Missoula, Montana — January 5, 2026

DJ&A, LLC, a multidisciplinary professional services consulting firm with offices across the western United States, today announced a strategic partnership with Creative Engineering Group, LLC, a Florida-based construction engineering and inspection firm. The collaboration expands DJ&A’s ability to provide construction phase services and establishes the firm’s first office locations on the East Coast.

Creative Engineering Group’s focus on construction engineering, inspection, and quality control supports DJ&A’s continued growth in services that respond to both employee interests and client demand. The partnership enhances DJ&A’s ability to support infrastructure projects requiring construction and field-based services, while extending the firm’s geographic footprint into the Southeast.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, Creative Engineering Group provides construction engineering inspection, engineering design support, staff augmentation, and project support services for transportation, utilities, drainage, and environmental projects. The firm’s Florida locations provide DJ&A with a strategic regional presence, improving proximity and responsiveness for client projects in the Southeast.

“This partnership represents an important step in DJ&A’s continued growth,” said Chris Anderson, President and CEO of DJ&A. “Creative Engineering Group strengthens our inspection services and establishes an East Coast presence that benefits our clients and our staff. Most importantly, the Creative team brings a shared commitment to building an incredible place to work for their employees and delivering quality services to their clients. 

As we unite our teams under the strategic partnership, Creative Engineering Group and DJ&A will continue operating under their existing names. With this merger, our combined workforce now stands 275 people strong, ensuring seamless continuity for clients and ongoing projects.

“We’re pleased to form this partnership with DJ&A,” said Ricardo Estripeaut, President and Founder of Creative Engineering Group. “This partnership brings together two firms with shared values and complementary strengths. It allows us to expand our capabilities and geographic footprint while continuing to serve our clients with the same focus on quality and responsiveness.”

This strategic partnership was made possible through the financial backing of Keystone Capital, LLC, whose support enabled DJ&A and Creative Engineering Group to unite their strengths and expand their reach. The involvement of Keystone Capital, LLC underscores the confidence in the long-term vision and growth potential of both firms, further solidifying their commitment to technical excellence, collaboration, and client service.

About DJ&A, LLC

Founded in 1973, DJ&A is a multidisciplinary professional services firm providing engineering, surveying, environmental, planning, and related services across the United States. DJ&A serves federal, local, tribal, and private-sector clients with a focus on collaboration, quality, and practical solutions.

About Creative Engineering Group, LLC

Creative Engineering Group, LLC is a Florida-based engineering consulting firm providing construction inspection and quality control services for public and private infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on technical expertise, responsiveness, and long-term value.

Media Contacts:
Emily Snitker
Business Development Manager, DJ&A
Mobile: 206.788.5639
Email: emily@djanda.com

Devi Thummal, CPA
Comptroller, CEG
Phone: 954.299.6831
Email: devi@cegroupfl.com

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To help cultivate the next generation of engineers and professionals in related fields, DJ&A offers annual academic scholarships to qualified students seeking careers in the core professions we employ: civil and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental science, and GIS.

We annually award multiple scholarships of up to $2,500 each, applicable toward any educational expense.

Our scholarships support high-potential students in the aforementioned disciplines who bring creativity and innovative thinking to the field. We especially welcome applicants who have taken non-traditional paths to pursue engineering – for example, students who may be the first in their families to pursue a college degree, are transitioning from other careers, etc.

As part of this scholarship program, recipients also have the option to work with a mentor in their field at DJ&A. This mentor can grow the recipients’ understanding of career options, facilitate personal and professional growth, and provide other support. This can help our recipients feel prepared for their career and ready to navigate professional challenges. Mentorship is optional; the decision to participate will occur after recipients are selected and will not factor into an applicant’s chances of receiving a scholarship.

We are currently accepting applications for students who meet our eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

• Must be currently enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited program providing education in a field DJ&A currently employs, listed above. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome.
• Preference will be given to residents of or students enrolled in a program in one of the following states where D&A’s offices are located: Montana, Washington, Colorado, Nevada or New Mexico.
• Preference will also be given to individuals who demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and the ability to contribute unique perspectives to our team.

