teammdg, Author at DCCM

DCCM Ranks #116 on ENR’s 2025 Top 500 Design Firms List

DCCM Ranks #116 on ENR’s 2025 Top 500 Design Firms List DCCM is proud to be ranked #116 on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms list. This recognition reflects the continued momentum of our growth strategy and the dedication of our team nationwide. We’re grateful for the trust of our clients and partners as we deliver innovative solutions across the country. “We are proud to see DCCM continue its upward momentum in ENR’s rankings. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the strength of our strategic growth.”– Jim Thompson, Chairman & CEO Find cover story here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323049448517836800

Firm News

Vilano Beachfront Park Project Earns FPZA Award for Inclusive Design

We are thrilled to announce that the Vilano Beachfront Park Improvement project has been honored with the Inclusive Design Award by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA). This esteemed recognition highlights our team’s commitment to creating an accessible, welcoming, and vibrant coastal space. In collaboration with Pond & Company and St. Johns County, we take immense pride in contributing to a project that enriches the visitor experience and sets a new standard for inclusive public spaces. About the Vilano Beachfront Park Project Located on Vilano Road in St. Johns County, Florida, the Vilano Beachfront Park project showcases our team’s expertise in concept planning, master planning, engineering, and landscape architecture. The vision behind this project was to harmonize the natural coastal environment with the area’s historic charm, crafting a space that fosters community engagement and recreational activities. Key Features of the Park: 1,300-Square-Foot Pavilion: The park’s centerpiece is a spacious pavilion that can accommodate up to 190 guests. It is designed for various events, such as concerts, educational programs, and community gatherings. The pavilion features innovative rotating panels that can open for stunning ocean views or close for more intimate events. Additionally, the performance lighting is carefully directed to minimize impact on the surrounding areas and is tailored to comply with regulations for turtle nesting season. Enhanced Accessibility and Visitor Experience: New Amenities: The park includes upgraded restrooms, new outdoor showers, changing stations, and a climbing play structure in the recreational area. Improved Parking: Enhanced parking areas have been restriped for ADA compliance, ensuring ease of access for all visitors. Mobimat and ADA Features: A key highlight is the installation of a mobimat, offering accessible beach entry along the northern boundary. The park also features updated dune walkovers, including an ADA-compliant turnaround, making it the only disability-accessible beach in St. Johns County. This includes a wheelchair-accessible path leading to the sandy beach and a wooden ocean-viewing ramp, enabling an inclusive experience for everyone. These comprehensive upgrades emphasize the park’s goal of providing a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive coastal experience for visitors of all abilities. About the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) The FPZA is a professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of planning and zoning practices in Florida. Their Inclusive Design Award celebrates projects that prioritize accessibility, community integration, and thoughtful design, setting benchmarks for inclusive development across the state. The recognition of Vilano Beachfront Park by the FPZA is a testament to our dedication to creating spaces that embrace diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to have been part of this transformative project and look forward to continuing our work in delivering impactful, accessible designs that serve the community. Ready to bring your vision to life? Let’s create a space that inspires and welcomes everyone. Contact us today to get started!

Firm News

DCCM acquires Peoples & Quigley, Inc.

DCCM acquires Peoples & Quigley, Inc. Atlanta, GA (August 14, 2024) – DCCM, a national provider of design, consulting, and program & construction management services, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Peoples & Quigley, Inc., a leading civil engineering firm specializing in water resources including dams and embankments engineering, potable water, and wastewater solutions with a well-established presence in Georgia. Peoples & Quigley has built a reputation for delivering high-quality engineering services to public and private sector clients, focusing on sustainable water resources and water/wastewater management. With offices in Atlanta, Cartersville, and Athens, Georgia, the firm has been at the forefront of innovative water solutions for almost 50 years. “We’re excited to join forces with DCCM,” said Christopher Quigley, PE, Chief Executive Officer of Peoples & Quigley. “This partnership allows us to expand our capabilities and better serve our clients. By combining our strengths with DCCM’s resources, we’re looking forward to enhancing the services we provide and continuing our commitment to quality engineering solutions.” “Bringing Peoples & Quigley on board is a great step for DCCM,” said James F. (Jim) Thompson, PE, DBIA, Chairman & CEO of DCCM. “Their expertise in water engineering will significantly enhance our service offerings in our Georgia markets as well as contributing to our national expertise. We’re excited about what this partnership means for our clients and employees.” About Peoples & Quigley Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Cartersville and Athens, Peoples & Quigley has been a trusted provider of water resources and water/wastewater engineering services for decades. The firm is committed to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that meet the needs of public and private sector clients across various industries. For more information, please visit: https://pandginc.com. About DCCM DCCM is a provider of design, consulting, and program & construction management services focusing on infrastructure marketplaces throughout the public and private sectors. Through a family of complementary branded divisions, DCCM serves a variety of end markets while offering a national reach. DCCM is aggressively hiring key industry professionals in all disciplines and is actively seeking further acquisition opportunities throughout North America. For more information, please visit: www.dccm.com.

