#DRMPerspective

Before Developers Buy a Property, DRMP Evaluates Development Risks

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

At a recent NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders Lunch & Learn, I participated in a panel discussion titled, “The Invisible Checklist: Due Diligence for Development.” NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, focuses on issues affecting commercial real estate development and ownership. The conversation centered on demystifying the unseen systems that make-or-break commercial real estate deals, particularly the early-stage evaluations that determine whether a project is feasible and what it will realistically take to get it built.

I’ve been involved with this group for 10 years, and the audience, comprised of roughly 80 professionals under age 35 working in construction, development, engineering, architecture, law, brokerage, and banking, was engaged in how projects are vetted before acquisition or development. That stage is where DRMP’s traffic impact analysis (TIA) and development due diligence expertise comes into play. Our team assists clients nationwide with traffic impact analyses, parking studies, and site feasibility evaluations. Our clients include national big-box retailers, quick service restaurant brands, automotive retail chains, as well as large private developers and institutional owners of other residential and mixed-use developments.

Before a site is purchased or fully designed, we help developers understand constraints, costs, and potential deal breakers at a high level. The goal is not to design the project in detail but to identify whether a site is viable and what major issues might affect feasibility, including impacts on cost and schedule.

Early Due Diligence and the 10,000-Foot View

From a traffic engineering perspective, early due diligence is about evaluating a site before commitments are made. I use the term “10,000-foot view” to describe the high-level perspective taken during early due diligence, before detailed design work begins. Developers often come to us during site selection with the question, “Can this work?”

At that stage, we provide a preliminary, experience-based assessment of what the site is likely to require from a transportation standpoint. This includes potential roadway improvements, traffic impacts, access constraints, and regulatory considerations that can significantly affect cost or design.

For example, if a proposed development requires a new traffic signal or major intersection improvements, that alone can represent a substantial cost, often in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars. A single signal installation can approach $600,000 once design, construction, and coordination with agencies are included. Turn lanes, deceleration lanes, and driveway modifications can also significantly impact site layout and budget.

The intent is to surface these issues early so developers can evaluate whether a deal still makes sense before they are financially or legally committed to the property.

Consistency Across Markets

DRMP works with organizations evaluating dozens or even hundreds of sites in multiple states, requiring consistent, reliable analysis across markets. One advantage we provide is consistency. Because we operate in multiple regions in the country, we can deliver similar due diligence frameworks regardless of geography, allowing clients to compare sites using the same methodology and assumptions instead of adjusting to different consulting approaches in each market.

We regularly work with civil engineers, architects, and land-use attorneys, as part of the wider development team. Due diligence is rarely isolated to one discipline, and transportation is only one piece of a larger feasibility picture.

What We Evaluate Early On

Early due diligence also includes evaluating environmental conditions, utility availability, drainage, and soil composition before moving forward with a property. Certain soil conditions can significantly affect what can be built on a site and how much preparation may be required before construction begins.

Permitting and right-of-way are other major considerations. Site access alone can involve extensive coordination with local and state agencies, particularly when driveways, turn lanes, or roadway improvements are proposed.

While every site is different, early traffic due diligence typically focuses on a consistent set of elements:

Site access and driveway feasibility, including spacing, sight distance, and permitting constraints
Trip generation and overall traffic impact from the proposed use
Turn lane and traffic signal warrant analysis
Adjacent roadway conditions and planned improvements identified in long-range transportation plans
Parking and zoning requirements tied to transportation standards
Potential right-of-way impacts from future roadway widening or expansion projects
Existing and new multimodal facilities, including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit

One of the most overlooked risks involves future roadway planning. If a corridor is scheduled for widening or improvement, part of a site may be taken for right-of-way. That can reduce buildable area and affect how the site is developed.

These considerations come from adopted comprehensive plans, agency standards, and established engineering practice.

Traffic Is Regulated, Not Open to Interpretation

A key point that emerged during the NAIOP panel is that traffic analysis is often more structured than people realize. While professional judgment plays a role, many outcomes are driven by established thresholds and regulatory requirements.

When a development generates a certain level of traffic that exceeds the threshold, it can result in required mitigation measures. Those typically include turn lanes, traffic signals, transportation demand management strategies, or access modifications. The role of the traffic engineer is to evaluate those impacts early and explain the implications for cost and design.

This is why early due diligence is less about interpretation and more about clarity. It helps define what will be required if the project moves forward and whether it should move forward at all. Through our long-term partnerships with our clients, we are able to understand their priorities on each project and provide them with guidance on how to best navigate the development process to fulfill required mitigation while maintaining their budgeted costs and schedule.

When these questions are addressed early, developers are better positioned to negotiate, design, and invest with confidence. When they are not, projects often encounter avoidable delays, redesigns, or unexpected costs later in the process.

At its best, due diligence functions as an invisible checklist, ensuring that the projects moving forward are the ones that truly make sense.

Grady Vaughan, PE, PTOE, PTP, serves as Traffic Analysis Lead for DRMP’s Transportation Market Sector.

DRMP Promotes Wellness and Community Giving Through AdventHealth Corporate 5K

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

DRMP employees joined more than 13,000 participants alongside sister firm, CPH Consulting, LLC, on April 30 at the AdventHealth Corporate 5K, also known as “Orlando’s largest office party.” The 3.1-mile race started along Robinson Street at Lake Eola Park downtown and drew more than 500 businesses and nonprofits.

