Engineering News-Record MidAtlantic Names Clark Nexsen Design Firm of the Year

Clark Nexsen is proud to share that Engineering News-Record (ENR) MidAtlantic has named the firm its 2020 Design Firm of the Year.

This is an exciting time as the A/E firm is also celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Their success on projects ranging from higher education to transportation along with an increase of more than 20% in MidAtlantic regional revenue contributed to this recognition.

In addition to growth and revenue, ENR MidAtlantic’s selection was influenced by the firm’s culture of collaboration and creativity. “We've always been an innovative and entrepreneurial firm,” says Terri Hall, who has served as the firm’s president since 2016.

A project for Ferguson, the largest U.S. distributor of plumbing supplies, is noted as an example of their multidisciplinary approach. Clark Nexsen is providing all the architectural and engineering design services for the new $82-million, 260,000-square-foot Headquarters 3 in Newport News, VA. A building science group at Clark Nexsen focuses on occupant well-being as well as reducing energy use and operating costs. Through design, materials and system choices informed by energy modeling, the Ferguson project scheduled is predicted to have a 70% reduction in energy use, compared with baseline after it opens this fall.

Noteworthy projects in the MidAtlantic region include comprehensive renovations to the McCormick Road Residence Houses at the University of Virginia and involvement in the new Lesner Bridge replacement with partners FIGG Bridge Engineers. Completed in late 2018, the signature bridge features LED lighting and new pedestrian and bike paths.

ENR MidAtlantic says the firm’s ability to expand markets is an asset, referring to the growth of Clark Nexsen Construction Services group that was launched in 2015, and how a diversified approach has helped the firm succeed during economic downturns. Transportation and industrial mechanical engineering have also seen market growth in recent years.

The firm has a strong commitment to giving back to its communities through charity efforts, citing the Clark Nexsen Foundation’s contribution of more than $200,000 to several organizations in 2019, including the American Heart Association, Junior Achievement, Virginia Beach GrowSmart and the Virginia Arts Festival. Since 2004, the firm reported raising more than $120,000 to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society, primarily through teams participating in Bike MS rides.

The full announcement can be read online.

Top: The new headquarters for Ferguson Enterprises in Newport News, VA. Rendering by Clark Nexsen. Middle left: McCormick Road Houses at UVA in Charlottesville, VA. Photo by Cameron Triggs. Middle right: Lesner Bridge Replacement in Virginia Beach, VA. Photo by Chris Cunningham.