DLR Group Launches Global Infrastructure Practice to Deliver Future-Ready Solutions Across Aviation, Energy, and Transportation
DLR Group, a globally recognized integrated design firm, has officially announced the launch of its new Infrastructure practice, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s ongoing evolution. This strategic expansion enhances DLR Group’s multidisciplinary capabilities, enabling it to deliver comprehensive solutions across aviation, power generation, and horizontal transportation markets. The move comes at a time when global demand for resilient, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure is accelerating, driven by rapid urbanization, energy transitions, and the modernization of aging systems.
The newly established Infrastructure practice is designed to bring together a diverse range of expertise, including architecture, engineering, planning, and technical consulting, under a unified platform. By integrating these disciplines, DLR Group aims to provide clients with holistic, end-to-end solutions that address complex infrastructure challenges while supporting sustainability, innovation, and long-term performance.
Addressing a New Era of Infrastructure Challenges
In today’s rapidly changing environment, infrastructure systems are under increasing pressure to adapt to shifting economic, environmental, and technological conditions. From fluctuating energy markets to the urgent need for decarbonization and the modernization of transportation networks, organizations across the globe are seeking partners capable of delivering forward-thinking solutions.
Steven McKay, Managing Principal and CEO of DLR Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing these challenges. He noted that clients are navigating unprecedented levels of change, requiring integrated approaches that combine design excellence with engineering precision and strategic planning.
The Infrastructure practice is positioned to respond to these needs by vertically integrating services, allowing DLR Group to streamline project delivery and enhance collaboration across disciplines. This approach not only improves efficiency but also ensures that infrastructure systems are designed with resilience, adaptability, and sustainability at their core.
Expanding Services Across Key Markets
DLR Group’s Infrastructure team will serve a broad spectrum of clients, including standalone organizations such as public utilities and transportation agencies. At the same time, the practice will complement and strengthen the firm’s existing affinity markets, which include federal clients, data centers, manufacturing facilities, and healthcare institutions.
This dual focus allows DLR Group to leverage its established relationships and industry knowledge while expanding into new sectors with high growth potential. By aligning infrastructure capabilities with these markets, the firm can deliver integrated solutions that address the unique requirements of each sector.
For example, in the healthcare industry, reliable power and transportation access are critical to ensuring uninterrupted patient care. Similarly, data centers require robust energy infrastructure and connectivity solutions to support the increasing demand for digital services. The Infrastructure practice enables DLR Group to address these interconnected needs more effectively.
Strategic Leadership Driving Innovation
A key strength of the new Infrastructure practice lies in its leadership team, which brings together seasoned professionals with extensive experience in delivering complex, large-scale projects across the globe. These leaders are instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the practice and ensuring the successful execution of its initiatives.
David Chow, Principal and Global Infrastructure Leader, plays a central role in guiding the practice. With more than two decades of experience in global infrastructure systems, Chow has led numerous multimodal and transportation planning programs. His expertise spans national and international projects, providing a strong foundation for the practice’s growth.
The aviation segment of the Infrastructure practice is anchored by Principal and National Aviation Leader Joshua Stephens and Senior Associate and Aviation Design Leader Ana-Maria Drughi. Together, they bring deep expertise in aviation design and delivery, including international terminal and concourse planning, airfield infrastructure development, and system modernization. Their leadership positions DLR Group to address the evolving needs of the aviation industry, which is undergoing significant transformation as it seeks to enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
In the energy sector, Principal and Renewable Energy Leader John Weiskopf is expanding the firm’s renewables practice into new markets. Having established the renewables practice nearly a decade ago, Weiskopf now focuses on utility infrastructure, grid modernization, and emerging energy technologies. His work is critical in supporting the transition to cleaner energy systems and ensuring the reliability of power networks.
Complementing these efforts is Principal and Global Planning Leader Yogesh Saoji, whose expertise in large-scale urban planning adds a valuable dimension to the Infrastructure practice. Saoji’s experience enables DLR Group to integrate infrastructure projects with broader urban development strategies, promoting sustainable growth and improved quality of life in communities around the world.
