Environmental Design International

What Environmental Design International does

Environmental Design International Inc. (EDI) is a privately held, MBE/WBE/DBE/WOSB-certified professional engineering consulting firm founded in 1991 by Deborah M. Sawyer and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a regional office in Baltimore, Maryland, and operations stemming from the 2023 acquisition of Hamilton Consulting Engineers in Joliet, Illinois. The firm provides multidisciplinary engineering services through five integrated core practice areas: Civil Engineering, Construction Inspection, Environmental Consulting, Industrial Hygiene, and Surveying, plus supporting CADD Services and specialized Sustainable Design. Its technology stack centers on conventional engineering and geospatial tools including AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, GPS, Robotic Total Stations, Digital Levels, Terrestrial LIDAR, and Laser Scanning, with documented specialized capabilities such as deep-shaft 3D laser scanning of 360-foot drop shafts for the MWRD Calumet TARP Screens project and four GPS/robotic survey crews supporting ALTA/NSPS, boundary, and topographic surveys.

EDI's customer base is dominated by Illinois public-sector clients — including the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Tollway, City of Chicago departments (CDOT, DWM, CHA, CPS, CTA), Cook County, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District — together with federal agencies (GSA, USACE, USEPA, FAA, VA) and energy and utility customers such as Exelon, ComEd, Ameren, BP, Citgo, and SunPower; higher education clients (University of Chicago, University of Illinois) and healthcare/real-estate clients appear as secondary segments. Revenue is generated through project-based professional services billed under prime contracts, joint venture arrangements (with firms such as Bloom Companies, Ardmore Associates, and Chicago Aviation Runway Designers), subconsultant engagements with larger primes (AECOM, STANTEC, RS&H, Walsh/Fluor), and blanket service contracts with major energy and utility providers; pricing is contract-specific and not publicly disclosed. Notable project-scale milestones include the $71 million IDOT Dan Ryan Reconstruction Phase III contract (the largest IDOT job ever awarded to a minority and woman-owned firm), the $20 million Cook County Hospital demolition, the $44 million Mile Square Health Center environmental assessment, and a role on the $3.4 billion Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project, with cumulative contract values indicating meaningful scale despite no publicly disclosed revenue. Leadership transitioned to Leslie J. Sawyer as Chairman and CEO in August 2016 following the founder's passing, and the firm marked 35 years in business in 2026 with a Chicago headquarters relocation.

Name

Environmental Design International

Legal name

Environmental Design International inc.

Website

https://envdesigni.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Environmental Design International is a Chicago-based, MBE/WBE-certified multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm offering civil engineering, construction inspection, environmental consulting, industrial hygiene, and land surveying services to Illinois and federal government agencies, energy and utility clients, and select private-sector customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Consulting Services

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) & Due Diligence (BPAHAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

EIA/ESIA Documentation & Technical Studies (Air/Water/Noise/Traffic) (EUAHAAAC), Cumulative Effects, Alternatives Analysis & Mitigation Planning (EUAHAAAE)

Keywords

• Civil engineering consulting
• Environmental site assessments
• Construction inspection services
• Land surveying services
• Industrial hygiene consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Engineering Consulting Services: EDI generates revenue through professional engineering consulting services including civil engineering, construction engineering, land surveying, environmental consulting, and industrial hygiene services billed on a project basis. Revenue comes from government contracts (municipal, county, state, federal), Fortune 500 companies, and private sector clients.
2. Project-Based Contracts: EDI earns revenue through prime contracts, joint venture partnerships, and task orders from master agreements. Notable projects include $20 million Cook County Hospital demolition, $71 million IDOT Dan Ryan Reconstruction, and ongoing IDOT and CDOT contracts.
3. Blanket Service Contracts: EDI holds blanket service contracts with several major energy and utility providers nationwide, providing recurring revenue streams for environmental and engineering services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Environmental Design International (EDI) is a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction engineering and inspection, environmental consulting, industrial hygiene, and land surveying services. The firm delivers complete project management from preliminary planning through design, permitting, construction management, and reporting for government agencies and Fortune 500 private sector clients across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.