The park buzzed with team tents for socializing, food trucks, and live DJs, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Along the course, runners and walkers were supported by live musicians and cheering spectators, with pizza slices handed out as participants streamed past.

Organized by Track Shack, a locally owned running store and longtime leader in Central Florida running and walking events, the race benefits the Track Shack Youth Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank.

DRMP’s participation highlights the firm's commitment to employee wellness, community engagement, and connection beyond the workplace.

Through the DRMPCares program, the firm covers all employee registration costs to encourage participation, teamwork, and giving back to the community. DRMPCares supports community initiatives in STEM education, health, and children’s programs.

After helping restart DRMP’s involvement in the event in 2024, DRMP Noise Group Leader Robyn Hartz, INCE, has also become known for another Corporate 5K tradition – dressing as a traffic cone each year. Now in her third year wearing the costume as team captain, Hartz said it’s been rewarding to watch participation continue to grow.

"This event has been a really great way to meet people I normally wouldn’t cross paths with during the workday," she said. "The traffic cone has kind of taken on a life of its own at this point, although after seeing the T-Rex out there this year, I may have to change it up next time.”

To add to the excitement, DRMP introduced its “Beat the COO Challenge,” a lighthearted competition that encouraged employees to push themselves while building camaraderie. Participants who finished with a faster time than Chief Operations Officer Mike Albano, PE, were eligible for prizes, including a commemorative trophy and a team lunch with leadership.

LiDAR Technician and UAS Pilot Ryan Ianacone, CST II, led all DRMP participants in this year’s race. A regular runner, Ianacone said the event offered a unique opportunity to combine a personal hobby with team engagement.

“I thought this was a great opportunity to share something I enjoy with other co-workers,” he said. “I had been training for months leading up to the race, and the challenge definitely added motivation. The biggest factor for me was the unknown of how fast the COO would be in the race, so I just had to do my best.”

For many employees, the event was about more than competition. Human Resources Benefits Specialist Dylan Nagel said the sense of community was what he appreciated most.

“I loved how involved with the community these events make you feel, and when I saw DRMP was doing this one, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to connect and network with not only DRMP and CPH employees but also other individuals who are involved with the Orlando community,” Nagel said. “I love the support from strangers you get while running the race. You have families cheering you on from their driveways, and even at mile 2, when I started to slow down, I got a pat of encouragement from a stranger to keep going.”

Nagel added that the experience also encouraged him to stay focused on overall wellness.

“It encouraged me to keep training and focus on my health,” he said. “I even signed up for Hinge Health through our benefits to help manage some knee pain as I continue running.”

Traffic Engineer Brandon Beaver said the event aligned with his personal goals of staying active and building healthier habits.

“What motivated me was wanting to eat better and be more active,” he said. “My wife and I walk a 5K several days a week, so this fit right into what we’re already doing. The Beat the COO Challenge was a great idea. I hope DRMP continues offering more active, healthy events like this.”

Firm leadership also joined employees on race day to show their support. Albano and DRMP President and CEO Glenn Lusink, PSM, participated for the first time this year.

“I was impressed by the energy and participation from our teams,” Albano said. “I really enjoyed being out there with everyone. The challenge added a fun competitive element, but the real value was being part of the experience.”

Lusink echoed that sentiment, noting the opportunity to connect with employees, clients, and colleagues from the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry and the wider Orlando community. He also enjoyed running into familiar faces throughout the event.

“It was so much fun,” Lusink said. “I didn’t know what to expect and was amazed by the crowd. It was great to see everyone out there together and supporting two great causes.”

DRMP employees in the firm’s regional offices also participated virtually, including Construction Services Area Leader Elizabeth Graham, PE, and Project Manager Tia Lilliman, PE.

The two finished fourth and fifth overall on the team, respectively. Lilliman participated from Merritt Island, selecting a 5K route that passed DRMP-designed projects, including Merritt Island Park and the adjacent amphitheater.

“This year, I participated virtually in the Corporate 5k event to support strengthening our DRMP company ties to the community and help promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” Lilliman said. “Achieving a goal of completing the 3.1-mile walk (or jog) is a simple, yet effective way to decompress after a long day of emails and meetings.

“I enjoyed jogging the 1.5-mile Veterans Memorial Park trail, wrapping around peaceful lake scenery, and passing by the newly constructed amphitheater park feature,” she continued. “I chose this location because it is an example of two successful DRMP site design projects.”

DRMP’s involvement in the Veterans Memorial Park and amphitheater in Merritt Island centered on transforming an 82-acre site into a regional hub for community events and veterans' services. The Veterans Memorial Park was a multi-year collaborative effort involving the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency (MIRA), Brevard County Natural Resources, and the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department. The Veterans Memorial Amphitheater was designed as an outdoor event complex to serve as a "magnet" for residents and tourists. The project culminated in a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony held just days before the Corporate 5K event.

As DRMP continues to grow, events like the AdventHealth Corporate 5K highlight the firm’s focus on building a workplace where employees can connect, stay active, and give back. Through community involvement, DRMP remains committed to supporting its people and the communities it serves.

Check out the gallery below for more photos from the AdventHealth Corporate 5K.

DRMP Turns Hurricane Vulnerability into Fundable Resilience Solutions for Local Governments

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Hurricanes are getting stronger and larger with impacts that are now extending beyond traditional coastal zones. Inland communities that once considered themselves relatively protected are increasingly experiencing flooding, wind damage, and infrastructure failures from major storm events – all while potential changes to FEMA’s role in disaster recovery could place more responsibility on local governments in the future.

