ORIGIN: Starting the Conversation
Roots & Growth: Celebrating Our First Year in Northwest Arkansas
One year ago, we opened our Northwest Arkansas office with just a handful of team members and big aspirations. Today, we’re proud to celebrate a milestone that reflects meaningful growth for our firm and the communities we serve.
This expansion wasn’t just a strategic move; it was a natural next step shaped by insights from across our organization. When considering where to plant new roots, we listened to insights from across our organization, from interns to leadership. Amid all the possibilities, Northwest Arkansas consistently emerged as the right choice.
In January 2024, we turned this vision into reality by opening our doors in Rogers, Arkansas, where we offer structural and civil engineering, landscape architecture, land planning, surveying and roof consulting services. More than just a new location, this office brings our collaborative approach closer to clients and creates new opportunities for our firm.
To commemorate our first year, we spoke with the team members who helped us plant our roots. Their stories speak to the commitment, creativity and shared purpose that turned a plan into a thriving extension of our collective vision.
Opening Reflections
Q: Looking back on your first year in Northwest Arkansas, what stands out the most?
Mandy Bunch, PE, Associate | Civil Engineering: “It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown. The journey started with finding the right space. We went back and forth on the location for a while – we just wanted to be in the right spot. Landing in Rogers, right next to the Walmart AMP and in the heart of all the energy and growth in the region, was a game changer. Securing that location gave us the foundation we needed to grow our team to ten people.”
Q: Who was part of the original team?
Chris Lang, PE, Associate | Structural Engineering: “It started with just the three of us – Mandy, Lee and me – and a lot of learning how to work together and figure things out as a team. Now, with ten people on our team, we’re really focused on shaping a culture that reflects all of us – collaborative, creative and focused on quality – as we continue to grow.”
Q: Any fun or memorable moments from the early days?
Lee Myane, PLA, ASLA | Landscape Architecture: “Definitely the day we got a microwave,” Lee laughs. “That’s when the office truly felt official.”
Q: What were some early challenges?
Mandy Bunch, PE, Associate | Civil Engineering: “Oh, there were a ton! From building the team from the ground up to just figuring out how to hang the artwork in the office – every little thing came with its own lesson. But honestly, it’s those small details that really helped shape the office we have now.”
Projects and Accomplishments
Q: What projects have stood out to you during the office’s first year?
Mandy Bunch, PE, Associate | Civil Engineering: “Hotel Vin at Pinnacle Hills definitely comes to mind. It’s going to be a landmark for Rogers – more than 120 rooms, a rooftop bar, fine dining and over 10,000 square feet of event space. Wallace is handling both structural engineering and landscape architecture, so it’s been a real team effort.”
Lee Myane, PLA, ASLA | Landscape Architecture: “The Tanyard Practice Facility in Bella Vista was a real highlight. It was a great example of how targeted improvements can completely transform a place. We provided civil engineering, surveying and landscape architecture services, and the redesign added covered hitting stalls, a larger putting green, new teaching bays – even a simulator and a bar area. It went from a simple practice spot to a full-fledged destination.”
Q: What milestones or achievements are you most proud of in the past year?
Fallon Henry, PLA, ASLA | Landscape Architecture: “For me, it’s seeing our work take shape across NWA. I can walk from our office and see the progress of projects. There’s something very fulfilling about being that close to the projects we’re helping bring to life.”
Q: Are there any new Northwest Arkansas clients you’re excited to work with?
Chris Lang, PE, Associate | Structural Engineering: “Oh yeah, no doubt about it. This area’s growing like crazy, and there’s a lot of forward thinking going on. We’ve had some great talks with folks from both the public and private side. Now that we’re local, we’re rolling up our sleeves, strengthening local relationships and playing a part in where the community’s headed.”
Culture and Community
Q: How has your team connected with the Northwest Arkansas community over the past year?
