm, we understand the importance of championing diversity in our industry and making contributions towards equity and equality in the communities we serve.

For more information about Juneteenth, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

Every June, Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for equality. It’s a time to recognize both the progress made and the challenges that remain.

This year’s theme, “Activism and Social Change,” highlights the powerful role LGBTQIA+ individuals have played in advancing justice and equality through diverse forms of advocacy and leadership.

At IEI, we honor the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our belief that inclusive, impactful solutions come from embracing diverse voices and experiences.

Join us this month as we celebrate Pride—by standing in solidarity, promoting equity, and championing authenticity for all.

Please visit LGBT+ History Month 2025 for more information.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed each May, honors the history, culture, and contributions of individuals from East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands.

The 2025 theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” celebrates those who have led with purpose, overcome adversity, and empowered their communities. AAPI individuals have long transformed challenges into opportunities, driving innovation and lasting change.

At IEI, we celebrate cultural heritage months as part of our commitment to diversity, recognizing that inclusive perspectives strengthen our work and enrich our firm.

For more information about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, please visit: FAPAC – 2025 AANHPI Heritage Month Theme: A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience