In 1967, Fishbeck and Thompson opened office space in Lansing, signaling a period of sustained growth and organizational maturity. This expansion reinforced the firm’s long-term commitment to the Lansing community and its role as a trusted civil engineering partner.
1967
Establishing a Permanent Office
In 1975, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. expanded its geographic footprint by opening an office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In conjunction with this growth, Carl V. Huber, PE joins the firm as Principal, thus renaming the firm Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. (FTC&H).
1975
Expansion to Grand Rapids
The 1997 merger with Alpha Geosciences, Inc. marked another important expansion for Fishbeck as the firm strengthened its environmental practice across West Michigan. Alpha Geosciences had built a strong reputation over more than seven years in Kalamazoo. By joining forces, Fishbeck gained deeper expertise in groundwater supply, wellhead protection, remediation services, and environmental site assessments – capabilities that broadened the firm's offerings to clients facing increasingly nuanced environmental challenges.
The move also expanded Fishbeck’s geographic presence, establishing a new office in Kalamazoo. Together, the team built a more comprehensive and accessible resource for communities and clients throughout West Michigan, driving the firm’s transition into a fully integrated, multidisciplinary partner.
1997
Strengthening Environmental Expertise
in West Michigan
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Thompson and Carr Carry the Torch: Firm Becomes Fishbeck, Thompson and Carr, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc.
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Structural Services Added
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In 2003, the company was named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Firms to Work For in both West Michigan and Metro Detroit, kicking off ten straight years of recognition for excellence in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
2003
A Decade of "Best and Brightest" Begins
In 2006, the company proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary — a milestone marking five decades of dedicated service, innovation, and growth. This anniversary honored the people, projects, and partnerships that shaped the organization’s legacy and set the foundation for its future.
2006
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
The Cincinnati office opened in 2006, extending the company’s reach into southwest Ohio. The new location enhanced accessibility for clients and reinforced a long‑term commitment to serving communities throughout the greater Ohio Valley.
Reaching New Markets in Cincinnati
2000s
In 2011, the company established a new office in Traverse City, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients and projects throughout northern Michigan. The location quickly became a key hub for regional collaboration.
2011
Traverse City Office Opens
The company broadened its Southeast Michigan operations in 2013 by establishing offices in both Novi and Macomb. The dual expansion improved client accessibility and reinforced the firm’s commitment to serving the region more effectively.
2013
Novi and Macomb Offices Open
60 Years Strong—
and Growing
In 2017, the company opened its Detroit office on Woodward Avenue. The new location allowed teams to build stronger relationships and support a growing number of urban initiatives.
2017
Investing in the Heart of Detroit
The company marked its 60th anniversary in 2016 by launching 60 Days of Service, a coordinated volunteer effort that highlighted a longstanding commitment to community engagement. The year also saw the opening of the Columbus, Ohio, office, further expanding the firm’s reach in the Midwest.
2016
In 2018, the company strengthened its Southeast Michigan presence with the opening of its Ann Arbor office. This expansion enhanced service capabilities in the region and supported growing partnerships within the area’s vibrant academic and innovation communities.
2018
Expanding into
Ann Arbor
The Indianapolis, IN office opened in 2019, marking another step in the company’s expanding Midwest presence.
2019
Hello, Indianapolis
Fishbeck’s acquisition of Northwest Consultants, Inc. in 2019 strengthened the firm’s foothold across Michigan and Ohio and supported our burgeoning presence in Indiana. This provided notable depth in transportation, structural, and surveying services. NCI brought more than three decades of experience and a team recognized for its leadership in bridge inspection, roadway design, utility systems, and construction administration. Their Midwest presence — including an early technical location in the Allisonville area — expanded Fishbeck’s geographic reach and added seasoned engineers and surveyors to the team.
By integrating NCI’s strengths with Fishbeck’s multidisciplinary platform, the firm gained new capacity for complex infrastructure work and broadened its ability to serve communities across the region.
Expanding Reach Through Infrastructure Expertise
2010s
The company began a new chapter in 2020, transitioning from Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. to simply Fishbeck. The refreshed name reinforced a modern, cohesive brand presence while maintaining the integrity and reputation built over decades.
2020
Reintroducing Ourselves as Fishbeck
Fishbeck expanded its environmental practice in 2023 with the acquisition of Envirologic, a Kalamazoo‑based firm known for its work in brownfield redevelopment, environmental investigation, due diligence, compliance, and ecological services. The addition brought 24 seasoned scientists, hydrogeologists, geologists, biologists, and environmental engineers into the firm, strengthening a practice area that had long been central to Fishbeck’s integrated approach. The move also broadened the firm’s presence in Southwest Michigan, adding new depth in regional expertise and project capabilities.
The acquisition aligned with each firm’s shared commitment to technical quality, long‑term client relationships, and solutions that balance design ambition with environmental responsibility.
Deepening Environmental Strength in Southwest Michigan
2023
Fishbeck expanded its capabilities again in 2024 with the acquisition of MDA Engineering, an electrical and mechanical engineering firm based in Maumee, Ohio. MDA brought a team of 27 professionals known for their work in new construction, renovations, energy retrofits, and industrial process support across sectors ranging from education and government to healthcare and industry. Their longstanding reputation for thoughtful design, advanced technical expertise, and attentive client service added meaningful depth to Fishbeck’s engineering bench.
The addition also strengthened Fishbeck’s presence in the Midwest. Integrating MDA’s specialized knowledge into the firm’s multidisciplinary model created new opportunities for collaboration and broadened the support Fishbeck could offer to clients with increasingly complex needs. With this acquisition, the firm continued its steady trajectory of investment in expertise, regional reach, and integrated solutions.
2024
Growing Mechanical and Electrical Strength in the Midwest
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Our story began when Ken Fishbeck started the company in a small room of his Lansing home. It was a simple setup, but Ken approached each project with care and a genuine desire to help people solve problems well. His early work earned a reputation for reliability and thoughtful engineering, qualities that became part of the company’s identity. What started as a one‑person practice steadily grew, but the spirit that guided those first projects still shapes who we are seventy years later.
1956
Meet Ken Fishbeck
A Firm Takes Shape
Water and Wastewater Services Added
Environmental Services Added
Two long-established engineering firms combined their Grand Rapids operations to create a broader, more resilient practice. Fairbrother, known for its mechanical and electrical work, had recently streamlined after large project cycles subsided. FTC&H brought complementary civil, environmental, and structural expertise, along with a strong local presence. Merging their teams into a single East Fulton office created a unified operation with greater depth and flexibility.
The move also positioned the firm to meet the rising capital demands of computer‑driven engineering. Advanced design systems required investments that were easier to support at scale. By joining forces, the new organization expanded its capabilities, steadied the natural swings of the marketplace, and strengthened its ability to serve clients from design through efficient operation.
1985
Building Strength Through Scale
1981-1984
In 2001, Fishbeck brought its Grand Rapids operations together under one roof, leaving the three‑building Fulton campus in Ada for a unified headquarters on Cascade Road. The move created a home that reflected the firm’s evolution, with every discipline working side by side in a space designed for collaboration and shared purpose. It marked a clear step forward from the modest Lansing house where the firm began, yet the spirit of those early days carried through: practical, ambitious, and grounded in teamwork. The new headquarters became a place where the full breadth of Fishbeck’s capabilities could take shape together, and where the firm’s identity as an integrated, multidisciplinary partner truly came into focus.
2001
The Big Move to Our Grand Rapids HQ
click to meet Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr, and Huber!
In 1969, Ken Fishbeck was honored as Engineer of the Year by both the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers and the local Grand Valley Chapter, recognition that reflected his lifelong commitment to the profession. The awards celebrated his technical expertise and steady leadership, service to the chapter and state society, and the values-driven approach that shaped his career. For those who worked alongside him, the honor affirmed what they already knew: Ken’s influence reached far beyond his projects and helped strengthen the engineering community he cared so deeply about.
1969
Ken Fishbeck Wins Engineer of the Year
MEET THE FOUNDER:
Ken Fishbeck
Ken Fishbeck was born in Livingston County, Michigan, in 1904 and graduated from Michigan State College (now MSU) with an engineering degree in 1928. He spent 28 years with the City of Lansing, ultimately serving as Assistant City Engineer. In 1956, he entered private practice and founded the firm that would bear his name. Working from his Lansing home, he welcomed his first employee, Paul Thompson, the following year, quietly building the foundation of a company that would endure long after his retirement.
Ken’s professional influence reached far beyond his day-to-day work. Within the Grand Valley Chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, he held almost every committee chairmanship and chapter office. His involvement extended to the state level, where he served as magazine editor, national director, and leader of several committees. In recognition of his impact, he was named the chapter’s Engineer of the Year in 1969, and later elected to Honorary Membership of the Michigan Engineering Society.