How to Apply

• Complete DJ&A’s Emerging Talent Scholarship application form.
• Complete the brief response questions and short essay responses (found in Sections 2 and 3 of the application form).
• Include one personal letter of reference.
• Provide your most recent transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable).
• After submitting the application form, compile and submit by email all application materials to scholarships@djanda.com, preferably as one or more pdf documents.
• Previous recipients are eligible but must reapply.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

Notification and Distribution

• Finalists will be contacted for an interview by April 1, 2026.
• Recipients will be notified by May 5, and the scholarship will be distributed in the fall semester.
• Recipients will be asked to provide a headshot and short bio for publicity purposes.
• Recipients will have the opportunity (not required) to participate in a mentor-protégé pairing with a DJ&A employee to advise them in a professional, career-oriented capacity.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this scholarship opportunity, please contact us at scholarships@djanda.com.

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Each brings a unique set of skills and experience that will further strengthen our team and support our continued success.

Reuben Johnson – Senior Project Manager, Transportation  

Reuben’s love of civil engineering began when he was just a kid operating heavy equipment for his family’s residential development and construction company in McMinnville, Oregon. Upon graduating from Oregon Institute of Technology, Reuben worked for six years in consulting engineering prior to joining the FHWA – Western Federal Lands Highway Division Office as a Senior Designer. He spent nearly 23 years with Western Federal Lands as Highway Designer, Design Team Leader, Highway Design Manager, Project Manager, and most recently as the Highway Design and Safety Branch Chief.  

When not working, Reuben enjoys spending time with his wife and four young-adult children, working on home improvement projects, real estate projects, travel, and any sort of sports or games. Reuben is excited to apply his passion for civil engineering and his experience to DJ&A.  

Ace Vergara – Design Engineer III, Transportation  

Ace joins DJ&A with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler. He began his career with Harris County, in Houston, TX, where he served as an intern and assistant project manager. Ace career then took him to Western Federal Lands, where he served as a Highway Designer for two years. Ace is currently in the process of obtaining his PE license after recently passing his PE exam. Outside of work, Ace enjoys exploring local breweries and discovering new, local spots with friends and coworkers. He also loves hiking the various trails around Washington and Oregon. We are excited to welcome Ace to the team!  

Jean Monaco – Project Coordinator 

Jean brings nearly two decades of experience in customer service and leadership to DJ&A following an 18-year career at DIRECTV. Over the course of her tenure, she advanced from Customer Service Representative to Team Lead and Manager. Her background includes hiring, team building, and administrative support, with strong skills in organization and multitasking. 

Outside of her professional life, Jean cherishes spending time with her family and enjoying vacations that allow them to create lasting memories together. She is also a proud grandmother who loves watching her granddaughters cheer at competitions and listening to her grandson showcase his musical talents on the drums and guitar. Her passion for family, coupled with her commitment to excellence in her career, defines who Jean is both personally and professionally. 

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University of Montana’s MMAC & Greenway Improvements Earn ACEC 2025 National Recognition Award

We are proud to share that our collaborative effort with the University of Montana and A&E Architects has been honored with a National Recognition Award in the ACEC 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards, Small Projects category. Completed in September 2023 at a budget of $2.5 million in privately funded civil infrastructure improvements, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture (MMAC) & Campus Drive / Memorial Row Greenway project has transformed the heart of UM’s Missoula campus.

At DJ&A, we led the civil engineering design to address the heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the Adams Center and Washington Grizzly Stadium. By extending South 6th Street into a true multimodal corridor, we introduced dedicated bike lanes, traffic-calming measures and a visually striking speed-table crosswalk. These enhancements knit MMAC more seamlessly into the campus fabric while promoting safety, accessibility and active transportation.

Sustainability and community underpinned every decision on this project. We replaced outdated stormwater infrastructure with a new management system featuring precast drywell sumps that collect, treat and infiltrate runoff onsite, reducing environmental impact and safeguarding the Clark Fork watershed. The project also honors UM’s heritage by extending the historic Memorial Row Greenway, enriching the pedestrian link between MMAC and the campus core and preserving a cherished campus gathering space.