This raises an important question for local governments. What steps can be taken to make Florida communities more resilient as hurricane risks continue to grow in scale and strength?

The answer is planning ahead and identifying existing and future vulnerabilities, securing funding, and investing in projects that reduce long-term risk before the next storm arrives.

DRMP brings local knowledge and national expertise in resilience planning and infrastructure design, helping communities turn ideas into actionable, high-impact solutions. We deliver clear-eyed strategies and solutions to advance resilience in ways that promote economic growth, respect community character, and strengthen the long-term stability of the people local governments serve.

One solution is Resilient Florida, a program that provides critical funding to support resiliency efforts. The next application cycle for this funding is expected to open in July and August 2026. However, successfully competing for these dollars requires technical analysis, strong documentation, and alignment between community priorities and program requirements.

This is where many local governments face challenges, not in identifying their risks, but in translating those risks into fundable, well-supported projects that can progress from concept to construction.

Turning Risk into Solutions

Using advanced analysis of critical assets, flood exposure, and infrastructure risk, DRMP helps communities pinpoint where they are most vulnerable to acute flooding events and long-term climate stressors. This technical foundation informs clear, data-driven priorities for reducing risk.

Advancing planning to implementation, DRMP applies engineering and design expertise to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies supported by feasibility studies and conceptual design, resulting in projects with defined design criteria, constructible solutions, and reliable cost estimates.

This engineering-backed rigor, combined with proficient research, benefit-cost analysis, efficient technical writing, effective storytelling, and detailed quality assurance provides confidence that proposed projects are competitive for state and federal funding opportunities.

And once awarded, DRMP delivers with resilient design and project and construction management that includes permitting and federal compliance. This streamlined approach helps communities move from approved funding to delivered projects much faster without duplication of effort.

Preparing for Recovery Without FEMA

There are several proposed changes to how America responds and recovers from hurricanes. Almost all of these include more local involvement and responsibility. While it is unlikely that FEMA will not be involved in recovery, there is a potential they will be less hands on. This will make understanding your infrastructure and preparing to have qualified, licensed professionals prepare damage assessments and scope and cost estimates for hurricane damaged infrastructure an essential need.

DRMP delivers engineering-led recovery solutions that tightly integrate FEMA compliance documentation and procedures throughout the project development phase. This approach enables a single assessment-to-construction workflow that eliminates duplication of cost and effort while producing a streamlined recovery process.

Resilience in Action

DRMP’s experience covers coastal and inland resilience projects, nature-based solutions such as living shorelines, and infrastructure improvements designed to perform under increasing storm intensity and frequency.

Recent work reflects this full lifecycle approach. In Brevard County, Fla., DRMP supported the Titusville Causeway Living Shoreline project, which incorporates natural systems with engineered solutions to reduce erosion and improve coastal resilience.

At Patrick Air Force Base, DRMP contributed to long-range resilience planning to help ensure future mission readiness under evolving environmental conditions. Statewide, DRMP has also supported efforts to improve flood vulnerability and sea level rise datasets to better inform decision-making throughout Florida.

As hurricane impacts continue to expand in scale and reach, resilience planning has become a core function of how communities prepare for the future, bringing together data, funding, and design to support smarter, more durable investments.

Ready to get started? Contact us today.

Josh Norman serves as the Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Practice Leader for DRMP.

Mentorship That Pays Off: A Construction Services Leader’s Approach to Growing Talent

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

As National Internship Awareness Month wraps up, mentorship remains one of the most valuable parts of the internship experience. In fact, DRMP Construction Services Project Administrator Tony Diaz helped a mentee secure a pay increase through his mentorship guidance.

That outcome reflects a broader truth about mentorship in the workplace. It creates a two-way learning environment where seasoned and early-career professionals gain insight from each other while growing in their fields.

Diaz has experienced this impact firsthand. Mentorship has contributed to his development as a leader. Early in his career, he learned from mentors who helped him navigate company practices and local agency processes, which has influenced the way he now supports others. He also continues to learn generational knowledge from younger professionals. That perspective has led him to actively participate in DRMP’s mentorship program since 2022 where he works with professionals at all levels and in various disciplines.

In this Q&A, he shares his thoughts on his role in Construction Services, what it has been like to be a mentee and a mentor, and why mentorship continues to be an important factor in professional growth.

Can you tell us about your role as a Construction Services Project Adminstrator and what a typical day looks like for you?

As a Construction Services project administrator, I oversee construction projects to ensure they meet contract requirements, safety standards, compliance standards, and quality expectations. My day typically involves coordinating with contractors, local agencies, reviewing project documentation, resolving field issues, and supporting inspectors. No two days are the same. Some are field-heavy, while others focus on reporting, scheduling, new project pursuits, staffing, and communication with clients and stakeholders.

What inspired you to get involved in DRMP's mentorship program?

I have always enjoyed mentoring, and when starting with DRMP 5 ½ years ago, I needed mentoring myself. Having someone to help me navigate DRMP and the local agencies was a great aid in my transition. The mentorship program gave me an opportunity to share my experiences, help others grow, and contribute to building a stronger future for the company.

How would you describe your mentoring style when working with interns or entry-level staff?

I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating on creating achievable goals, being supportive, and listening.

Can you share a memorable success story or moment from your mentoring experience?

