Bowman Consulting finds major growth in land development

by Heather Hayes
Virginia Business
September 2005

Gary Bowman set an ambitious but realistic goal when he started an engineering design firm in 1995. “The company that I had just left had about 25 employees, so that was about what I envisioned becoming over time,” says the 48-year-old civil engineer.

Instead, Bowman Consulting, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, has become the fastest-growing engineering firm in the mid-Atlantic region. The firm took in $28 million in revenue last year and now has more than 300 employees and eight regional offices. It also has compiled an impressive record in providing civil engineering, surveying, land planning and environmental science services on some of the most high-profile residential and commercial projects in Northern Virginia.

While some of his success can be attributed to a high-growth market, Bowman likes to credit his corporate culture, which offers employees opportunities for ownership and advanced professional development. This work environment has enabled the company to attract and retain good engineers and surveyors.

The company also has managed to distinguish itself from the competition through its land-planning group, which offers, among other things, expertise in “smart growth” design, wetlands and environmental issues, development feasibility analysis and cultural landscape protection.

“We’re not the biggest engineering firm in the D.C. area, but we have by far the largest group of professionals devoted to land development,” Bowman says. “And the knowledge, skills and contacts that our people possess in this area are critical to successfully shepherding a project through the development process.”

Bowman expects his company to have $32 million in revenue this year while hiring 60 to 80 new employees.