Articles

Modeling Oyster Populations to Support Coastal Restoration

Each spring marks the beginning of a prominent oyster spawning season in coastal Louisiana—and another cycle in the life of an organism that plays an important role in the health of coastal ecosystems. Oysters provide a variety of ecosystem services, but their populations are in decline. Understanding how oyster populations respond to changing conditions and restoration efforts requires looking beyond individual reefs to the connections among oyster populations across an entire coastal system. DynamicSolutions | DCCM, in partnership with an interdisciplinary team of scientists from public, private, and academic institutions, is leading the development of a fully coupled, mechanistic oyster metapopulation model designed to do just that. Modeling an Interconnected Oyster Population Oyster populations do not function in isolation. Larvae can move between locations before settling and developing on reefs, connecting individual oyster reefs as part of a larger metapopulation. Capturing those relationships requires a model capable of representing processes occurring across dramatically different scales. The model being developed by DynamicSolutions | DCCM and its project partners simulates larval and oyster reef dynamics across temporal scales ranging from seconds to decades and spatial scales ranging from individual reefs to entire coastal basins. By bringing these processes together within a single modeling framework, the team is developing a tool that can help managers better understand oyster population dynamics across complex coastal systems. Supporting Data-Driven Restoration Decisions Restoring oyster populations requires decisions about where and how restoration efforts may be implemented. A modeling tool capable of representing both individual reefs and their connections across a broader coastal basin can provide another source of information for evaluating those decisions. The oyster metapopulation model is being developed to provide managers with a data-driven approach to help inform restoration efforts. By examining oyster and larval dynamics across both short- and long-term timescales, the model can support a broader understanding of how oyster populations function within Louisiana’s coastal environment. An Interdisciplinary Approach Developing a model at this scale requires expertise spanning engineering, ecology, coastal science, and resource management. DynamicSolutions | DCCM is leading the effort in collaboration with: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries U.S. Geological Survey Louisiana State University University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science The Water Institute of the Gulf Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Together, the interdisciplinary project team is combining scientific and technical expertise to develop a practical tool for understanding oyster population dynamics and supporting coastal restoration decision-making. DynamicSolutions | DCCM works alongside public agencies, researchers, and project partners to apply advanced modeling and water resources expertise to complex coastal and ecosystem challenges. Explore DynamicSolutions | DCCM’s services or connect with our team to learn how our modeling expertise can support ecosystem restoration, coastal resource management, and data-driven environmental decision-making.

Firm News

DCCM acquires Chastain-Skillman, LLC

DCCM acquires Chastain-Skillman, LLC Lakeland, Florida (February 21, 2024) – DCCM, a national provider of design, consulting, and program & construction management services based in Houston, Texas, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Chastain-Skillman, LLC. Chastain-Skillman is renowned for its exceptional delivery of professional engineering and land surveying services to clients across Florida. With this acquisition, DCCM solidifies its partnership with Jay Chastain, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chastain-Skillman. “DCCM is excited to welcome Chastain-Skillman as the latest addition to our expanding national team,” remarked James F. (Jim) Thompson, PE, DBIA, Chairman & CEO of DCCM. “This strategic move enhances our infrastructure engineering capabilities in Florida and strengthens our presence in the regional market. Aligned in our commitment to excellence, the integration of Chastain-Skillman into DCCM promises mutual benefits for our clients and employees.” Jay Chastain expressed enthusiasm about joining DCCM: “Uniting with DCCM creates new opportunities for Chastain-Skillman. Leveraging DCCM’s extensive resources, we can offer an even greater suite of comprehensive engineering and field services to our clientele. The future is bright for Chastain-Skillman, and we eagerly anticipate the possibilities this collaboration will bring for our customers and staff.” About Chastain-Skillman Headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, Chastain-Skillman has provided professional services for over 70 years. With additional offices in Orlando, Florida and Brentwood, Tennessee, Chastain-Skillman is committed to addressing engineering and infrastructure needs across the Southeastern United States. Chastain-Skillman specializes in civil engineering, water/wastewater engineering, and land surveying for various public works and land development projects. For more information, please visit: www.chastainskillman.com. About DCCM DCCM is a provider of design, consulting, and program & construction management professional services focusing on infrastructure marketplaces throughout the public and private sectors. Through a family of complementary branded divisions, DCCM serves a variety of end markets while offering a national reach. DCCM is aggressively hiring key industry professionals in all disciplines and is actively seeking further acquisition opportunities throughout North America. For more information, please visit: www.dccm.com.