My mentee came to me feeling stuck. Their annual review didn’t reflect the full scope of their impact or the extra work they’d taken on. Together, we drew from our ongoing career planning sessions to craft a clear, confident response to leadership, both in writing and in person. The result? They secured a pay increase, gained better work-life balance, and built a stronger, more transparent relationship with their leadership team.

You've mentored individuals from different groups and disciplines. How do you tailor your approach to meet each person's needs?

Everyone learns differently, so goal setting, having discussions about their strengths, and areas for growth is how I like to start. Communication and regular feedback help with guidance to the next step no matter what group or discipline.

What are some most common challenges you see young engineers or staff face when starting out?

One common challenge is time management and prioritization early in their careers. Another is bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. I like to bring new engineers and staff members to the field to show how we manage projects in practice and network with others. Some younger engineers and staff need to build on confidence, communication, and understanding of how projects function.

What key skills or habits do you encourage interns and early-career professionals to develop?

Developing a willingness to learn and adapt is critical in this field. No two projects are the same and being nimble, organized, and having a strong work ethic is key. I also encourage them to ask questions and be proactive.

How has mentoring others influenced your own professional growth?

I feel that mentoring has made me a better leader and communicator. Not all staff members in the mentorship program are young and entry-level staff. Having exposure to multigenerational staff and mentees provides me with continuous learning and mutual respect for others.

Why do you believe mentorship is especially important in the civil engineering and Construction Services field?

Civil engineering and Construction Services rely heavily on real-world experience, judgment, and collaboration. Mentorship helps transfer that knowledge, ensures consistency in quality and safety, and prepares the next generation to take on increasing responsibility. It’s essential for individual and organizational success.

What advice would you give to interns who want to make the most out of their experience at a civil engineering firm?

Find a mentor, take initiative, ask questions, and be open to learning everything you can. Gather field experience to reinforce your design work and network with others. Step outside your comfort zone and build relationships.

Tony Diaz serves as a Project Administrator for DRMP’s Construction Services Market Sector.

Is Your School Ready to Plan for Next Year’s Traffic Before It’s Too Late?

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

For many families, neighborhood schools are no longer a short walk or bike ride away like they once were. As urban sprawl has expanded outward, many schools are now built along high-traffic corridors or on the edges of communities, farther from where most students live.

More parents are driving their children to school – out of safety concerns, distance, and convenience. Students are increasingly attending schools outside their immediate neighborhoods. And, with school choice and district flexibility, more kids are being bused or driven longer distances these days. All of this movement creates intense, concentrated school traffic.

Our Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) team at DRMP works with public and private schools, charter schools, as well as universities nationwide to evaluate how these traffic movements operate and to develop solutions that improve safety, circulation efficiency, and campus access.

As the school year approaches its end, now is the ideal time for clients to engage DRMP’s traffic analysis team to analyze school traffic and develop traffic management plans for the upcoming school year.

Make It Count

Timing is one of the most important factors in analyzing school traffic. Traffic counts must be collected while school is in session to understand how arrival and dismissal operate. That creates narrow seasonal windows for data collection. Missing those periods limits what can be observed and delays the start of analysis.

Early engagement allows time for data collection, review, coordination with stakeholders, and development of recommendations before the school year begins. When planning starts too late, work is compressed into the back-to-school period when changes are harder to implement and operational demands are highest.

When we do an evaluation, we look at the roadway outside of and on campus property. That includes how vehicles enter and exit, where queues form and cars stack up, how bus traffic is separated from parent drop-off traffic, and how students move safely through the campus.

A Different Kind of Traffic Problem

After 26 years of planning and analyzing schools, one thing is clear. School traffic doesn’t behave like typical traffic patterns. It isn’t like a shopping center where vehicles arrive and depart continuously throughout the day and disperse into parking areas. School traffic is concentrated, directional, and time bound.

In a narrow time window, large volumes of vehicles and buses converge at the same access points to drop off or pick up students and then exit onto the roadway. Instead of dispersing, vehicles queue in sequence, often backing up through internal circulation and onto adjacent roadways. That creates a pattern that is unique to schools and unlike most other land uses. There is no gradual spread of traffic throughout the day, only defined morning and afternoon peaks tied to the school schedule.

Designing Movement Around Schools Today

What makes school traffic planning even more complicated today significantly depends on where a campus is located. Whether we are working with a rural or urban school determines how solutions are developed.

Many newer campuses are built where land is available and affordable, not necessarily close to the neighborhoods where students live. Even schools situated within neighborhoods experience more traffic today as more parents prefer to drive their kids to school. In fast-growing regions, entire school systems are being influenced by development and ongoing redistricting, which means students are coming from farther away and traveling in more directions than before.

Schools that once served nearby neighborhoods now function as regional facilities. This contributes to more cars, longer car lines, and greater pressure on campus layouts and surrounding public roads.

Rural vs. Urban Challenges

In rural settings, there can be more space to allow for longer on-site queueing and extended stacking lanes that keep vehicles contained within school property. In some cases, there is enough land to stack cars a half-mile or more on site. While these layouts require more land, they reduce interaction with surrounding roadways and give engineers more flexibility to manage circulation on site.

Urban schools situated in large cities and downtown areas operate under different conditions. There is limited space in these areas, which means there is little room for on-site queueing. Parents do not have as much room to stack, park, and wait, and moving vehicles through the system without blocking surrounding streets becomes the biggest challenge. These sites also require coordination with bus operations, pedestrian routes, and bicycle access within tight time windows.

