Kansas City-based engineering, construction, and architecture firm Burns & McDonnell is deepening its roots in Texas by opening a new office in San Antonio, the company announced on April 30. The move is part of the firm’s broader strategy to meet the surging infrastructure needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

With existing offices in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, Burns & McDonnell already maintains a strong presence across the Lone Star State. The new San Antonio location will enhance the firm’s ability to deliver comprehensive, integrated services to clients in Central and South Texas—regions experiencing a significant wave of population growth and economic activity.

According to the company’s announcement, the new office is strategically positioned to support industries that are vital to the regional economy, including electric and gas utilities, aviation, manufacturing, and water infrastructure.

“We’re incredibly excited to establish a permanent presence in San Antonio,” said Jake Merriman, vice president and branch office manager for San Antonio operations. “This community is growing fast and facing increasingly complex infrastructure needs. Our local team is ready to help solve these challenges by bringing deep technical knowledge and experience, and a commitment to partnership that defines our approach.”

Burns & McDonnell has a history of working on infrastructure projects in the San Antonio area and across South Texas. Establishing a permanent physical presence in the city allows the firm to further invest in the region by hiring local talent, enhancing client service, and strengthening ties with government agencies, utilities, and private sector partners.

The move also underscores the company’s broader focus on workforce development in Texas. Earlier this year, Burns & McDonnell opened a new construction academy in Pearland, a suburb of Houston. The facility provides hands-on craft training for construction workers in high-demand fields.

“The top industries where we see a growing need for skilled craftworkers include oil and gas, electrical substations, solar power and battery storage, water, and aviation fueling,” said Burns & McDonnell Vice President Jeff Rashall.

As infrastructure challenges intensify across the U.S., especially in fast-growing states like Texas, Burns & McDonnell’s expansion into San Antonio reflects a proactive approach to being closer to its clients and accelerating project delivery.

The employee-owned firm ranks as the eighth-largest design-build contractor in the United States by revenue, according to Engineering News-Record. With more than 13,500 professionals nationwide, Burns & McDonnell is continuing to grow its footprint in major metropolitan areas where infrastructure demand is outpacing traditional capacity.

By investing in new locations and developing skilled labor pipelines, the firm is positioning itself as a go-to partner for the planning, engineering, and construction of essential facilities across sectors.

Originally reported by Julie Strupp in Construction Dive.