His leadership also extended to environmental and civic organizations. Ken served as president of the Michigan Sewage and Industrial Waste Association from 1953 to 1954 and received its respected Willard F. Shephard Award in 1959. Outside of engineering, he was an active member and past president of the Optimist Club of West Side Lansing. Ken retired in 1969 but continued consulting for several years, leaving a legacy of steady leadership and thoughtful engineering that continues to guide the firm.
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See photos from the event!
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A NEW CHAPTER OF LEADERSHIP:
Paul Thompson and Chuck Carr
When Ken Fishbeck retired in 1969, leadership of Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. passed to two individuals who knew the firm well and shared his commitment to thoughtful engineering. Paul Thompson, who had graduated from Michigan State University in 1955 and joined the firm two years later, was appointed president and treasurer. Charles (Chuck) Carr stepped into the roles of vice president and secretary. An MSU graduate as well, Carr brought experience from his service as an Air Force officer from 1959 to 1962 before joining the firm in 1963 as a design and project engineer.
With Thompson and Carr at the helm, the company was renamed Fishbeck, Thompson and Carr, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. Their leadership marked a smooth and steady transition. Both men were deeply committed to the values Ken had instilled from the beginning and were determined to keep those principles at the heart of the firm as it entered a new decade of growth and opportunity.
Fishbeck advanced its Midwest strategy in 2025 through the acquisition of Align CEC, an Indiana‑based civil engineering firm with more than six decades of experience in transportation design, water infrastructure, surveying, and construction inspection. Align’s long history of community‑focused work and technical strength fit naturally with Fishbeck’s multidisciplinary approach, adding greater depth in areas that continue to drive regional investment.
Align’s addition strengthened Fishbeck’s presence across Indiana and reinforced its commitment to offering comprehensive, client‑centered solutions throughout the Midwest.
Expanding Civil and Transportation Expertise Across Indiana
2025
Fishbeck began a new chapter in Farmington Hills by moving to a consolidated office designed to bring teams from the two Novi locations together in a space that supports collaboration, flexibility, and connection. The updated location offers improved access, modern infrastructure, and a brighter, more welcoming environment that reflects the firm’s identity. Features like an outdoor patio, onsite fitness options, convenient food access, and an efficient layout create a more supportive everyday experience for staff. The move also strengthens the firm’s workplace program by giving in‑office, flex work, and remote work teams a shared base built for adaptability and clear communication, ensuring the office remains a strong hub for project work and client engagement.
Investing in Our People: A New Chapter for Farmington Hills
Check out the new facilities.
Fishbeck marked another step in its regional growth in 2024 with the relocation of its Indianapolis office to a larger, modern space on Crosspoint Boulevard. The move reflected a steady rise in project work throughout Indiana and created room for a growing, multidisciplinary team. The new location was selected to strengthen collaboration, support expanding services, and offer a more connected presence within a busy business district.
With this relocation, the Indianapolis team gained the space and resources needed to keep pace with new opportunities while remaining closely aligned with the firm’s integrated, client‑focused approach.
A New Home for a Growing Indianapolis Team
Fishbeck’s 70th anniversary offers a natural moment to look back at the journey from our earliest beginnings to the multidisciplinary, employee‑owned company we are today. It is a chance to reconnect with what has always driven us: showing up with energy, telling the truth, caring for people, and serving clients with care and consistency. This milestone is about recognizing the people whose day‑to‑day work built the firm’s reputation and carried its spirit forward. Every employee, past and present, is part of our story. It’s a story of collaboration, ownership, and steady forward momentum into what comes next.
2026
70 Years of Innovation and Excellence
Fishbeck brought its Kalamazoo teams together in a single, full‑service office, creating a more connected and responsive hub for clients across Southwest Michigan. By uniting nearly 50 professionals from land development, environmental services, geosciences, civil and transportation engineering, electrical engineering, parking, and geospatial services, the firm strengthened its ability to coordinate work across disciplines with greater speed and clarity. The shared space supports closer collaboration among teams, allowing challenges to be addressed earlier, communication to stay aligned, and projects to move more smoothly from planning through delivery. The consolidation reflects a clear focus on how integrated teams and shared expertise translate into better outcomes for clients and the communities they serve.
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A 70-Year Journey of Excellence
From our earliest projects to today’s multidisciplinary solutions, our story is one of collaboration, ingenuity, and lasting impact. Discover how our integrated approach has elevated projects, supported communities, and helped shape what’s possible.