We have performed traffic impact analyses and transportation management plans for urban schools in North Carolina (where I’m based out of), including schools in downtown Raleigh and in Greensboro. In both cases, the main issue was managing parent pickup in a way that did not interfere with surrounding streets.

Traffic strategies in these environments include implementing structured pickup times, staggered dismissal schedules, and use of nearby public or private properties for staging student drop offs and pickups when available. In some cases, students can be walked off campus in a coordinated way, or older students may have access to public transportation options. There are a range of strategies available, and each site requires a different approach based on its constraints.

Traffic management strategies in these settings focus on how a site operates rather than physical expansion. This often requires coordination between campus operations and surrounding land use to control peak demand and prevent queues from spilling into public streets. The approach has to remain flexible and responsive to the limitations of each site.

In fast-growing regions of the country such as Wake County, North Carolina, continued growth and redistricting add further complexity. The Wake County Public School System serves more than 161,000 students and is one of the largest school districts in the area.

Each campus requires a tailored approach based on its conditions. Our experience with diverse school environments allows us to develop practical, site-specific solutions that address challenges where standard approaches fall short. Many of these conditions require creative thinking and engineering judgment built through years of field experience. Ready to improve your school’s traffic flow? Contact our team today.

Rynal Stephenson, PE, serves as Chief Traffic Analysis Engineer for DRMP’s Transportation Market Sector.

High-Crash 62nd Avenue North Intersection Redesigned for Safety in St. Petersburg

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The intersection of 62nd Avenue North and 25th Street North in St. Petersburg, Fla., was identified as a high-crash location that was outdated and in need of safety and operational improvements.

In coordination with Pinellas County, a comprehensive set of upgrades was developed to address documented risks, traffic flow issues, and multimodal deficiencies along the corridor between 27th Street North and east of 25th Street North.

The corridor serves as a major east-west arterial in the St. Petersburg area with high traffic volumes and proximity to Interstate 275, while also providing access to surrounding residential neighborhoods, transit stops, and Sawgrass Lake Park, a popular 400-acre park. Years of community concerns included difficult turning movements, outdated signal infrastructure, limited pedestrian crossings, and the absence of continuous sidewalks.

Construction management for the 62nd Avenue North and 25th Street North Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements project required complex planning and coordination due to the corridor’s heavy usage, its location near Interstate 275, and the need to maintain continuous access to adjacent residential properties, including a neighboring mobile home park where residents rely on the roadway for daily travel, transit access, and emergency services.

As project manager for DRMP, the project’s prime consultant, I led the design and coordination efforts with our team for these improvements. We worked with Pinellas County to evaluate crash history, turning movements, traffic operations, and pedestrian connectivity to make sure the project could be constructed within the corridor’s physical and utility limitations. The design was completed in 2023 and construction concluded in April 2026.

Reducing Crash Risk and Congestion

Within a constrained right of way, the roadway was expected to function for regional mobility while accommodating local access and pedestrian activity.

From an engineering standpoint, the most critical issue was managing conflict points. The intersection lacked adequate turn lane storage, which contributed to operational inefficiencies and increased the potential for left-turn crashes. Our solution introduced new eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes to better separate turning vehicles from through traffic and improve overall signal performance. These geometric improvements reduce decision pressure for drivers and create more predictable movements through the intersection.

At the same time, the corridor required modernization beyond vehicle capacity. Sidewalk gaps limited safe pedestrian access, particularly along 25th Street North. The project provides continuous, ADA-compliant sidewalks that now offer direct access to Sawgrass Lake Park. Upgraded pedestrian crossings improve visibility and accessibility, and the corridor is prepared for future 5-foot bicycle lanes to support evolving multimodal needs. Our design also incorporated transit stop accommodations to better serve riders along this heavily traveled route.

Modern Signals and Smarter Design

Signal infrastructure was another priority. Aging strain poles were replaced with modern mast arm assemblies to improve signal visibility, structural reliability, and long-term maintenance performance. Drainage improvements and milling and resurfacing within the project limits further enhance roadway durability and operational consistency.

Designing the improvements required close coordination. The project’s proximity to Interstate 275 necessitated ongoing collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure compatibility with state infrastructure and operations. Existing City of St. Petersburg water main infrastructure within the corridor significantly influenced alignment decisions and foundation placement. Maintaining traffic flow and uninterrupted utility service during construction required phasing and detailed maintenance of traffic planning.

The 2019 crash was a tragic reminder of why these improvements matter. I take pride knowing that our work will make daily travel more predictable, reduce risks, and provide the community with a safer, more reliable route for all users.

Pavan Paiavula, PE, serves as the Tampa Roadway Group Leader and a Project Manager for DRMP’s Transportation Market Sector.

DRMP’s Innovative GIS Tool Streamlines Parcel Data for Faster, Smarter Project Delivery

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When a bridge or roadway project is planned, the surrounding development raises important questions: Which parcels will be affected? Who owns them? How will construction impact property lines? Traditionally, answering these questions meant accessing multiple state websites to get this information, downloading mismatched files, and spending hours – or sometimes days – to assemble accurate parcel data.

To streamline this process, DRMP’s Geospatial Services Division developed the Parcels Extraction Tool, an internal application designed to simplify access to parcel data in multiple states where DRMP operates, including Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, with plans to add additional states. With just a few clicks, users can select parcels and instantly view ownership details, parcel ID numbers, and addresses. The tool also enables visualization of affected areas in 3D after the data is downloaded and exported to KMZ, Shapefile, or DXF formats.

