Fundamental Solutions for Superior Site Development
Civil Engineering
Our firm’s portfolio of civil engineering work spans more than 50 years across the state of Utah and beyond. If proven experience is critical to your project, VBFA’s legacy is second to none.
Utah Civil Engineering Firm
Civil Engineering, Design, and Innovation for the Built Environment
VBFA’s civil engineering department creates a foundation of sustainability and quality for your next project. Through project-specific site development, we make sure enduring engineering standards support the architectural design of your next building project. From comprehensive water management solutions to distribution systems and more, our legacy has proven we deliver efficient environments that stand the test of time.
Read on to learn more about the many solutions our team offers within the discipline of civil engineering.
Civil engineering is a small part of VBFA’s capabilities; however, our experience is truly unmatched in the state of Utah. With a portfolio that spans the state (and beyond), we routinely partner with owners, architects, and other engineering firms to provide a higher level of expertise to your next project. Here are just a few reasons our clients continue to turn to VBFA for civil engineering solutions:
Interdisciplinary Engineering Knowledge
As just one division in VBFA’s full-service firm, we have specific insight into what every engineering discipline needs for site development — a rare advantage that civil-only firms don’t have. We’re able to anticipate what is needed throughout your project (and beyond our area of focus) and can connect internally with our team to troubleshoot when needed.
Collaborative Partnerships
We bring a valuable perspective to your project when we partner with other engineering firms. Acting as a senior consultant, we can help ensure the success of your investment, using our unparalleled experience in the field.
Proven Track Record with Campus Environments
With 40+ years of heavy civil engineering work for medical and educational campuses across Utah, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities these types of projects bring.
A VBFA licensed professional engineer (LPE) can travel beyond Utah to wherever your next project takes you. We are licensed in the following states, which means we can guarantee compliance is being met or exceeded:
Utah
Texas
Missouri
Wyoming
Idaho
Nevada
California
Arizona
“Building utilities and building systems go hand in hand. It is a benefit to our clients for VBFA to be able to provide both civil and MEP engineering design for projects where these disciplines must work closely and cohesively to achieve success.”
– David Baranowski, Principal
Notable Projects
Explore some recent projects from our civil engineering portfolio.
Huntsman Phase IV
View Project –
Huntsman Proton Therapy
View Project –
Sustainability
Designing Sustainable Environments
The development and preservation of natural environments is a key part of our civil engineering services. Throughout our portfolio, we find creative solutions that restore, reuse, or reimagine natural resources for the benefit of the local environment without sacrificing the aesthetics or efficiency of the project. For example, through our work with the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR), we designed a bio-retention storm drainage system to slow and treat stormwater runoff onsite. Not only did the design create a more attractive stormwater management solution, but it reduced runoff, filtered the runoff of pollutants to improve the overall water quality, and directly supported the local ecosystem. By finding unique solutions that work in harmony with nature’s own rhythm, we create solutions that become an extension of the environment and offer more efficient and effective results.
Civil Engineering Services
While civil engineering is a vast engineering discipline with many unique specialties, our VBFA team focuses on the following services:
Site Development
Culinary/Secondary Water Storage
Distribution Systems
Sanitary/Industrial Sewer
Grading/Earthwork
Flood Control
Storm Drainage
Road/Street Design
About VBFA
Engineering Excellence for Over 40 Years
After 50 years in the industry, we know just how important it is to never stop evolving. From every level of leadership, we foster an environment of quick problem-solving and continuous improvement, both of which have become hallmarks of the VBFA identity. This commitment to progress is what allows our team to step up and deliver impressive and unconventional projects other firms can’t. Thanks to the creativity and courage of our newest generation of engineering professionals, we are sustaining the hard-earned VBFA legacy as a prominent industry leader.
What Our Clients Have to Say
Lewis (Wong) can easily communicate to clients and is very knowledgeable about electrical engineering. He is always willing to brainstorm creative ways to meet budgets and schedules on projects. He is considerate of the client’s budget and works hard to make the project successful.
– Stacy Hamm, UVU
The creation of a healing environment excels when there is an integrated team to push boundaries and challenge everyone to strive to do better. Since 2000 I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Jeff on nearly a dozen such healing environments in Utah. Jeff has proven to be an instrumental leader and collaborator in the creation of environments that reflect the community in which they serve and stand the test of time.
– Todd Tierney, HDR
For many years VBFA has been a vital part of Intermountain Healthcare’s design team. Their rich experience combined with an expert’s eye for engineering detail have helped deliver state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in the communities we serve throughout Utah. When challenges arise, as they inevitably do in large and complex projects, VBFA has been instrumental in helping us find and resolve the causes.
– John Ellis, Intermountain Health
VBFA was chosen for the job because of their reputation for excellent service and quality work. Throughout the project, from concept through construction documents and final punch, I was quite satisfied with our decision to work with VBFA.
– Florence Hawkinson
I appreciate the engineering skills of Jeff Watkins and David Baranowski and their VBFA teams and their ability to provide constant and timely input to the design and construction team. Precision engineering expertise and systems were both critical to the success of our project and the team delivered.
– Russ L. Bachmeier, AIA
One of the most remarkable features in the building (Syracuse High School) is the geothermal heating and cooling systems. This is one of the largest projects that has used the thermal mass of the earth to heat and cool the building. This is a very efficient system that results in significant energy savings.