Product overview

Environmental Design International (EDI) is a professional engineering consulting firm offering multidisciplinary services through five integrated core service lines: Civil Engineering, Construction Inspection, Environmental Consulting, Industrial Hygiene, and Surveying. The firm also provides supporting CADD Services and specialized Sustainable Design capabilities. Services span from preliminary planning and design through construction management and reporting, delivered to clients across municipal, state, federal, and private sectors. EDI operates primarily in the Chicago/Midwest region with additional offices in the mid-Atlantic.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Civil Engineering Full-service civil engineering for municipal, state, and private clients including planning, preliminary and final design, permitting, and construction inspection. Work covers horizontal/vertical geometrics, grading, stormwater drainage design, sanitary sewer systems, water main design, detention systems, construction cost estimating, and ADA design.
• Construction Inspection Construction engineering and inspection services for large infrastructure projects, including design requirements verification, adjacent property impact minimization, required documentation, quality control and quality assurance, contractor pay estimates, and project finalization.
• Environmental Consulting Environmental cleanup, compliance, and pollution prevention services including Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, UST/AST services, RCRA/CERCLA site work, soil and groundwater remediation, Brownfields site redevelopment, and regulatory compliance.
• Industrial Hygiene Health and safety regulation compliance services including air monitoring, asbestos consulting, lead-based paint services, hazardous materials management, indoor air quality evaluations, noise measurement, respiratory protection programs, and policy development.
• Surveying Professional land surveying services including ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, boundary surveys, 3D subdivisions, FEMA elevation certificates, topographic and utility surveys, laser scanning, terrestrial LIDAR, and GPS/robotic total station surveys.
• CADD Services Computer-Aided Design and Drafting services using AutoCAD and MicroStation for civil, architectural, survey, and environmental drafting with deliverables in fully editable multi-layer CADD formats.
• Sustainable Design Sustainable infrastructure design services including LEED-certified project support, permeable paving systems, green infrastructure, and environmental remediation for various public and private clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10-megawatt solar power plant producing electricity for 1,500 homes annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hamilton Consulting Engineers (HCE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023EDI acquired Hamilton Consulting Engineers, a Joliet-based civil engineering and professional land surveying firm founded in 1955. HCE focused on wastewater treatment design and municipal engineering. HCE leadership (Kristen and Howard Hamilton) joined EDI's Management team.
• STANTECcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 28 December 2019EDI supports Chicago Transit Authority Red Purple Modernization project as sub-consultant to STANTEC on a Design/Build team lead by Walsh/Fluor. EDI provides Industrial Hygiene, Land Surveying and Environmental Department services.
• Walsh/FluorcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 28 December 2019Design/Build team lead for CTA Red Purple Modernization project. EDI serves as sub-consultant providing specialized environmental and surveying services.
• INTREN, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2017EDI researched feasibility of using non-potable water in directional drilling for INTREN and developed protocol and standard operating procedures approved by Illinois Department of Public Health.
• African-American Woman-Owned Engineering Firm (Joint Venture)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013EDI won two IDOT construction inspection contracts as a joint venture partner with another African-American woman-owned engineering firm in 2013 and 2014.
• African-American Woman-Owned Engineering Firm (Joint Venture)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Deborah Sawyer developed unique teaming approach with an all African-American joint venture to land the Phase III Engineering of a $71 million stretch of the IDOT Dan Ryan Reconstruction - the largest IDOT job ever awarded to a minority and woman-owned firm.
• Bloom CompaniescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManaging partner joint venture for IDOT Phase I engineering services for preparation of preliminary engineering and environmental studies throughout IDOT's District One. EDI provides Phase I studies for intersections, roadway segments, bridges and culverts.
• Chicago Aviation Runway Designers (CARD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCARD Joint Venture Partner providing preliminary, final design, and construction engineering support services for O'Hare Runway 9R-27L extension and Taxiways J/Z as part of O'Hare Modernization Plan.
• Ardmore Associates, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture with Ardmore Associates for Stevenson Expressway/Dan Ryan Expressway to Lake Shore Drive Phase III engineering, including Program Management as IDOT's Representative. Recipient of 2018 ACEC-Illinois Special Achievement Award.
• Ardmore Associates, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture partner for IDOT I-94 (Bishop Ford) Construction Inspection and Quality Assurance testing for interchange improvements.