An Innovative Solution

The idea for this tool came from Brent Bass, PE, PSM, a DRMP vice president and geospatial services division manager, and our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team was responsible for developing it. Brent envisioned a tool that would allow users to access parcel data for any county all in one place in just a few clicks.

Many planners, surveyors, engineers, and environmental specialists have difficulty accessing parcel data in multiple formats and on various state systems. Survey and environmental design workflows often produce different outputs, which adds complexity.

With the Parcels Extraction Tool, users can quickly select only the parcels they need, name the output file, export the data in multiple formats, and use maps that keep measurements and distances accurate. The tool also lets users zoom anywhere on the map without needing coordinates.

For example, when planning a roadway project, our team can easily identify which parcels will be affected and evaluate right-of-way impacts, allowing for more precise decisions that help reduce project delays and costs.

The tool is innovative not just in functionality but also in design. While DRMP usually relies on standard ESRI widgets, our GIS team customized out-of-the-box ESRI widgets to make the tool functional, user-friendly, and intuitive. After multiple iterations, the tool was refined so that complex parcel selection and visualization could be executed faster and easier.

The tool is primarily used by all disciplines for land information, planning, and surveying. Almost every department at DRMP needs some type of parcel information. Within days of the tool’s release, daily users increased from 25–50 to 50–100. Our survey teams are among the most active users.

Simplifying Parcel Data

Before this tool, gathering parcel data was a manual, time-consuming process. Users often had to visit county property appraiser or department of revenue (DOR) websites, search for parcels individually, and then reformat the data for use in their projects.

For projects in Florida, the tool connects directly to publicly available statewide data, providing access to more than 10 million parcels. Although the state publishes this information in standardized formats, those formats do not always align with engineering and design workflows.

Similar challenges exist in other states. In North Carolina, parcel data is available through NC OneMap, while in Virginia, it is provided by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). In each case, the data is accurate, but it often requires reformatting before it can be used effectively.

DRMP’s tool addresses this gap by connecting directly to public data services, including those delivered through a Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API). A REST API allows software systems to request and exchange data automatically over the internet, eliminating the need for manual downloads or navigation using multiple platforms.

By consuming data from these sources and converting it into the required format, the tool delivers ready-to-use outputs. This reduces the need for multiple software steps and significantly improves efficiency from data collection to project execution.

As projects grow in scale and complexity, DRMP plans to expand the tool’s capabilities to support additional states and accommodate a wider range of data formats as needed. This continued development will help streamline workflows and ensure our teams can access and use parcel data more efficiently for projects. To learn more about our GIS services, click here.

Ravneet Kathuria serves as a GIS Analyst for DRMP's Surveying and Mapping/Geospatial Division.

Building the FSU Dunlap Football Center with Civil Design One Yard at a Time

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When your job is designing infrastructure, it’s not every day you get to help deliver a state-of-the-art athletic facility for a powerhouse football program. But that’s exactly what we’ve been fortunate to do at DRMP, working behind the scenes on Florida State University’s (FSU) $138 million Dunlap Football Center, which opened during the 2025-2026 football season.

Our Civil Services team was involved from the beginning, supporting Populous, the project’s architect, as a site civil subconsultant. We provided stormwater management, utility connections, grading, and designed the pedestrian circulation system, guiding foot traffic from the north and west side of the site into campus. Our work enhances safety by creating clear, accessible pedestrian routes that minimize vehicle interaction. The FSU Dunlap Football Center is a significant investment in the university’s athletics, and we’re proud to have helped design a space that supports and excites players, coaches, students, and fans.

A Hub for FSU Football

Located next to the existing indoor practice facility and the football practice fields, the new standalone 150,000 square-foot facility is designed to support FSU football athletes and staff with key features, such as position-specific meeting rooms, an indoor walk-through field, advanced strength and conditioning spaces, and dedicated areas for recovery, nutrition, and performance development. It also includes coaches’ offices, a recruitment lounge, and space for team operations and events.

The new facility enabled the entire football operation to move out of the older Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center and into a space built for how modern college football programs train, prepare, and compete.

Civil Work, Complex Challenges

Delivering a facility of this scale meant navigating a host of behind-the-scenes infrastructure and site challenges.

The site sits immediately adjacent to Stadium Drive North, a major four-lane state road with turn lanes maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Although our work did not technically cross into the FDOT right-of-way, the proximity of the project’s structural work, including retaining wall systems and pedestrian paths, required the need for a rarely used construction agreement. We leveraged our strong relationship with FDOT District 3 to facilitate discussions with FSU, Populous, Whiting-Turner (contractor), and Catalyst (owner representative).

The west side of the site, which abuts Stadium Drive, posed unique challenges due to existing infrastructure including fiber optic lines, electric utilities, and traffic signal poles. Designing and constructing a new ADA-compliant sidewalk and switchback system required threading the needle around these elements without disturbing them. In addition, we had to address a 25-foot elevation change between the roadway and campus. The final design includes a continuous pedestrian connection that did not previously exist, providing safer, more direct access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Shoring Wall Innovation

One of the most innovative solutions on this project was the construction of a permanent shoring wall along the west edge of the site. Approximately 750 feet in length, this wall was designed not only to protect the new facility but also to safeguard the adjacent FDOT retaining wall. Some of the shoring piles had to be driven deeper than others, depending on the wall height and site conditions. This wall essentially acts as a buffer, permanently separating the building from Stadium Drive. Even if the current building is removed in the future, the shoring wall will remain, providing ongoing protection and allowing future development up to its edge without impacting the roadway.

