Burns & McDonnell: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 1898 by Clinton Sumner Burns and Robert Emmett McDonnell, Burns & McDonnell is a 100% employee-owned engineering, construction, and architecture firm headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. With over 14,000 professionals operating from more than 75 offices globally, the company delivers integrated solutions across various sectors, including energy, water, transportation, and telecommunications.

Mission and Vision

Burns & McDonnell is committed to designing and building critical infrastructure that enhances the quality of life in communities worldwide. The firm's mission emphasizes safety, innovation, and client success, aiming to provide comprehensive services that address complex challenges.

Industry Significance

As one of the largest design firms globally, Burns & McDonnell plays a pivotal role in shaping infrastructure development. The company's integrated approach to engineering, construction, and architecture positions it as a leader in delivering complex projects efficiently and effectively.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Burns & McDonnell focuses on delivering comprehensive, integrated solutions that span the entire project lifecycle—from initial planning and design to construction and operations. The firm emphasizes safety, innovation, and client satisfaction as its primary objectives.

Areas of Specialization

The company offers a diverse range of services across multiple sectors, including:

Energy: Renewable energy, fossil fuels, and power transmission.

Water: Water treatment, distribution, and wastewater management.

Transportation: Highways, bridges, and transit systems.

Telecommunications: Network design and infrastructure development.

This full-service approach allows for efficient project execution and fosters long-term client relationships.

Key Technologies Utilized

Burns & McDonnell leverages advanced technologies to enhance project outcomes, including:

Digital Transformation: Implementing software solutions and digital roadmaps to align with business objectives.

Asset Management: Utilizing tools like AssetLens, a cloud-based SaaS technology, to connect operational conditions with financial decision-makers.

Security & Compliance: Developing strategies for risk management against cyber and physical threats while maintaining regulatory compliance.

These technological capabilities enable the firm to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.

Primary Markets Targeted

Burns & McDonnell serves a broad range of markets, including:

Federal and Military Agencies: Providing services for the Department of Energy and Department of Defense.

Oil & Gas: Offering business and technology solutions to the oil and gas industry.

Aviation: Delivering projects for aerospace and defense sectors.

Healthcare: Designing and constructing healthcare facilities.

This diverse market engagement underscores the firm's adaptability and comprehensive service offerings.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a 100% employee-owned firm, Burns & McDonnell operates under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This structure enhances motivation and retention, leading to high-quality service delivery.

Recent Financial Performance

In 2022, Burns & McDonnell reported significant growth:

Revenue: $7 billion, up from $4.8 billion in 2021.

Sales: $8.2 billion, up from $5.7 billion in 2021.

Projects: Supported 19,000 projects.

Hiring: Added 2,400 employees.

This growth reflects the firm's strong market position and effective management practices.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Burns & McDonnell has developed proprietary technologies to enhance project outcomes, including:

AssetLens: A cloud-based SaaS technology that aggregates existing data, enriching it with key health algorithms and priority metrics to inform capital expenditure decisions.

This tool enables clients to better connect operational conditions with financial decision-makers.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm employs advanced methodologies such as:

Digital Transformation: Implementing software solutions and digital roadmaps to align with business objectives.

Security & Compliance: Developing systematic, structured, and holistic strategies for risk management against cyber and physical threats while maintaining regulatory compliance.

These approaches ensure the delivery of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Leslie M. Duke: Chair and CEO.

Dave Barr: Senior Vice President, leads the federal business, including programs for the Department of Energy and Department of Defense.

Chris Baxter: Senior Vice President, oversees project risk management evaluation and insurance programs.

Oko Buckle: Senior Vice President, leads Southeast operations with a focus on power delivery.

Patrick Edwards: Senior Vice President, leads the Southwest region, focusing on energy, manufacturing, commercial, infrastructure, and public programs.