Delivering high-quality, all-in-one engineering, architecture, infrastructure, environmental, and construction services.
Still Designing. Still Building. Still Growing.
ALL-IN-ONE
BACK TO TOP
1962
By the mid‑1970s, growing national concern over pollution and failing infrastructure, along with new federal funding programs, created a surge in demand for modern water and wastewater treatment. The industry was evolving quickly, and firms with the right expertise had an opportunity to step into work that required fresh thinking and technical skill.
Although Fishbeck was still a relatively small firm at the time, the Grand Rapids office brought together engineers with strong environmental backgrounds and a real passion for solving complex problems. This combination of talent and curiosity allowed the firm to compete for projects typically handled by much larger, more established companies. These early efforts helped Fishbeck build a solid foundation in water and wastewater services and set the stage for a service area that would become a significant part of the firm's identity and growth.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Expanding into Water and Wastewater Services
Around the mid‑1970s, as Fishbeck took on a growing number of federally funded water and wastewater treatment projects and other complex civil work, the firm recognized the need for dedicated structural capabilities. The Grand Rapids office, still in its early years, became the launching point for this new service area. Structural engineering began as a small, focused effort to support the environmental and civil projects coming through the door, but the demand quickly expanded.
Even though the firm was modest in size, it brought specialized structural expertise to handle increasingly sophisticated facilities. That early investment laid the groundwork for a full structural practice and added a critical dimension to the firm’s growing multidisciplinary approach.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Adding Structural Engineering Services
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. expanded its presence and diversified its services, strengthening its multidisciplinary capabilities to meet evolving client needs.
Strengthening Expertise: Advancing Our Engineering Services
“You know, we all have our specialty areas like structural engineering or civil engineering, and mechanical/electrical or whatever it may be. … I think we’re a very unique firm that way, we have a huge diversity, … with our divisions – doing the environmental work and water/wastewater process work, civil work, remediation, architectural/engineering … all the other types of engineering and services have grown steadily since we’ve started the firm.”
— Bruce Elenbaas, PE Principal/Senior Vice President (1976-2015)
Remediation
Civil Engineering added to Grand Rapids
Hydrogeological
Mechanical
Engineering
Electrical
Engineering
Environmental Regulatory Compliance
In 1991, Fishbeck made a key advancement by incorporating architectural services into its expanding portfolio. Integrating this expertise internally broadened the firm’s offerings and transformed team dynamics. Now, engineering expertise can be seamlessly combined with an architectural perspective, enabling the firm to handle more complex projects with a cohesive vision from the outset. This fostered a smooth progression from concept to design and implementation, which clients appreciated.
This move distinguished Fishbeck in a competitive market. By integrating architecture with its existing engineering disciplines, the firm positioned itself as a comprehensive full-service design partner, capable of managing every project phase with consistency and expertise. This development enhanced the firm’s identity, expanded its capabilities, and contributed to the creation of the integrated model that still shapes its work today.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Introducing In-House Architecture Services
When Fishbeck brought construction management services in‑house in 1997, the firm completed a long‑building arc toward true project integration. What once required coordination across several outside partners could now be handled from the earliest concept through the last day onsite. The shift opened the door to a smoother, more accountable project experience, with architects, engineers, and construction professionals working side by side rather than across organizational boundaries.
What set this model apart was its designer‑led approach. Instead of waiting for a separate constructor to flag problems during bidding or construction, teams could study constructability early and surface cost‑saving opportunities before budgets were locked in. Clients gained a clearer path through complex decisions, and the firm gained a reputation for delivering well-designed, thoughtfully built projects. The move strengthened Fishbeck’s identity as a true end‑to‑end partner, with the tools and expertise to guide a project from first sketch to final handoff.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Construction Management Services
In 1962, the firm adopted the name Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. Paul Thompson, Ken's first hire in 1957, earned his place on the door after five years of loyal service and growing leadership.
Firm Becomes Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc.
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As environmental concerns became more visible in the 1970s and early 1980s, communities faced contaminated sites, aging infrastructure, and new expectations for responsible cleanup. Fishbeck was already working on projects tied to environmental protection, especially through its growing water and wastewater practice, which naturally positioned the firm to take on a broader role.
