Larson Design Group

Background

Founded in 1986, Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm. The company is dedicated to elevating client relationships, developing the careers and lives of its employee-owners, and enhancing the communities it serves. LDG operates across diverse industries, including commercial, community, education, energy, federal, healthcare, light industrial, retail, state and local government, transportation, and water/wastewater sectors.

Key Strategic Focus

LDG's strategic focus encompasses:

Client Service Excellence: Serving as trusted advisors through ethics, integrity, and transparency.

Innovation: Embracing new approaches and continuously improving processes and services.

Teamwork: Fostering collaborative relationships to drive knowledge and achieve greater results.

Performance: Meeting quality expectations with a commitment to responsiveness, safety, and welfare.

Learning: Encouraging lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

Stewardship: Committing to financial and volunteer support to improve community quality of life.

Financials and Funding

As of November 2024, LDG's annual revenue reached approximately $750 million. The company has demonstrated robust growth, climbing from #325 in 2019 to #282 in 2020 on the Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms list.

Pipeline Development

LDG has expanded its national presence by opening new offices and acquiring firms to enhance its market position. Notably, in January 2022, LDG acquired Oklahoma-based LWPB Inc., a leading architecture and interior design firm, to strengthen its expertise in federal and education markets.

Technological Platform and Innovation

LDG utilizes a comprehensive tech stack to enhance its operations, including:

Google Analytics: For website performance analysis.

MySQL: As a relational database management system.

Google Cloud: For scalable cloud computing services.

Microsoft Teams: Facilitating team collaboration and communication.

Leadership Team

LDG's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the company's growth and success:

David Martin, PE: President and Chief Executive Officer, Board Director.

David Schaarsmith, AICP, LEED AP: Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President, Board Director.

Terry Krezmer: Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior Vice President, Vice Chair of the Board.

Scott Kantner: Chief Information Officer & Senior Vice President, Board Director.

Ashley Heinnickel: Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President, Board Director.

Stephen Hammel: Chief Business Development Officer & Senior Vice President.

Vince Thompson: Chief Legal Officer & Senior Vice President.

Tim Kelly: Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President.

Frank Terak: Senior Vice President, Federal Markets.

Bruce Preston, RA, NCARB, DBIA, PMP, LEED AP BD+C: Federal Operations Manager & Senior Vice President.

Joe Romano IV, PE: Transportation Operations Manager & Vice President.

Ronald Kretz, RA, NCARB: Built Environment Operations Manager & Vice President.

Wesley Baker, PMP: Infrastructure Operations Manager & Vice President.

Ron Schirato, PE, LEED AP: Federal Programs Operations Manager & Vice President.

Rick Siler, RA, NCARB, DBIA, LEED Green Associate: Federal Architecture & Engineering Operations Manager & Vice President.

Gary Sheets, GISP: Strategic Programs Operations Manager & Vice President.

Andrew Dorin, RA, LEED AP BD+C: Market Lead & Vice President.

Tom Bestafka, PE: Navy Market Lead & Vice President.

Leadership Changes

Recent significant appointments include:

Tim Kelly: Hired as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in April 2024.

Steven Rushmore: Promoted to Director of Digital Practice in January 2024.

Stefanie English: Promoted to Associate Vice President and Director of Engineering within the Built Environment group in March 2023.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The architecture and engineering industry is highly competitive, with firms striving for innovation and excellence in client service. LDG's consistent growth and strategic acquisitions position it favorably within this dynamic market.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Clayco: Provides real estate, engineering, design-build, and construction solutions.

Waskita Karya: An engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company.

Mead & Hunt: Offers planning, architecture design, engineering, environmental, and construction administration services.

Haskell: Provides architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

LDG's acquisition of LWPB Inc. in January 2022 expanded its presence in the South-Central United States and enhanced its expertise in federal and education markets.

Operational Insights

LDG's 100% employee-ownership model fosters a culture of accountability and engagement, driving productivity and retention. This structure, combined with strategic growth initiatives, positions LDG as a competitive player in the architecture and engineering industry.