Regional designers report that many market sectors have improved, and most firms saw their revenue grow in 2013. But they also have post-recession concerns about staffing and owner finances. Design leaders cite regional strength in the energy, multifamily, commercial and hospitality sectors. They say public-sector work remains generally sluggish.
"The surge in oil and gas production throughout the region is creating a number of opportunities for engineering services supporting pipelines, storage, refining and processing," says Mark Lichtwardt, vice president and general manager in the Denver office of engineering consultant Burns & McDonnell.