News Summary
Orange County’s engineering firms report stable billings at $1.3 billion, despite mixed results in staffing and project demand. While licensed engineers have decreased by 11%, overall employment has risen slightly. Key players maintain optimism through real estate developments and critical infrastructure projects, though some firms face challenges. Notable billings increases are reported, particularly in firms like Aecom and Stantec. New market entrants like Wright Engineers indicate growth potential amid evolving industry dynamics.
Orange County engineering firms are witnessing a mixed landscape as overall engineering billings remained unchanged at $1.3 billion for the 12-month period ending June 30, compared to the previous year. However, companywide engineering billings across firms increased by 2.7% to reach $59 billion, suggesting a wider industry trend despite local slowdowns.
In Orange County, the number of licensed engineers has declined by 11%, totaling 905 as of August. This decrease has occurred alongside a marginal increase in total employment among engineering firms, which rose by 1.2% to 3,609 employees. These trends underline the challenges faced by local firms in maintaining staffing levels while navigating a stagnant billing environment.
Despite these hurdles, Orange County’s engineering industry retains a positive outlook, primarily due to a concentration of real estate development experts and an urgent need for diverse housing solutions. Major players in the market, such as Fuscoe Engineering, are actively involved in key residential projects in partnership with the Irvine Company. This engagement highlights the ongoing demand for residential development within the county.
Moreover, firms like Salas O’Brien report steady demand in critical sectors such as healthcare, medical, and defense, even with some market softening. Burns & McDonnell has similarly noted increased requirements related to vital infrastructure projects focused on expanding the power grid and enhancing water systems, emphasizing the critical nature of their work amidst local challenges.
Several firms have reported notable increases in their Orange County billings. Aecom Technical Services recognized a significant growth of 16%, reaching $213 million, making it the second-best performing firm in the region. Stantec’s office in Irvine recorded an 18% rise, achieving $30 million in billings. The acquisition of Leighton Consulting has propelled Verdantas to the forefront of the market, leading to a substantial 36% increase in OC billings and an expanded municipal client base, including the cities of Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim.
In contrast, Salas O’Brien faced a challenging situation, experiencing a 10% decrease in OC billings, which totaled $24 million. This decline highlights the importance of modernizing existing infrastructure as demands shift. However, Fuscoe Engineering offset some of these market challenges with a 12% increase in OC billings, totaling $23 million. This growth is attributed to a resurgence in the local apartment market, spurred by state housing mandates focused on residential development.
Prominent ongoing projects in the county reflect the broader engineering trends. Fuscoe is collaborating on the Irvine Company’s Pacifica Place apartments and the OCVibe development in Anaheim, working alongside firms such as Stantec and Hunsaker & Associates. Additionally, Burns & McDonnell’s strategic partnership with Anaheim is aimed at augmenting energy capacity to meet the region’s growing power needs, contributing to their OC billings of $108.5 million.
The emergence of new players, such as Wright Engineers, which achieved $4.2 million in OC billings and counts Disneyland among its clients, indicates the potential for growth and diversification in the local engineering market. Meanwhile, Tait & Associates Inc. is at the helm of the master engineering project for the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor, collaborating with Burnham Ward Properties, Bellwether Financial Group, and R.D. Olson Development.
As Orange County’s engineering landscape continues to evolve, firms are navigating a complex combination of challenges and opportunities driven by local needs and broader industry trends.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: OC Engineering Firms Report Flat Billings
- Mass Transit: OCTA Halts Passenger Rail Service Through San Clemente for Emergency Reinforcement
- Burns & McDonnell: Larger Space in Orange County, California
- Los Angeles Business Journal: Tetra Tech Nabs Trio of Contracts
- WESH 2 News: Biggest Stormwater Project in Orange County Nearly Complete
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