What began as support for civil and utility projects soon expanded into a distinct environmental service area. The firm’s engineers brought enthusiasm, technical skill, and a willingness to take on emerging challenges, enabling Fishbeck to address issues such as soil and groundwater contamination and evolving regulatory requirements. Those early efforts formed the backbone of an environmental practice that would become a steady and important part of the firm’s multidisciplinary work.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Advancing Environmental Protection Through Engineering Expertise
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Fishbeck is expanding its presence in Texas, building momentum through pursuits with TxDOT and parking services across the state. These efforts reflect a focused approach to understanding regional needs, forming strong partnerships, and laying the groundwork for future growth. As work develops, the firm is positioning itself to bring the same full‑service, integrated capabilities that define its practice elsewhere to communities throughout Texas.
Exploring New Ground in Texas
Fishbeck continued its growth in Ohio by opening a new office that brings teams closer to the region’s transportation and municipal work. From this location, the firm supports projects tied to mobility, parking, and public infrastructure, responding to a market shaped by ongoing investment and long‑term community needs. With staff already in place and capacity to grow, the Cleveland office deepens Fishbeck’s work across Ohio and creates a more direct connection between project teams and the communities they serve.
Bringing Fishbeck to Cleveland
In 2000, Fishbeck took a significant step by opening its first office in Southeast Michigan, establishing a new base in Farmington Hills. The location brought the firm’s civil engineering expertise closer to clients across Oakland County and the surrounding area, supporting transportation, utility, and site-focused work amid rising demand. By placing experienced leadership locally, the new office signaled a strategic move into Southeast Michigan and laid the groundwork for stronger regional relationships in the years to come.
2000
First Steps into Southeast Michigan
Fishbeck grew its presence in Michigan by opening a new office in Saginaw, enhancing its capacity to serve communities throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. The location established a dedicated local presence supported by the firm’s broader statewide network, allowing multidisciplinary teams to collaborate seamlessly while staying closely connected to regional needs. With extensive local experience and a focus on infrastructure, environmental, and community-driven projects, the Saginaw office demonstrates Fishbeck’s ongoing commitment to supporting growth, stewardship, and thoughtful development throughout Mid-Michigan.
Expanding into the Great Lakes Bay Region
See our new location!
A Unified Hub in Kalamazoo
By the mid‑1990s, Fishbeck reached a point where its culture and direction could no longer rely solely on informal, day‑to‑day conversations. Growth, changing technology, and a more distributed workforce made it necessary to clearly articulate who the firm was and what it stood for. In 1997, firm leadership took on the deliberate work of defining a shared vision, not as a document for reference, but as a practical guide meant to shape decisions, align people, and support long‑term success.
That effort became known as Vision in Action. Built on the firm’s deeply held values and a belief in continuous improvement, it reflected Fishbeck’s commitment to enduring principles alongside an openness to change. The initiative reinforced the idea that the firm’s future rested not with any single leader, but with an organization rooted in shared purpose, accountability, and progress — meant to be lived every day and carried forward by those who came next.
Putting Vision into Action
As Fishbeck continued to grow, the firm took time to restate its vision with a clear, forward‑looking focus. Building on the foundation established through Vision in Action, the refreshed vision reaffirmed long‑held commitments to employee ownership, core values, and a culture that supports growth, accountability, and meaningful work. It recognized that attracting and developing great people remains central to the firm’s long‑term success.
At the same time, the reimagined vision sharpened the firm’s direction for the future, emphasizing innovative, all‑in‑one solutions for clients and thoughtful, profitable growth. Together, these priorities set a shared destination for the decade ahead, aligning people, services, and ambition around a clear understanding of what Fishbeck aims to achieve next.
Reimagining the Vision for the Next Decade
In 1967, Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. opened office space in Lansing, signaling a period of sustained growth and organizational maturity. This expansion reinforced the firm’s long-term commitment to the Lansing community and its role as a trusted civil engineering partner.
1967
Establishing a Permanent Office
In 1975, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. expanded its geographic footprint by opening an office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In conjunction with this growth, Carl V. Huber, PE joins the firm as Principal, thus renaming the firm Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. (FTC&H).
1975
Expansion to Grand Rapids
The 1997 merger with Alpha Geosciences, Inc. marked another important expansion for Fishbeck as the firm strengthened its environmental practice across West Michigan. Alpha Geosciences had built a strong reputation over more than seven years in Kalamazoo. By joining forces, Fishbeck gained deeper expertise in groundwater supply, wellhead protection, remediation services, and environmental site assessments – capabilities that broadened the firm's offerings to clients facing increasingly nuanced environmental challenges.