It was our honor to partner with the University of Montana and A&E Architects on this award-winning undertaking. Recognized onstage at the black-tie Gala in Washington, D.C., this project exemplifies what thoughtful infrastructure, community vision and design excellence can achieve when brought together. Congratulations to everyone whose expertise and dedication made this transformative campus improvement possible.

“This recognition reminds us what thoughtful infrastructure can achieve for a community.”

Chris Anderson, President of DJ&A

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Katie Alexander — Project Engineer III

Katie Alexander earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University in 2014. She began her professional journey with the Western Federal Lands Highway Division, where she gained valuable hands-on experience working on a broad range of projects—from urgent emergency site repairs to large-scale corridor reconstructions. Her work has consistently demonstrated technical precision and a commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience.

Beyond the office, Katie is deeply devoted to her family. She is a mother of two young children with a third on the way, and balances her demanding career with a rich home life that includes gardening, raising chickens, and tackling various household projects. Currently, Katie and her family are preparing to relocate to her childhood home near the base of Mt. St. Helens, a move that reflects her strong ties to the Pacific Northwest and a lifestyle centered around community and nature.

Josh Smalley — Design Engineer I

Josh Smalley’s journey with DJ&A began as an intern in the summer of 2024 and has grown steadily into a full-time role within our Civil Engineering & Design group in Missoula, Montana. He recently graduated from Carroll College with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam—a critical step toward professional licensure.

During his time at Carroll, Josh distinguished himself not only academically but also as an engaged campus leader. He served as president of Engineers Without Borders and contributed meaningfully to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. These leadership experiences underscore his commitment to service and teamwork.

Outside of engineering, Josh enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and staying active—habits inspired by his background as a collegiate track and field athlete. His love for the outdoors and dedication to community-driven projects make him a great fit for DJ&A’s mission of thoughtful, sustainable design.

Steven Belcher — Senior Project Manager

With more than 28 years of experience, Steven Belcher brings exceptional depth in bridge analysis, design, inspection, and project leadership. Steven holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University and the University of Tennessee, respectively.

Steven has built his career with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. For the past 16+ years, he served as a senior designer and bridge design team leader at the Central Federal Lands Bridge Office in Lakewood, Colorado. In this role, he oversaw bridge projects on federally owned lands throughout the western United States, demonstrating technical expertise and strategic leadership.

Outside of his professional life, Steven enjoys an active lifestyle filled with skiing, biking, hiking, and traveling. He’s also a passionate fan of college football and Formula One racing, often sharing these interests with his wife of 24 years and their three children. Steven’s blend of experience and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset as he embarks on this next chapter with DJ&A.

Mark Meng — Senior Project Manager

Mark Meng comes to DJ&A with an impressive federal leadership background spanning over two decades. Before joining us, Mark was the Director of Engineering and Fleet for the USDA Forest Service’s Southern Region (Region 8), based in Atlanta, Georgia. In that role, he provided executive oversight and guidance for the Forest Service’s largest disaster relief program, managing a portfolio exceeding $3.5 billion.

Mark’s career with the USDA Forest Service began in 2016 as Acquisitions Branch Chief over the Job Corps Support Branch. Prior to that, he spent more than 16 years with the Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration, where he held key positions including Acquisitions Program Manager, Construction Operations Engineer, Project Manager, and Highway Design Engineer.

He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver. Mark is both a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) since 2005 and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2006.

When not leading complex engineering initiatives, Mark enjoys hiking, traveling, and brewing craft beer, bringing the same precision and passion to his hobbies as he does to his professional endeavors.

Lucas Jimenez — Design Engineer III

Lucas Jimenez brings over 25 years of diverse civil engineering experience, beginning with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military career, Lucas transitioned to the private sector before dedicating many years to federal service. His broad background informs a design philosophy rooted in sustainability and creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional.

