By Tony Lawson
Engineering firms operate within procurement-driven environments where access to public agencies, developers, and institutional clients is shaped by past performance, relationships, and long-term visibility.
Many firms build technical capacity and project experience over decades while operating outside the networks that consistently drive contract flow and large-scale project access. Visibility across the environments where infrastructure decisions are made remains uneven.
The firms listed here work across transportation infrastructure, aviation, transit, civil engineering, building systems, and program management, with documented project experience across public and private markets.
This is part of an ongoing Shoppe Black series documenting Black-owned engineering firms operating across infrastructure and the built environment.
Milhouse Engineering & Construction | Chicago, IL
Milhouse Engineering & Construction, founded in 2001 by Wilbur C. Milhouse III, has grown into one of the largest Black-owned engineering firms in the country, with more than 500 professionals across offices in the U.S., Africa, and Bermuda. The firm operates across utilities, transportation, and facilities through a family of companies.
Its work includes engineering for the O’Hare Terminal 5 expansion, a 300,000-square-foot addition adding 11 gates, along with CTA station improvements and Chicago’s citywide lighting modernization program covering more than 270,000 fixtures. The firm has also supported infrastructure work at JFK International Airport, alongside utility clients including ComEd and Southern Company.
Ardmore Roderick | Chicago, IL
Ardmore Roderick was formed through the merger of The Roderick Group and Ardmore Associates, with founder Rashod Johnson serving as CEO. The firm delivers design, construction management, and program management services across transportation, aviation, utilities, and facilities, operating as a full-service infrastructure firm with approximately 300 employees.
Its work includes program and construction management for O’Hare International Airport expansion, the CTA Red-Purple Modernization Program, and the Obama Presidential Center, along with airport and transit infrastructure projects across multiple U.S. markets.
Delon Hampton & Associates | Washington, DC
Delon Hampton & Associates was founded in 1973 by Delon Hampton, a geotechnical engineer and former president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The firm delivers civil and structural engineering along with program and construction management services across transportation, aviation, water infrastructure, and land development.
Its work includes projects such as the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Nationals Park, and major airport and transit systems across multiple cities. The firm has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and has contributed to DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project, a multi-decade infrastructure program featuring more than 13 miles of large-diameter tunnels.
KHAFRA Engineering Consultants | Atlanta, GA
KHAFRA Engineering Consultants was founded in 1986 by Valentino T. Bates, PE and partners, with Bates continuing to serve as a principal leader of the firm. KHAFRA delivers engineering, architecture, environmental, and program management services across water and wastewater systems, transportation, aviation, and public infrastructure.
The firm’s work includes engineering and program support for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, major municipal water and wastewater systems, and infrastructure tied to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. KHAFRA also supports projects for agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and regional transit authorities.
Dikita Enterprises | Dallas, TX
Dikita Enterprises was founded in 1979 by Lucious L. Williams, with Eve Williams serving as President and CEO since 2010. The firm delivers civil engineering, program management, and transit planning services, operating as a multi-generational infrastructure firm serving public sector clients across transportation, aviation, and municipal systems.
The firm has maintained a 30+ year relationship with Dallas Area Rapid Transit and has served in program management roles across major public investments, including Dallas ISD bond programs totaling more than $4 billion. Its work spans transit systems, educational facilities, and large-scale civic infrastructure projects across North Texas.
Gedeon GRC Consulting | Syosset, NY
Gedeon GRC Consulting was founded by Rudolf Gedeon, PE, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. The firm delivers civil, structural, and transportation engineering along with construction management services across public infrastructure projects, supporting agencies, authorities, and private clients across planning, design, and execution. The firm integrates advanced inspection technologies including drones and robotics into its operations.
Its work includes engineering support for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, along with transportation safety initiatives, water conveyance systems, and tunnel rehabilitation projects across the Northeast.
Laland Baptiste | Mineola, NY
Laland Baptiste was founded by Schillivia Baptiste, PE, who serves as CEO, and Robert Baptiste, who serves as COO. The firm delivers construction management and civil engineering services, working with public agencies and institutional clients across infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
The firm’s work includes projects with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and other public agencies, with experience spanning parks, transportation infrastructure, and public facilities. Laland Baptiste has also taken on prime roles in city-led programs, supporting construction oversight and capital project delivery across New York.
Hammond & Associates | Plantation, FL
Hammond & Associates was founded by Eric Hammond, with Nate Hammond serving as President. The firm delivers mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering services, working with government, healthcare, aviation, and educational clients across the Southeast.
The firm’s work spans building systems design for public and institutional facilities, supporting airports, hospitals, schools, and commercial developments. Operating across Florida and Georgia, Hammond & Associates has built a multi-decade presence in MEP engineering for complex building environments.
Many of these firms have built decades of project experience with limited structured visibility across the broader operator ecosystem.
Shoppe Black documents how engineering firms position themselves within the networks where infrastructure decisions are made and relationships drive project access.
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