Firm News

DCCM acquires Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc.

DCCM acquires Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc. Riverside, California (February 7, 2024) – DCCM, a national provider of design, consulting, and program & construction management services based in Houston, Texas, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc. Southstar Engineering is recognized for providing project management, construction management, and special services to public agencies throughout the state of California. In acquiring Southstar, DCCM is expanding its existing partnership with industry veteran Jason Bennecke, PE, MBA, PMP, who will be leading Southstar as Chief Executive Officer, Yvette Kirrin, PE, who will continue in her role as President, and Amr Abuelhassan, MS, PE, QSD, as Chief Operating Officer. “DCCM is delighted to have Southstar join as the next addition to our rapidly growing family,” said James F. (Jim) Thompson, PE, DBIA, Chairman & CEO of DCCM. “The acquisition of Southstar will allow us to expand our engineering services in California and expand our national transportation services. With our aligned vision and a dedication to providing quality services, Southstar joining DCCM is clearly a success for our customers and employees alike.” “Joining DCCM promises to produce a new era of possibilities for Southstar,” said Jason Bennecke. “With the extensive resources DCCM brings to the table, Southstar will be able to bring a full suite of engineering and field services to our clients. Southstar is poised for a bright future, and we look forward to the opportunities that are to come for our customers and staff with this partnership.” About Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc. Southstar is based in Riverside California where they have provided professional services across the state for over thirteen years. Dedicated to the public works and transportation needs of California, Southstar focuses on providing solutions to managing the construction of bridges, freeways, roadways, sanitary sewers, storm channels, streambed alterations and other public works and infrastructure projects. For more information, please visit: www.southstareng.co About DCCM DCCM is a provider of design, consulting, and program & construction management professional services focusing on infrastructure marketplaces throughout the public and private sectors. Through a family of complementary branded divisions, DCCM serves a variety of end markets while offering a national reach. DCCM is aggressively hiring key industry professionals in all disciplines and is actively seeking further acquisition opportunities throughout North America. For more information, please visit: www.dccm.com.

Articles

Understanding a Changing Mississippi River During Historic Low Flows

The Mississippi River is a dynamic system, continually responding to changes in flow, sediment, climate, and human activity. During periods of extreme low flow, those changes can become particularly visible—and their impacts can extend far beyond the river channel itself. During a period of severe drought across portions of the Great Plains, Ohio Valley, and Lower Mississippi River Valley, the Mississippi River reached historic low levels. The conditions affected navigation and sedimentation throughout the river system while contributing to another challenge hundreds of miles downstream: the progression of saltwater upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. For DynamicSolutions | DCCM, these conditions provided a firsthand look at the complex processes continually reshaping one of the nation’s most important waterways. Studying Sedimentation Near Hickman, Kentucky DynamicSolutions | DCCM engineers Christopher Wallen, Steve Sanborn, and Zach Wallen observed the effects of the low-flow conditions while beginning a sedimentation study near Hickman, Kentucky. Sediment movement is closely connected to river hydraulics. Changes in flow can influence where sediment is transported, deposited, or eroded, creating implications for navigation channels and other river functions. Understanding these processes is an important part of developing sustainable approaches to managing navigation while considering the broader environmental functions of the river. When Low River Flows Affect Drinking Water The impacts of unusually low Mississippi River flows were also being experienced much farther downstream. Under low-flow conditions, reduced freshwater discharge allowed a saltwater wedge from the Gulf of Mexico to progress upstream along the Lower Mississippi River, affecting drinking water supplies downstream of New Orleans. DynamicSolutions | DCCM’s Dr. William McAnally provided insight into the phenomenon for The Atlantic, helping explain the river processes contributing to the movement of saltwater upstream. The event illustrates how conditions occurring across the Mississippi River watershed can create interconnected effects spanning hundreds of miles—from sedimentation and navigation challenges upstream to water supply concerns near the Gulf Coast. Understanding a River That Is Always Changing Change is one of the defining characteristics of the Mississippi River. Its flows, sediment, channels, and surrounding ecosystems continually respond to natural and human influences. Periods of extreme high or low water can amplify those changes and create new challenges for the communities, industries, and ecosystems that depend on the river. Through sedimentation studies, hydraulic analysis, modeling, and river engineering, DynamicSolutions | DCCM works to better understand these changing conditions and develop sustainable solutions that support both navigation and ecosystem services. DynamicSolutions | DCCM works alongside public agencies and project partners to understand complex river systems and develop practical solutions for navigation, sediment management, water resources, and ecosystem needs. Explore DynamicSolutions | DCCM’s services or connect with our team to learn how our river engineering and modeling expertise can support resilient, sustainable water resources solutions.

