Land Development engineers are often hard at work behind the scenes of a myriad of development projects; from a new residential neighborhood, a new gas station or hotel, or even a renovation of an existing school or restaurant, a land development engineer has been involved in the land planning and site development requirements specific to that project. It’s not just about pouring concrete and installing water or sewer pipes; it’s about sculpting the very fabric of our civilization, blending innovation and community well-being. Land Development engineering is about modeling the existing world around us and modifying it to fit a project’s specific needs and client desires for their property.
At Jacob | Martin, we emphasize our relationships with people before all else. Land Development has an abundance of stakeholders in a project, regularly weaving together the private entrepreneur, the aspiring business owner, and public entities.
It’s not uncommon to interact with a neighborhood Homeowner’s Association, local municipalities, or Federal organizations such as FEMA or the Army Corps of Engineers. At Jacob | Martin, we strive to be the connecting piece of this convoluted puzzle and work our hardest to meet community standards while delivering the product our clients invest their dollars, but more importantly, their hearts into.
The first step of a project is an idea, often dreamt up by an aspiring landowner or a business owner who wants to expand their footprint. Land Development engineering starts with a tract of land that must be surveyed to determine its legal boundaries. Topographic surveys are also completed, which provides elevation data to the engineer, a necessity for design, which progresses shortly thereafter.
Land Development is akin to building the arteries and veins of a living, breathing organism. Roads, bridges, culverts, water, and sewer pipes—you name it. The roads we drive, the water we drink, and the sewer and storm drain that carries wastewater and stormwater runoff away from our homes and places of business were all designed by a Land Development engineer. Once that has all been designed, engineers at Jacob | Martin take pride in clearly communicating this design on paper via Construction Plans that will be the “road map” for a paving or utility contractor to bring the design to life.
Jacob | Martin takes pride in our people. We seek to be forerunners of innovation and integrity in the world of land development. We desire to have an unwavering commitment to our clients’ best interests and our dedication to exceeding community requirements at every turn. When Jacob | Martin takes on a land development project, we don’t just see blueprints and deadlines; we see opportunities to make a difference.
We work hand in hand with our clients, listening to their needs, understanding their vision, and then rolling up our sleeves to turn dreams into reality. Our intent for each project is to go above and beyond to ensure that projects not only meet but exceed the expectations of the communities we are privileged to serve in. It’s not just about earning a paycheck; it’s about leaving a legacy—a legacy of excellence, integrity, and positive impact.
So, the next time you walk down a bustling city street or marvel at the sight of a verdant park, take a moment to consider the hard work a Land Development engineer put into that project. Under every road, fire hydrant, and streetlight lies our unwavering commitment to making the world a better place—one project at a time.
For more information, contact Tal Fillingim, P.E., Senior Principal at (325) 695-1070, or your local JACOB | MARTIN representative.