– Dennis Forbush, Hogan and Associates
VBFA was a very important team member, of a very successful design of one of the most uniquely designed theatres in the world…They helped to provide a constant “actor” in every play, which is the building and its systems that in so many ways participate in every production.
– Lyle Beecher, AIA
VBFA provided insightful, practical, creative, and responsible design to each of their disciplines from concept phases through construction documents, always in support of our architectural design objectives.
– Stephen Dayton
I personally appreciate VBFA’s expertise and teamwork. For twenty-five years this team has been my first choice mechanical consultant, and they have continued to push the envelope of what is possible in mechanical systems design.
– Jeanne Jackson, VCBO Architecture
Jeff (Watkins) has always been a very technically sound and trained engineer and has been an amazing partner in helping us solve some very complicated projects and situations. His attention to detail and knowledge of our buildings and their systems is crucial to the success of treating thousands of patients safely and effectively.
– Jerry North, U Health
Jake (Beck) demonstrates skill levels in engineering, problem solving, and interpersonal relationships generally evident in engineers with many more years’ experience. We recently worked together on two Net Zero Energy fire stations for Salt Lake City. These award-winning fire stations are the first two Net Zero Energy fire stations in the United States, and we are proud of that accomplishment and thankful for Jake’s role in our success.
– Brian Backe, AIA
Jared (Smith) is an integral and invaluable component of the design/construction team. His ability to visualize and address complex mechanical issues/assessments/solutions in an expeditious manner has proven his capabilities beyond his years.
– Gary Lukaszewski, HDR
Scot (Muir) is knowledgeable, efficient, and trustworthy in his design and management of his mechanical engineering team. He has always met timeline schedules, been respectful of budget constraints while providing innovative mechanical designs and is an eager participant during value engineering or problem solving if needed.
– Mike Vela, AIA
Energy costs are monitored very closely by the Davis School District. Money saved in energy costs goes directly back into the classroom. At the same time, school buildings must be comfortable for student learning to be at its peak. Wade Bennion has been very successful balancing between comfort and energy efficiency. He is an integral team member with the District. Due to Wade’s leadership, the District regularly uses, with great success, several innovative HVAC systems such as, ground source heat pumps, thermal air displacement, and indirect evaporative cooling in many buildings.
– Bryan Turner, FAIA
VBFCx took their responsibility as Owner’s Representative to heart. We were kept in the loop through the whole process and their persistent communication with the entire team is key to the success of the project today.
– Weston Weeks, Davis School District
You can and should choose a commissioning team based on evidence of performance, and I whole-heartedly recommend VBFCx. I’ve had the good fortune to work with them on projects with significant size, scope, and complexity, projects like Adobe Phase II and the Rehabilitation Hospital at the University of Utah, and their constant and proactive presence contributes to our success.
Article Originally Written and Posted By PRNewswire.com. To view the original article, please click here: Proton Therapy Opens in Utah The new Proton Therapy Center at the Huntsman Cancer Institute…
By Elizabeth Currey, of VBFA. This article was written for Reflexion AIA Utah Magazine. As the subject of sustainability has become increasingly prevalent throughout governments, businesses, and communities, the question…
By Brad Fullmer, of Utah Construction and Design. This article was written by Utah Construction and Design, who gave permission to VBFA to post this article. When J. Howard Van…
Civil engineering is one of the oldest and most comprehensive branches of engineering. This discipline is concerned with the conceptualization, design, development, maintenance, or removal of constructed and natural environments. Civil engineers are responsible for creating solutions for both public and private infrastructure such as bridges, storm drainage systems, sewer systems, tunnels, power plants, and roads.
Civil engineers apply various engineering principles to develop critical infrastructure for residential, commercial, industrial, or public projects. They also measure a project’s financial, environmental, or socio-economic costs to ensure the finished product is delivered on schedule, within budget, and meets the necessary codes, standards, and compliance requirements.
Civil engineers also:
Use survey reports, maps, and other data to inform technical and feasibility studies
Plan for health and safety regulations
Assess environmental effects and identify challenges that could affect project delivery
Design plans and detailed blueprints
Collaborate and communicate with other engineers, architects, surveyors, and owners
Civil engineers work alongside architects, surveyors, construction managers, landscape architects, and urban planners to design the infrastructure needed to support public and private development projects. Many civil engineers focus on one or more specialties within the discipline. Here are just a few examples:
Traffic and transportation, which includes the design of roads, highway systems, public transportation systems, and more.
Water resources, which include the design of stormwater and sewer systems as well as natural wetland restoration.
Structural and construction, which includes the design of solutions to guarantee the soundness and longevity of man-made structures such as buildings or parking garages.
These are two related but separate roles. While some of their duties and responsibilities overlap, there are also some key differences. Civil engineers primarily work away from the construction site, contributing to the project’s design plan and blueprints and ensuring compliance with various building codes, which informs the construction manager’s responsibilities. They often visit the construction site for quality assurance checks once construction has begun. Construction managers, however, always work on the construction site, managing the day-to-day operations of the various construction teams. While different, both roles are integral to the success of any construction project.
Let’s Get Started on your Next Project
Now that you’ve seen what we can do, get to know the team who can make it happen.