Fallon Henry, PLA, ASLA | Landscape Architecture: “The first year has been marked by considerable excitement, witnessing both the strengthening of local relationships and the growth of our Northwest Arkansas team. We’re not just working in Northwest Arkansas – we’re living here, volunteering here, raising families here. Whether it’s through service on city boards or supporting local nonprofits, we’re showing up in ways that really matter to us personally.”
Q: What are some ways your team is giving back locally?
Chris Lang, PE, Associate | Structural Engineering: “A few of us are involved with organizations like the Prairie Grove Senior Center, Bentonville/Bella Vista Rotary Club and the City of Cave Springs Planning Commission. We’ve also supported 7hills Day Center and the NWA Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. One thing we’re especially proud of is getting behind Shop with a Cop as our office’s charity of the year. It’s a great program that really makes a difference for families around the holidays.”
Q: Are there any standout moments of leadership or mentorship you’d highlight?
Fallon Henry, PLA, ASLA | Landscape Architecture: “This year I’m serving as president of the Arkansas chapter of ASLA, which has been an incredible experience and opportunity to advocate for landscape architecture across the state.”
Chris Lang, PE, Associate | Structural Engineering: “I was honored to be selected for Leadership Benton County’s Class of 2025. It’s been a great way to meet other individuals leading the charge here and get a better feel for ways we can start to give back in the community – and where opportunities may be.”
Growth and Opportunities
Q: What moments confirmed that opening an office in Northwest Arkansas was the right decision?
Andrew Kern, PE, SE, CWI, ICCMSI, PTI, Principal | Structural Engineering: “There were several moments that confirmed we made the right call. Just driving into Rogers and seeing all the construction activity – it was clear this area was experiencing significant growth. Then, once we got settled into our new office and started collaborating in person as a team, the energy was infectious. Our engineers and designers are not only talented but genuinely great to work with. But honestly, the most rewarding part has been seeing our designs come to life – real buildings that serve the community every day. Those moments made it clear we weren’t just opening another office – we were becoming part of something meaningful in Northwest Arkansas, where our work truly has an impact.”
Q: What has stood out about the team you’ve built in the region?
Alan Taylor, PE, Principal | Civil Engineering: “We’ve built a team of professionals who live here, know the community and genuinely care about being part of something long-term. Their local insight and commitment to quality have made a real impact – not just on how we’re perceived but how we operate. We’re not just doing business in Northwest Arkansas; we’re invested in it. That means giving back, volunteering, supporting local efforts and showing up in ways that reflect our values. This place isn’t just a smart business move – it’s a great fit for who we are and we’re excited to grow here, not just with projects, but with people.”
Looking Ahead
Q: What are your goals for the Northwest Arkansas office in its second year?
Alan Taylor, PE, Principal | Civil Engineering: “This year, we’re focusing on growing our team and increasing our business development activity to deepen our engagement with local clients. One of our main priorities is for the office to serve predominantly Northwest Arkansas clients. That localized focus will help us become more efficient, build stronger relationships and make a bigger regional impact.”
Q: How do you plan to grow the office over the long term?
Darren Burns, PE | President, CEO & Principal: “Long-term growth for the NWA office will come from a combination of delivering exceptional design and service, building strong client relationships and strategically expanding our presence in the market. I genuinely believe our commitment to quality and responsiveness, along with the value we bring to every project, will lead to repeat business and referrals. It’s about relationships, not projects. This approach has consistently differentiated us from competitors. We also focus on targeted business development, fostering local partnerships and investing in top talent to position the office as a reliable “go-to” for our clients over time.”
As we reflect on our first year in Northwest Arkansas, we’re filled with gratitude – for the clients who trusted in us, the team members who took a chance on something new and the community that welcomed us. This milestone isn’t just a marker of time; it’s a testament to the power of purpose-driven growth and authentic connection. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited for what’s ahead. Here’s to deepening our roots, strengthening our partnerships and continuing to grow together in the years to come!
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