Lucas is deeply committed to environmentally responsible design and strives to integrate this ethos into every project. Outside of engineering, he channels his creativity through garden design and enjoys the strategic challenge of chess.

His wealth of experience and passion for sustainable design make him a vital addition to DJ&A’s team.

At DJ&A, we value the exceptional expertise and leadership our new colleagues bring. Their collective federal service experience strengthens our capacity to deliver innovative, sustainable, and community-focused engineering solutions. We look forward to the contributions they will make to our projects and culture.

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By Chris Anderson, President & CEO

DJ&A Acquires Precision Surveys, Inc., Expanding Surveying Capabilities and Presence in the American Southwest – Missoula, MT – April 2, 2025

DJ&A, a multidisciplinary professional services consulting firm, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Precision Surveys, Inc., a respected land surveying company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This strategic move strengthens DJ&A’s survey and geospatial services and expands its presence in the Southwest.

Founded in 1973, DJ&A provides engineering, environmental, surveying, and planning services to clients across the United States. With over 175 professionals in offices throughout Montana, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota, Nevada, and now New Mexico, DJ&A serves a diverse range of federal, tribal, local, and private clients.

Established in 1993, Precision Surveys, Inc. has delivered accurate, timely, and professional surveying services across the region for more than four decades. Their expertise includes boundary retracement, cadastral and topographic surveys, construction staking, and utility infrastructure mapping.

Chris Anderson, President & CEO of DJ&A, shared:
“We are thrilled to welcome Larry and the team from Precision Surveys into DJ&A. Their deep regional knowledge and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our core values and strategic vision. Together, we’ll continue delivering technically sound, client-focused solutions across the Western U.S.”

The acquisition also strengthens DJ&A’s ability to deliver surveying services across a broader geographic region, enhancing operational flexibility and the firm’s ability to offer a wider range of services throughout all seasons.

Larry Medrano, President of Precision Surveys, Inc., added:
“Joining forces with DJ&A is an exciting next step for our team. We’ve built a legacy of trust, precision, and professionalism—and DJ&A shares that commitment. We’re excited to contribute to meaningful projects and grow together in this next chapter.”

The acquisition is effective immediately. Clients of both firms will continue to receive the same high-quality service, now supported by greater resources and expanded technical depth.

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By Chris Anderson, President & CEO

I am thrilled to share an exciting development in the evolution of DJ&A. As of November 1, 2024, DJ&A has officially acquired Quiroga Pfeiffer Engineering Corporation (QPEC), an Albuquerque-based structural engineering firm. We are thrilled to welcome QPEC into the DJ&A organization.

At DJ&A, our core values drive each decision that we make. These values, including “Putting People First” and “Never Compromising on Quality” have been primary drivers in our decision to join forces with QPEC.  Today, we are welcoming nine new employees to DJ&A, greatly expanding our combined capabilities. This acquisition will not only bring new and exciting opportunities for our team members, but also greatly enhance our ability to provide a full suite of structural engineering services to our clients. 

QPEC, founded in 1996, has built a strong reputation regionally and nationally for its structural engineering expertise in wood, steel, and reinforced/prestressed concrete, as applicable to bridges, buildings, and hydraulic structures. Their team of professionals have built strong relationships with clients across transportation, water resources, and development sectors, both regionally in New Mexico and across the country. QPEC will bring valuable insights and capabilities to our team and expand our presence in the Southwest.

We are delighted that the current leadership team at QPEC and all employees will remain a part of DJ&A, ensuring continuity and stability for clients and ongoing projects. 

As we move forward, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our clients, partners, and employees of both DJ&A and QPEC. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our success, and we are excited to embark on this new phase of growth together.

If you have any questions about this exciting milestone in our company’s history, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to achieving great things together.

Best regards,

Chris Anderson President, DJ&A

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As we celebrate our 50th anniversary at DJ&A, it’s an opportune moment to look back at our journey and take stock of how far we’ve come. From our humble beginnings in 1973, when we developed logging roads for the U.S. Forest Service, we’ve grown into a thriving company with a national presence and a diverse portfolio of projects serving federal, local, tribal, and private clients. 

