Stantec has been voted ENR California’s Design Firm of the Year by the regional editors of Engineering News-Record. The firm, with 23 offices in the state, will be featured in the June 6 issue of ENR California. In the same issue will be our annual Top Design Firms rankings.

Stantec was chosen based on a variety of accomplishments in the past year, including revenue in the state, major projects completed or begun, sustainability initiatives, industry awards and recognition, and community outreach.

Two major California acquisitions last year have definitely opened some doors for Stantec – Anshen + Allen, San Francisco, and ECO:LOGIC, Rocklin.

According to Eric Nielsen, Stantec’s western U.S. senior vice president, Irvine, Anshen + Allen brings internationally-renowned expertise in healthcare and higher education design, as well as operations in the United Kingdom to service international clients. ECO:LOGIC brings a high-level expertise in working with public water agencies, which, paired with internal specialties, allows Stantec’s capabilities to extend beyond what several of its competitors can provide, said Nielsen.

The acquisitions have also boosted Stantec’s payroll: it now has approximately 10,500 employees operating out of more than 160 offices in North America.

And according to the Top 500 Design Firms overview story, by Gary Tulacz, in the April 26, 2010 issue of ENR, Stantec believes in the strength of its own brand. Stantec CEO Robert Gomes was quoted: “While there is value in brand names of acquired firms, we are acquiring talent, not just a name.”