ENR MidAtlantic is pleased to announce Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. (HRG) is the 2021 ENR MidAtlantic Design Firm of the Year. The firm will be recognized in the June print issue of ENR MidAtlantic.  

The Design Firm of the Year demonstrates success in the region from a growth and revenue standpoint as well as innovation, creativity and a commitment to giving back to its community. The last seven MidAtlantic winners include Clark Nexsen, WSP, ECS Mid-Atlantic, KCI Technologies Inc., Whitman Requardt and Associates, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson and Pennoni Associates.  

Founded in Harrisburg, Pa. in 1962, HRG has offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The employee-owned firm—which ranked 406 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firm rankings—provides civil engineering, surveying and environmental services. The firm ranked No. 46 on last year’s ENR MidAtlantic Top Design Firm rankings with $36.6-million in regional revenue and No. 48 the year before that with $31.40 million in revenue. 

HRG says it has experienced revenue growth every year for the past six years, averaging 9% growth per year. HRG’s revenue increased in 2020 despite the pandemic. This firm credits its success in 2020 to the fact that they worked during the last 10 years to erase the barriers between offices and departments. The firm says this helped create a company culture that allowed them to work cohesively during the pandemic. 

One service that HRG offers that it says sets it apart from its competitors is the firm’s ability to help obtain public sector funding for its clients. The firm—which mostly services local governments—says it also sets itself apart with its division dedicated to assisting their clients with grants, loans and asset management.

HRG regularly invests in community sponsorships, supporting local parks and recreation programs, festivals and events, youth sports organizations and arts and culture. Each year, the company promotes a fundraising drive, matching employee donations to the United Way. During the past two decades, HRG and its team have donated more than $300,000 to United Way. 

Recently, the firm instituted a community service program called HRG Volunteers. Each employee-owner receives eight hours of paid time to volunteer with the charitable organization of their choice. Team members can join together for a community service project or give their time and talent individually to an organization with special meaning for them. 

To find out where HGR ranks in this year’s Top Design Firm survey, and to learn more about the firm, pick up a copy of the June issue of ENR MidAtlantic.