By carefully sequencing construction around sensitive infrastructure, coordinating with state agencies, and engineering long-term protections into the site, DRMP was able to deliver a highly functional facility while also strengthening the university’s footprint for years.

Collaborative Teamwork

This project required close collaboration with FSU, Seminole Boosters, the City of Tallahassee, FDOT, the structural team from Walter P. Moore’s Tampa office, and more than a dozen subconsultants.

We coordinated everything from chilled water lines and electrical duct banks to stormwater runoff and ADA ramps. We worked hand in hand with the contractor to ensure little to no disruption was made to nearby facilities, such as the women’s soccer and softball complexes, Dick Howser Stadium (FSU baseball), and Doak S. Campbell Stadium (FSU football) to the south.

A Safer, Smarter Connection

From a civil perspective, one of the most rewarding parts of this project is what it does for everyday users of the campus. The new sidewalk and tunnel access finally gives pedestrians (students, fans, athletes) a safe, direct route through one of the busiest parts of FSU’s athletic district.

There’s one less crossing over traffic, a more connected walking path between facilities, and a safer route for campus events, such as annual races that pass through the area.

We’re proud of what we’ve helped create with the FSU Dunlap Football Center. It’s a modern, complex project that pushed every team involved to think ahead, collaborate constantly, and deliver something that works from the ground up. And for us? That’s the kind of project worth doing – truly a touchdown in teamwork and innovation.

Charles Redding III, PE, serves as a Senior Northwest Florida Business Development Manager for DRMP’s Civil Services Market Sector.

Randall Jernigan serves as a Project Manager for DRMP’s Civil Services Market Sector.

DRMP Converts Interns into Full-Time Talent

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The internship experience at DRMP shares a common thread among former interns now working at the firm full time. They felt trusted, supported, and had opportunities to contribute to projects that built confidence and capability. Former interns who joined full time said they thrived when treated as true professionals, included in design work and field visits, and mentored by senior staff who were genuinely invested in their growth and development.

This National Internship Awareness Month, DRMP is celebrating the experiences of its intern alumni. The firm remains committed to investing in its interns through mentorship, professional development, and hands-on opportunities with the goal of becoming their firm of choice when full-time roles become available.

To support this growth and celebrate their contributions, DRMP also creates memorable experiences for interns each year. During National Intern Day, celebrated on the last Thursday in July, the firm brings interns together to recognize their participation in the program. Last year, the day included a welcome breakfast and networking, pairing up with experienced professionals, and interactive activities such as a team-based Family Feud-style game that encouraged collaboration and connection.

Interns face off in a lively game of Family Feud for National Intern Day 2025.

From Interns to Professionals

The impact of DRMP’s investment is reflected in the experiences of the interns themselves. Erin Downing, EI, now a traffic design engineer in DRMP’s Charlotte, N.C., office, described how the responsibility she was given helped her grow professionally and feel like a valuable member of the team during her internship.

“I could tell this was the right fit when I realized I was being treated like a team member, not ‘just an intern,’” she said. “Being included in project discussions and trusted with design tasks made it clear this was a place where I could grow without limitations.”

Similarly, Traffic Analysis Engineer Lexie Huber in Virginia, said being trusted with ownership of her work during her internship boosted her experience and confidence.

“There was a turning point when I was asked to take full ownership of a parking analysis project,” she said. “It showed that my work was trusted, and that level of responsibility pushed me to grow. I saw that DRMP invests in its interns as future professionals, not just temporary help. That made a lasting impression."

Other former interns noted how quickly they felt welcomed and included.

“From day one, even though I was meeting everyone for the first time, it felt like I had known them my entire life,” said Frank Roberts, now a roadway engineer in the firm’s Tallahassee, Fla., office. “That instant connection made me feel right away that this was the place for me.”

Project Engineer Jade Palmer, EI, who works out of DRMP’s Tampa, Fla., office, described a similar sense of inclusion and the value of being trusted with responsibility.

“I realized DRMP was the right place for me when I was included in field visits and client meetings,” she said. “Being trusted with that level of exposure demonstrated DRMP’s commitment to hands-on learning and their genuine investment in preparing interns for full-time engineering roles.”

Project Engineer Jade Palmer and Structures Engineer Casey Gonzalez join in on the Family Feud fun for National Intern Day 2025 at DRMP’s Tampa office.

Maggie Reed, now an environmental scientist in the firm’s Merritt Island, Fla., office, praised the flexibility offered at DRMP during her internship.

“What impressed me most about DRMP was the firm offered strong mentorship and meaningful project work, all while supporting me as I completed my master’s degree,” she said. “The team at DRMP was incredibly flexible and understanding.”

DRMP’s Unique Culture

DRMP’s commitment to interns is part of the firm’s overall culture, which many interns recognize as a defining factor in their decision to stay and build a career at the firm.

Kadeem Cuffy, EI, now a roadway engineer at DRMP’s Orlando, Fla., headquarters, began his career with the firm nearly four years ago as an intern. He credits DRMP’s flexible, understanding, easygoing, and fun culture as a key reason for his choosing to stay. Because he spends much of his time in the office, being part of an environment where he feels comfortable and supported is especially important to him, he said.

What stood out to me about DRMP above any other company out there was the people. The culture here at DRMP is one that is truly unique and is something that you cannot put a price tag on. There is a mix of people from all different backgrounds, personality types, and interests, which played a crucial role in me continuing here at DRMP.

