At Valdes Architecture & Engineering, doing meaningful work has always meant more than meeting technical requirements — it’s about relationships, consistency and thoughtful decision-making. That foundation has shaped a decades-long partnership with Burns & McDonnell, defined by shared values and a steady track record of collaboration across complex projects.
Headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, Valdes has supported Burns & McDonnell throughout utility portfolios for years — most notably on complex remediation efforts at manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. These projects often involve field conditions that shift quickly, requiring close coordination, real-time adjustments and a deep understanding of environmental constraints.
“Every project changes — that’s just the nature of the work,” says Ivan Williamson, a senior environmental scientist with Burns & McDonnell. “What matters is having a partner that is consistent and responsive. Valdes knows our pace, understands our priorities and adjusts with us when the unexpected happens.”
That steadiness comes from the top. Bob Valdes, who founded Valdes Architecture & Engineering in the early 1990s after years of working for other engineering firms, built his business with a clear mission: to deliver reliable work without compromising quality, and to create a home for engineering talent rooted in community and stability.
“I’m not someone that always dreamed of owning a business,” Valdes says. “What I really wanted was to stay in Chicago — to build something where I could take what I learned and apply it in a way that put quality first.”
Over time, Valdes Architecture & Engineering has grown to about 200 professionals. But its structure has remained steady, avoiding the boom-and-bust hiring cycles that often challenge midsize engineering firms. Instead, the firm hires deliberately and builds teams that are designed to stay. That approach creates consistency on projects — a benefit that has helped support environmental programs led by Burns & McDonnell in the Great Lakes region and beyond.
“It’s not just about finding a firm that can do the work,” Williamson says. “It’s about building a relationship where we can learn from each other and keep improving. That’s what stands out about Valdes — they show up, they communicate and they work in sync with our team.”
That collaborative mindset is part of the company culture. The Valdes team brings a clear understanding of complex environmental project dynamics, particularly in remediation, where field conditions often shift. From schedule realignment to stakeholder reporting, Valdes Architecture & Engineering provides support that helps projects adapt and move forward.
The company's role has also expanded beyond remediation. Valdes Architecture & Engineering has supported Burns & McDonnell across a wide range of sectors, including utilities, aviation, transportation, transmission and distribution, water resources, industrial processes, data acquisition, scanning, and land surveying — bringing consistent value and versatility to multidisciplinary teams. Valdes Architecture & Engineering’s ability to understand diverse scopes and offer input makes them a reliable presence across project teams.
Williamson notes that Valdes Architecture & Engineering often contributes ideas based on experience with other sectors and clients, ideas that help refine how work is planned and delivered: “They don't just react. They provide input. And that's been a real benefit to our teams.”
For Bob Valdes, maintaining that level of involvement starts with investing in people. Early-career professionals are paired with senior staff to support development and knowledge transfer. While the firm has adopted hybrid flexibility, in-person collaboration remains a key part of its learning culture — and a vital resource for practical problem-solving.
“Back when I was a young engineer, I’d walk into my boss’s office several times a day with questions,” Valdes says. “We’re always trying to recreate those moments — because they make a difference in how people learn and how projects succeed.”
That approach also shapes how the firm engages in partnerships and collaboration. The relationship with Burns & McDonnell has grown steadily, built on clear communication, mutual respect and shared commitment to long-term outcomes. Whether supporting remediation, mechanical systems or infrastructure design, Valdes Architecture & Engineering focuses on being a consistent and thoughtful contributor.
Recognition at the 2024 Empowering Diverse Partnerships Symposium highlighted the strength of long-term collaboration and the value diverse firms bring through knowledge-sharing and consistent performance on complex projects. The event brought together suppliers, clients and civic leaders to exchange ideas and build lasting connections. Valdes Architecture & Engineering was named a 2024 Partner of the Year, honoring its enduring contributions to large-scale environmental remediation and its role as a trusted, adaptable partner across disciplines.
For Bob Valdes, it was also a celebration of shared progress.
“I’ve been fortunate to see this partnership grow over many years,” Valdes says. “Now it’s time for the next generation to carry it forward — to take it to a whole new level.”
For Burns & McDonnell, the relationship with Valdes Architecture & Engineering reflects an intentional approach to building inclusive, long-term partnerships. It’s a collaboration that continues to grow — grounded in trust, shaped by shared purpose, committed to making our clients successful, and carried forward to build future opportunities together.
This post is part of Together By Design, a business diversity newsletter published by Burns & McDonnell to advance a community of inclusion. This newsletter features stories of great opportunity, leaders who bring out the best in others, innovative approaches, and diverse perspectives that shape the business community and the world at large.
