Woolpert, Inc.

Woolpert is a global architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) services and strategic consulting firm. Founded in 1911, its mission is to help its employees, clients, and the world progress through forward thinking, with a vision to become a premier global AEG and strategic consulting firm. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Beavercreek, Ohio, within the Dayton metropolitan area.

Woolpert offers a comprehensive range of services, including architecture, engineering, geospatial solutions, planning and consulting, and data and technology. These services encompass areas such as laser scanning, civil engineering, fire protection, structural design, asset lifecycle management, and advanced GIS solutions. The firm serves a diverse client base across federal, state, and local governments, private and public companies, universities, energy and transportation departments, and the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, Woolpert caters to corporate and institutional markets, including commercial, retail, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.

In January 2025, Neil Churman was promoted to Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Scott Cattran, who transitioned to Executive Chairman. Woolpert has demonstrated significant growth and market positioning, ranking No. 36 on Engineering News-Record's (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms list for 2026. The firm has expanded its global footprint through strategic acquisitions, including UMC Architects in April 2026, and Bluesky International and Dawood Engineering in 2025. With over 3,200 employees across five continents, Woolpert reported annual revenues exceeding $750 million in 2025 and is recognized as a certified Great Place to Work.

Latest updates

Woolpert and Chance Maritime Launch First Fully Uncrewed Deep-Sea Survey Off Florida

Event summary

  • Woolpert and Chance Maritime are conducting the first fully uncrewed offshore hydrographic survey for NOAA, mapping 1,391 square nautical miles of deep-sea corals and habitats off Florida's Gulf Coast.
  • The mission uses Chance Maritime's uncrewed survey vessels (MC40 and MC29), capable of 90+ days of continuous operation, to collect high-resolution data for NOAA's nautical charting products.
  • Woolpert will survey approximately 11,000 linear nautical miles over multiple months, with data processed via Starlink satellite communications and Woolpert's ASPEN system.
  • The project aims to fill gaps in seafloor mapping data and support the restoration of marine habitats damaged by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The big picture

This mission marks a significant step in the automation of offshore data collection, reducing operational risks and enhancing access to critical ocean data. The collaboration between Woolpert and Chance Maritime underscores the growing trend of leveraging uncrewed technologies for environmental monitoring and maritime safety, particularly in post-disaster restoration efforts like those following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

What we're watching

Autonomous Tech Adoption
How the success of this mission will accelerate the adoption of uncrewed survey vessels in deep-ocean environments.
Data Efficiency
Whether Woolpert and Chance Maritime can sustain the efficiency gains from uncrewed operations in future large-scale projects.
Regulatory Impact
The pace at which NOAA and other agencies will integrate uncrewed survey data into maritime safety and habitat restoration efforts.

Woolpert's Acquisitions Signal Aggressive Expansion in Geospatial Services

Event summary

  • Woolpert ranked No. 36 on ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list, up from a previous ranking.
  • The firm increased revenue from approximately $650 million in 2024 to over $750 million in 2025.
  • Woolpert's employee count grew from 2,700 to over 3,200 across five continents.
  • Key acquisitions included Bluesky International (aerial survey), Dawood Engineering (geospatial technology), and UMC Architects (architecture).

The big picture

Woolpert's rapid expansion through acquisitions signals a broader trend of consolidation within the architecture, engineering, and geospatial services sector. The firm's focus on geospatial capabilities aligns with the increasing demand for data-driven solutions across industries like infrastructure, defense, and logistics. Neil Churman’s tenure has accelerated this strategy, but the firm’s ability to manage a significantly larger and more geographically diverse organization will be critical to long-term success.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of Woolpert's aggressive acquisition strategy hinges on effectively integrating Bluesky, Dawood, and UMC Architects, which could be complicated by differing cultures and technologies.
Geopolitical Exposure
Woolpert's expanded presence in Europe, particularly Poland and the UK, exposes the firm to increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Organic Growth
While acquisitions have driven recent growth, Woolpert will need to demonstrate sustained organic growth to justify its investment and maintain its position on the ENR Top 500 list.
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