- Kadeem Cuffy, DRMP roadway engineer

Roadway engineers Kadeem Cuffy and Amit Lalchan show off the bike they assembled for the Bike Build charity event hosted by DRMP.

Transportation Project Engineer Peter Badr, EI, who works in DRMP’s Tampa office, also began his career at DRMP as an intern in 2022. He credited his supervisor, Tampa Assistant Roadway Group Leader Bruno Arriola, PE, ENV SP, with creating an environment where he felt comfortable asking questions and growing professionally.

“I appreciated the variety of projects I was involved in, particularly within municipal and Florida Department of Transportation work, and I even had the chance to go on field reviews,” he said.

Transportation Project Engineer Peter Badr takes part in Clearwater Beach Cleanup Day with his DRMP colleagues.

Badr also highlighted the firm’s willingness to extend internships beyond the typical three-month period.

“For students, that’s a big deal because it’s hard to learn and grow meaningfully in such a short time,” he said. “With most internships, by the time you start gaining confidence and getting involved in real projects, the internship is already over.”

Across the firm, this culture of inclusion, mentorship, and responsibility allows interns to develop professionally while feeling genuinely valued. By fostering these connections and offering opportunities to explore a wide range of projects, DRMP ensures its interns are well-prepared to transition into full-time roles and contribute to the firm’s ongoing success.

Deadly Gainesville Corridor Transformed with Cutting Edge Surveying and Pedestrian Safety Upgrades

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The tragic deaths of two University of Florida (UF) students struck by vehicles on University Avenue (State Road 26) in Gainesville in 2020 and 2021 brought renewed attention to the safety of pedestrians along this busy corridor.

In response, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched the SR 26 Safety Improvements project to enhance safety along the corridor from Gale Lemerand Drive to Northwest 14th Street.

DRMP’s Survey Services played a critical role in the project, providing the survey and subsurface utility engineering (SUE) data needed to support the design and construction of raised crosswalks, enhanced lighting, and shorter crossing distances. In August 2025, the project received the Safety – Small Project award from the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) as part of the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards.

Local Expertise in Gainesville

In addition to SR 26, DRMP’s survey and SUE teams have extensive experience supporting major corridors, campus infrastructure, and utility projects throughout the Gainesville region.

With a strong local presence, DRMP coordinates with field crews and stakeholders to deliver high-quality survey and SUE data on schedule. The team’s regional knowledge, advanced technology, and field expertise ensure reliable results and help agencies and institutions make informed decisions for long-term planning.

Equipped with mobile LiDAR, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) scanning, 3D topographic mapping, and comprehensive utility verification capabilities, DRMP captures roadway alignments, drainage structures, underground utilities, and hard-to-access areas. Our experts work closely with engineers, planners, and utility providers to verify existing conditions, minimize construction risks, and help projects move forward efficiently and safely.

Above and Below the Surface

Making a busy corridor such as SR 26 safer for everyone starts with understanding exactly what’s already there. For the SR 26 Safety Improvements project, DRMP laid the groundwork by setting precise reference points to ensure every feature along the corridor was accurately mapped. We documented existing alignments, mapped utilities for eight companies, and measured drainage structures, pipe sizes, and other key infrastructure. Clearance surveys were completed for light poles and mast arms, and mobile LiDAR captured hard-to-see areas, giving designers a complete view of current conditions. By providing this detailed, verified information, DRMP helped the design team plan and deliver improvements efficiently and safely.

DRMP applied the same approach to other major corridors, including SR 24, SR 121, US 301, and West Newberry Road. Using 3D topographic surveys, right-of-way mapping, mobile and UAV LiDAR scanning, and utility verification, we created reliable datasets for designers and engineers. These datasets guide roadway improvements, intersection upgrades, and pedestrian safety enhancements.

Mapping the University of Florida

Through an ongoing continuing services contract with UF, DRMP completed a 68-mile LiDAR and GIS survey capturing roadways, parking areas, green spaces, and forested areas around the campus. Mobile LiDAR scans of over 20 miles of roadways assisted with studies on pedestrian safety, ADA compliance, and street lighting. Additional scans of lakes, sports fields, and other areas that are difficult to access produced a fully integrated 3D model of the campus. This dataset allows UF to plan campus growth, coordinate infrastructure projects, and verify design plans without disrupting academic or athletic activities.

Utility-specific projects, such as the UF-623 Central Energy Plant and Museum Road Thermal Replacement, highlight DRMP’s SUE expertise. For Museum Road, DRMP mapped buried utilities using Quality Level B designation, identifying the location, type, size, and material of underground lines. To confirm exact positions, we performed Quality Level A verification with limited test holes and trenching. Hundreds of verifications ensured 141 utility lines and duct banks were accurately documented.

All field data was integrated into digital maps and GIS databases, producing 3D models, web maps, and easy-to-use visual tools for planners and engineers. Combined with surveys of roads, drainage, and terrain, this information turns complex underground and above-ground data into actionable insights.

DRMP’s work in Gainesville demonstrates how precise surveying, advanced scanning technologies, and utility verification come together to make infrastructure safer, construction smarter, and planning more reliable. By seeing above and below the surface, DRMP helps communities and agencies build with confidence and efficiency. For more information on our surveying and mapping services contact us here.

Thomas Tracz, PSM, serves as a Senior Project Manager for DRMP’s Survey and Mapping/Geospatial Market Sector.