Strengthening Business Development Capabilities
Driving the growth of the Infrastructure practice is Senior Associate and National Infrastructure Business Development Leader Chel McCarthy. With 25 years of experience in the transportation, power, and energy industries, McCarthy brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of industry connections.
Her role involves identifying new opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding DLR Group’s presence in key markets. McCarthy’s involvement in organizations such as the California Infrastructure Delivery Coalition and The Valley Industry & Commerce Association further strengthens the firm’s ability to engage with stakeholders and influence the future of infrastructure development.
By combining technical expertise with strategic business development, the Infrastructure practice is well-positioned to capture new opportunities and deliver value to clients.
Early Momentum Through Major Projects
The launch of the Infrastructure practice is supported by significant early momentum, including several high-profile projects and partnerships that demonstrate the firm’s capabilities and market relevance.
One notable collaboration is with Mainspring Energy, where DLR Group is supporting the deployment of innovative linear generator technology. This technology offers highly efficient, fuel-flexible, and low-emissions power generation solutions, making it an attractive option for commercial and industrial clients seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining reliable energy supply.
In addition to this partnership, DLR Group has secured a 10-year contract with a regional power agency. This long-term agreement encompasses design, engineering, and construction services aimed at improving facilities across a multi-state service territory. The project focuses on modernizing field sites that are critical to grid performance, operational safety, and service reliability.
These early wins highlight the trust that clients place in DLR Group and underscore the firm’s ability to deliver high-performance infrastructure solutions. They also provide a strong foundation for the continued growth of the Infrastructure practice.
Integrated Approach to Complex Challenges
A defining feature of DLR Group’s Infrastructure practice is its integrated approach, which combines architecture, engineering, planning, and technical expertise into a cohesive framework. This approach enables the firm to address complex challenges more effectively by considering all aspects of a project from the outset.
For example, in transportation projects, this might involve coordinating roadway design with environmental considerations, urban planning, and community engagement. In energy projects, it could mean integrating renewable energy systems with existing grid infrastructure while ensuring reliability and cost efficiency.
By adopting a holistic perspective, DLR Group can deliver solutions that are not only technically sound but also aligned with broader economic, environmental, and social objectives.
Supporting Sustainability and Resilience
Sustainability and resilience are central to the mission of the Infrastructure practice. As infrastructure systems face increasing risks from climate change, natural disasters, and other disruptions, there is a growing need for solutions that can withstand these challenges.
DLR Group is committed to designing infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact, conserves resources, and enhances resilience. This includes incorporating renewable energy sources, optimizing energy efficiency, and using advanced materials and technologies to improve durability.
In addition, the firm emphasizes the importance of equitable access to infrastructure, ensuring that communities benefit from improved mobility, reliable energy, and enhanced quality of life. This focus on equity aligns with broader societal goals and reinforces the role of infrastructure as a driver of economic and social development.
Enabling Economic Growth and Innovation
Infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and innovation by providing the foundation for industries, businesses, and communities to thrive. DLR Group’s Infrastructure practice is designed to contribute to this growth by delivering projects that enhance connectivity, improve efficiency, and enable new opportunities.
For instance, modern transportation systems facilitate the movement of goods and people, supporting trade and economic activity. Similarly, reliable energy infrastructure is essential for powering industries and enabling technological advancements.
By delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions, DLR Group aims to help clients achieve their goals while contributing to the broader development of economies and societies.
The launch of the Infrastructure practice represents a significant step forward for DLR Group as it continues to expand its capabilities and adapt to changing market conditions. With a strong leadership team, a growing portfolio of projects, and a clear strategic vision, the practice is well-positioned to become a key driver of the firm’s future success.
As global demand for infrastructure continues to grow, DLR Group is poised to play an important role in shaping the next generation of systems that support modern life. By combining innovation, expertise, and a commitment to sustainability, the firm aims to deliver solutions that meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
In the words of David Chow, these early achievements reflect the confidence that clients have in DLR Group’s ability to deliver integrated, high-performance infrastructure. Through its new practice, the firm is not only responding to current demands but also setting the stage for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future.
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