• RS&HcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI is a member of the RS&H team providing Phase II engineering services for construction of new mainline lanes for the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project between I-294 and I-90.
• AECOMcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI is AECOM's primary site civil design sub-consultant for Heritage Park Master Plan improvements. Also member of AECOM team for CDOT Riverfront Trail South Branch Implementation Plan.
• EpsteinminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLead architect and engineer for Illinois Tollway's Maintenance Facility Program. EDI provides civil site design and Phase II Engineering/Architectural Design Services for Tollway Maintenance Facilities.
• Hitchcock Design GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI provided topographic surveying services for Big Marsh park redevelopment as subconsultant to Hitchcock Design Group.
• Rubinos & Mesia Engineers, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI provided laser scanning and modeling services as subconsultant to RME for MWRD Calumet TARP Screens project. Awarded 2015 ACEC-Illinois Engineering Excellence Merit Award.
• Knight E/A, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI performed topographic and ADA ramp surveys for Cermak/Blue Island Sustainable Streetscape Project led by Knight E/A. Project earned ACEC-Illinois Honor Award for innovation.
• Landrum & BrownminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI partnered with Landrum & Brown and other firms for Chicago Department of Aviation Green Airport Initiative to achieve environmental quality and energy savings.
• Moody Nolan, Inc.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEDI retained by Moody Nolan to conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments for the new $44 Million Mile Square Health Center medical building.
• SunPower CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExelon Corporation contracted SunPower to build a 10-megawatt solar power plant. EDI played significant engineering role providing site civil, environmental, and survey services for Exelon City Solar project.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• STANTEC: International engineering, environmental, and infrastructure consulting firm with strong U.S. transportation and environmental practices. STANTEC leads the CTA Red Purple Modernization design-build team of which EDI is a subconsultant, providing a direct peer comparison in transit and civil infrastructure work.
• RS&H: Employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm specializing in aviation, transportation, and environmental work. RS&H is EDI's JV partner on the $3.4B Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project and competes in the same aviation/transportation space EDI serves.
• AECOM: One of the largest global infrastructure consulting firms with significant environmental, transportation, and civil engineering practices. AECOM is EDI's prime-contractor counterpart on several Chicago-area projects (Heritage Park, CDOT Riverfront Trail), making it both a partner and a competitor.
• Tetra Tech: Global engineering and environmental consulting firm with deep water, environmental, and transportation practices. Directly comparable to EDI across civil, environmental, and surveying service lines, but operates at vastly greater scale with global geographic reach; EDI's COO Mark Smith previously spent 23 years at Tetra Tech.
• WSP USA: Global professional services consultancy with major U.S. transportation, environmental, and property practices. Direct peer to EDI on IDOT, tollway, and aviation work, and competes for the same prime contractor slots on large Illinois/Midwest infrastructure programs.
• Burns & McDonnell: 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting firm with strong transportation, environmental, and government-services practices. Comparable to EDI on infrastructure, environmental, and government client mix, though at significantly larger scale.

Direct peers

• Ardmore Associates: Chicago-based woman-owned DBE engineering firm providing program management, construction inspection, and civil engineering services. Long-standing EDI joint venture partner on IDOT Stevenson/Dan Ryan Phase III and Bishop Ford projects — directly comparable in scale, ownership profile, and Illinois DOT focus.
• TranSmart / Robinson Engineering: Mid-size Illinois-based civil engineering and surveying firm serving IDOT, municipal, and county clients. Closely comparable to EDI in service mix (civil, surveying, construction inspection) and geographic concentration in Illinois transportation infrastructure.
• Bloom Companies: Midwest-based engineering firm with strong IDOT Phase I transportation practice. EDI's managing JV partner for IDOT District One preliminary engineering and environmental studies; directly comparable in Illinois DOT prequalifications and project types.

Emerging players

• ESP (Environmental Solutions & Professionals): Mid-size environmental and industrial hygiene consulting firm serving Midwest government and institutional clients. Closely comparable to EDI's environmental consulting and industrial hygiene service lines, particularly in K-12, higher-ed, and public housing work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EnvDesigni
• Facebookfacebook.com/Environmental-Design-International-inc-598868106897118
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/environmental-design-international-inc.

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Environmental Design International