Putting people first has been – and always will be – the foundation of our approach to business. We prioritize a workplace where everyone is welcome, engaged, and supported to grow professionally and personally. Our commitment to public service is another cornerstone of our success and a source of pride for our team members. We’ve built public infrastructure that benefits communities in our own backyard and beyond, and we’re constantly seeking new ways to make a positive impact.  

We’re especially proud of our recent growth. We’ve expanded from our original two partners to over 142 employees and six offices.  Along the way, we’ve embraced innovation and pivoted our capacities to meet the evolving needs of our clients – this year, we merged with Woodland Solutions Group, a pioneering geospatial software and services company to develop a new, powerful partnership in the asset management and geospatial space.  Our commitment to innovation has prepared us well for our next phase – one focused on taking on larger and more ambitious projects and diversifying our client base. 

Looking ahead to 2024, we’re committed to continuing to do what we do best: putting people first, maintaining our public emphasis, and delivering outstanding results for our clients and communities. We’re confident that with the strong foundation laid by those who came before us, and the dedication and talent of our team members, DJ&A is well-positioned for an even brighter future. 

As we close out 2023 and reflect upon our 50th year in business, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our success, including our employees, clients, partners, and stakeholders. I’m excited about the prospects ahead and the next 50 years of DJ&A’s journey. 

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I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the history of DJ&A: As of today, July 6^th, we have officially completed a merger with Woodland Solutions Group (WSG), a pioneering provider of geospatial services and software based in Woodland Park, Colorado. This exciting collaboration brings together DJ&A’s five decades of engineering, planning, survey, and environmental expertise with WSG’s leading geospatial capabilities to create a powerful partnership in the asset management and geospatial space. 

At DJ&A, our goal has always been to provide a great experience for our employees and exceptional services for our clients. By joining forces with WSG, we are expanding our capabilities to embrace the ever-evolving demands of our industry, while also providing new and exciting opportunities for our combined 148 team members.  

WSG was founded in 2022 by Jim Schriever and has experienced significant growth and success over the last 16 months to include a staff of 19 GIS analysts, software developers and project managers. WSG’s Inventory Management System has quickly become the de facto standard for the forest industry, and their proprietary MobileMap application and Spatial CMS framework software has enabled a wide range of private companies, state and federal agencies, public utilities, universities and not-for-profit organizations to solve complex geospatial data collection and management challenges. They will bring significant expertise in geospatial data collection, management, and analysis to our team.  

Under this merger, WSG will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of DJ&A under its current name, with current president, Jim Schriever, remaining in his leadership position.  

As we move forward, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our clients, partners, and employees who have supported us on this journey. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our success, and we are excited to embark on this new phase of growth and innovation together. 

If you have any questions about this exciting milestone in our company’s history, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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Our Diversity Scholarship is back for the 2023-2024 academic year. This annual scholarship program is aimed at ensuring that the perspectives of women and minority-status individuals are included in the future of our industry.  

We will award scholarships from $1,000 to $5,000 in support of education costs for qualified women and minority-status students who are pursuing or intend to pursue a degree in our firm’s areas of practice, including engineering, surveying, GIS, landscape architecture, and environmental sciences.

We are currently accepting applications for students who meet our eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Woman or minority as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Program
• Must be currently enrolled or plan to pursue a degree in a program providing education in a field DJ&A currently employs. These fields may change as DJ&A continues to expand its reach as a company. Currently these fields include: civil and structural engineering, surveying, GIS, landscape architecture, and environmental sciences.
• Preference given to residents of OR students enrolled in a program in one of the following U.S. States: Montana, Washington, Colorado, or South Dakota.

Deadline and Notification

• Applications are due no later than February 28, 2023
• Finalists will be contacted for an interview by March 31, 2023
• Recipients will be notified by April 20,2023 and scholarships will be distributed in the fall semester

Application

Applications are closed.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this scholarship, please contact us at info@djanda.com.

We hope you will share this opportunity with students in your community who share our excitement and commitment to building a better and more inclusive future.

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