Articles

Mixing Zone Studies: When Simpler Modeling Is the Better Approach

When it comes to water resources modeling, more complex does not always mean more appropriate. The processes governing the behavior of discharge plumes can be highly complex. Understanding how an effluent mixes with receiving waters may require consideration of discharge characteristics, ambient conditions, plume behavior, and other factors. While computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling can provide a detailed representation of these processes, not every mixing zone study requires that level of complexity. For many applications, the Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) provides a practical alternative. Simplifying Complex Plume Analyses DynamicSolutions | DCCM engineers have recently applied CORMIX to several mixing zone studies. The modeling system uses a rule-based flow classification approach to predict steady-state mixing behavior and simulate plume geometry. Rather than explicitly modeling the full three-dimensional flow field, CORMIX classifies a discharge based on the characteristics governing its behavior and applies the appropriate analytical framework to evaluate mixing. This approach allows engineers to assess complex discharge plume behavior without immediately turning to a more computationally intensive CFD model. One Tool, Many Discharge Types Mixing zone analyses are relevant to a wide range of facilities and discharge conditions. CORMIX can be used to simulate discharge types including municipal wastewater, desalination facility outflows, drilling rig brines, and power plant cooling waters. Although the characteristics of these discharges can vary considerably, each presents a similar fundamental question: How will the discharged water mix with the receiving water? Selecting an appropriate modeling approach helps engineers evaluate that question at a level of detail that aligns with the needs of the study. Matching the Model to the Question DynamicSolutions | DCCM engineers enjoy developing detailed CFD models when a project calls for them. But sophisticated modeling should serve the project—not add complexity simply for complexity’s sake. For mixing zone studies where CORMIX can appropriately represent the discharge and receiving-water conditions, a streamlined modeling approach can provide the information needed to understand plume behavior without requiring a more complex CFD analysis. The key is selecting the modeling tool that matches the technical question, available data, and required level of analysis. DynamicSolutions | DCCM helps public agencies, utilities, and project partners select and apply appropriate modeling approaches for complex water resources and water quality challenges. Explore DynamicSolutions | DCCM’s services or connect with our team to learn how our modeling expertise can support mixing zone studies, discharge analyses, hydrodynamic modeling, and water quality projects.

ENR Top 500 2023 top 500 Design Firms #130 in color

Firm News

DCCM ranks as one of 2023’s Top 500 Design Firms by Engineering News-Record

DCCM ranks as one of 2023’s Top 500 Design Firms by Engineering News-Record In a recent report published by Engineering News-Record (ENR), DCCM was ranked #130 on the 2023 Top 500 Design Firms list. “We are proud that DCCM has had a 45-place jump from last year’s ENR ranking. This is a strong indication of our success and continued growth.” -James Thompson Chairman & CEO Find cover story here: https://lnkd.in/d7RH9bqu

Houston Business Journal 2023 Largest Houston-Area Civil & Structural Engineering Firms #7 in color

Firm News

DCCM ranks as one of the largest Houston-area civil & structural engineering firms

DCCM ranks as one of the largest Houston-area civil & structural engineering firms The Houston Business Journal (HBJ) has announced the largest Houston-Area Civil & Structural Engineering Firms for 2023, and DCCM has been ranked as the 7th largest firm! The rankings were based on each firm’s local revenue for the 2022 fiscal year. The top 25 qualifying firms that made the list had supplied their information to HBJ via individual questionnaires. For more information, please visit bizjournals.com.

Author name: teammdg