KCI Acquires Daft-McCune-Walker, Bolstering Mid-Atlantic Presence

SPARKS, MD – January 22, 2026 – KCI Technologies Inc., a national 100% employee-owned engineering powerhouse, has announced its acquisition of Daft-McCune-Walker (DMW), a well-respected Baltimore-based firm with a five-decade history in the region. The move integrates DMW’s specialized expertise in civil engineering, land planning, and environmental science into KCI’s extensive portfolio, significantly strengthening its foothold in the competitive Mid-Atlantic market.

The acquisition, confirmed on January 22, brings more than 30 professionals from DMW into the KCI fold. This strategic transaction is the latest in a series of calculated expansions by KCI, a firm that has consistently grown its national footprint and service capabilities through targeted acquisitions.

A Pattern of Strategic Expansion

With reported sales exceeding $600 million in 2025 and a consistent ranking among the top engineering firms in the country by Engineering News-Record (ENR), KCI has established a clear pattern of growth. The firm, ranked 53rd on ENR's 2025 Top 500 Design Firms list, has recently absorbed several other specialized companies, including McLaren Engineering Group in 2024 and Advanced Telecommunications Solutions in 2025. This strategy of integrating regional experts into its larger, employee-owned framework appears central to its business model.

The acquisition of DMW is not merely about increasing headcount or revenue; it is a deliberate move to deepen KCI's service offerings in a key geographical area. DMW brings a rich legacy of navigating the complex regulatory and development environments of the Baltimore metropolitan area, a skill set that complements KCI's broad infrastructure and environmental capabilities.

“DMW brings many years of expertise and a proven track record of delivering innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Nick Barrick, PE, LEED AP, a Service Line Leader at KCI. “Their depth of knowledge in civil site design, land planning, and environmental compliance strengthens our integrated capabilities and expands our ability to serve both public and private clients throughout Maryland and beyond.” This integration allows KCI to offer a more robust, end-to-end solution for complex development projects, from initial planning and environmental permitting to final construction.

Integrating a 50-Year Legacy

Founded in 1970, Daft-McCune-Walker built its reputation as a trusted local partner on a foundation of long-standing relationships with clients and regulatory agencies. The firm’s portfolio includes high-profile projects for prominent clients such as the University of Maryland Medical Systems, The Howard Hughes Corporation, The Keelty Company, and Greenberg Gibbons Commercial. Their work spans residential communities, large-scale mixed-use spaces, healthcare facilities, and educational campuses.

Leading the transition for DMW is its former President, Lisa Gobrecht. Under her leadership, DMW evolved from a private sector land development practice into a certified Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE), a strategic shift that unlocked significant growth by securing work with public agencies. Gobrecht's financial and strategic guidance is credited with positioning the firm for long-term stability and diversification, making it an attractive partner for a larger entity like KCI.

The continuity of DMW's legacy is a key aspect of the deal. The more than 30 employees will continue to operate from their existing offices in Towson and Frederick, Maryland, ensuring that established client relationships and local knowledge are preserved. This approach suggests KCI values the brand equity and community ties that DMW has cultivated over half a century.

“Throughout DMW’s history, our team’s technical expertise and dedication to strategic problem-solving were key to the firm’s success,” stated Gobrecht. “Becoming part of KCI marks an exciting opportunity for continued growth, allowing us to combine resources to deliver even greater value to clients while creating new opportunities for employees.”

The Employee-Owned Advantage

A defining characteristic of KCI is its 100% employee-owned structure. With roughly 2,500 employee-owners across more than 70 offices, the firm promotes a culture where every team member has a vested interest in the company's success. This model, centered around an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and long-term commitment.

For the incoming DMW professionals, joining an ESOP offers a unique opportunity for professional and financial growth. This structure is often seen as a powerful tool for talent retention and for aligning the goals of employees with the strategic vision of the company. By becoming part of KCI, the DMW team gains access to the resources of a major national firm—including advanced technology, a broader network of expertise, and the capital to pursue larger projects—while becoming owners in the enterprise they are helping to build.

The integration plan, which keeps the DMW team in their current locations, aims to merge the best of both worlds: the local agility and deep-rooted relationships of DMW with the scale and comprehensive services of KCI. This hybrid approach is critical for maintaining momentum on existing projects and reassuring a client base built on decades of trust.

Reshaping Maryland's Development Landscape

The combination of KCI and DMW is poised to create a formidable force in Maryland's engineering and development sector. By merging DMW's intimate knowledge of local zoning, permitting, and environmental regulations with KCI's extensive resources and diverse technical services, the new entity can offer unparalleled support for complex infrastructure and land development initiatives.

This synergy will likely enhance KCI's competitive edge in bidding for both public and private contracts. DMW's experience as an MBE/WBE and its strong rapport with state and local agencies provide a strategic advantage in the public sector. For private developers, the combined firm represents a one-stop shop capable of managing every phase of a project, from initial site assessment and planning to civil engineering and construction management. The ability to streamline these processes under one roof can lead to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness for clients.

Ultimately, this acquisition is about more than market share; it is about shaping the future of development in the region. The combined expertise in sustainable design, environmental compliance, and smart infrastructure positions the firm to play a pivotal role in addressing Maryland's evolving needs, from revitalizing urban centers to planning resilient suburban communities and protecting natural resources.