The move also expanded Fishbeck’s geographic presence, establishing a new office in Kalamazoo. Together, the team built a more comprehensive and accessible resource for communities and clients throughout West Michigan, driving the firm’s transition into a fully integrated, multidisciplinary partner.
1997
Strengthening Environmental Expertise
in West Michigan
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Thompson and Carr Carry the Torch: Firm Becomes Fishbeck, Thompson and Carr, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc.
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Construction management services added.
2020s
In 2003, the company was named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Firms to Work For in both West Michigan and Metro Detroit, kicking off ten straight years of recognition for excellence in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
2003
A Decade of "Best and Brightest" Begins
In 2006, the company proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary—a milestone marking five decades of dedicated service, innovation, and growth. This anniversary honored the people, projects, and partnerships that shaped the organization’s legacy and set the foundation for its future.
2006
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
The Cincinnati office opened in 2006, extending the company’s reach into southwest Ohio. The new location enhanced accessibility for clients and reinforced a long‑term commitment to serving communities throughout the greater Ohio Valley.
Reaching New Markets in Cincinnati
2000s
In 2011, the company established a new office in Traverse City, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients and projects throughout northern Michigan. The location quickly became a key hub for regional collaboration.
2011
Traverse City Office Opens
The company broadened its southeast Michigan operations in 2013 by establishing offices in both Novi and Macomb. The dual expansion improved accessibility for clients and reinforced the firm’s commitment to serving the region more effectively.
2013
Novi and Macomb Offices Open
60 Years Strong—
and Growing
In 2017, the company opened its Detroit office, reinforcing its commitment to serving communities throughout southeast Michigan. The new location allowed teams to build stronger relationships and support a growing number of urban initiatives.
2017
Investing in the Heart of Detroit
The company marked its 60th anniversary in 2016 by launching 60 Days of Service, a coordinated volunteer effort that highlighted a longstanding commitment to community engagement. The year also saw the opening of the Columbus, Ohio office, further expanding the firm’s reach in the Midwest.
2016
In 2018, the company strengthened its southeast Michigan presence with the opening of its Ann Arbor office. This expansion enhanced service capabilities in the region and supported growing partnerships within the area’s vibrant academic and innovation communities.
2018
Expanding into
Ann Arbor
The Indianapolis, IN office opened in 2019, marking another step in the company’s expanding Midwest presence.
2019
Hello, Indianapolis
Fishbeck’s acquisition of Northwest Consultants Inc. in 2019 strengthened the firm’s foothold across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana while adding notable depth in transportation, structural, and surveying services. NCI brought more than three decades of experience and a team recognized for its leadership in bridge inspection, roadway design, utility systems, and construction administration. Their presence in four Midwest offices expanded Fishbeck’s geographic reach and added seasoned engineers and surveyors to the team.
By integrating NCI’s strengths with Fishbeck’s multidisciplinary platform, the firm gained new capacity for complex infrastructure work and broadened its ability to serve communities across the region.
Expanding Reach Through Infrastructure Expertise
2010s
The company began a new chapter in 2020 with its transition from Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. to simply Fishbeck. The refreshed name reinforced a modern, cohesive brand presence while maintaining the integrity and reputation built over decades.
2020
Reintroducing Ourselves as Fishbeck
Fishbeck expanded its environmental practice in 2023 with the acquisition of Envirologic, a Kalamazoo‑based firm known for its work in brownfield redevelopment, environmental investigation, due diligence, compliance, and ecological services. The addition brought 24 seasoned scientists, hydrogeologists, geologists, biologists, and environmental engineers into the firm, strengthening a practice area that had long been central to Fishbeck’s integrated approach. The move also broadened the firm’s presence in southwest Michigan, adding new depth in regional expertise and project capabilities.
The acquisition aligned with each firm’s shared commitment to technical quality, long‑term client relationships, and solutions that balance design ambition with environmental responsibility.
Deepening Environmental Strength in Southwest Michigan
2023
Fishbeck expanded its capabilities again in 2024 with the acquisition of MDA Engineering, an electrical and mechanical engineering firm based in Maumee, Ohio. MDA brought a team of 27 professionals known for their work in new construction, renovations, energy retrofits, and industrial process support across sectors ranging from education and government to healthcare and industry. Their longstanding reputation for thoughtful design, advanced technical expertise, and attentive client service added meaningful depth to Fishbeck’s engineering bench.
The addition also strengthened Fishbeck’s presence in the Midwest. Integrating MDA’s specialized knowledge into the firm’s multidisciplinary model created new opportunities for collaboration and broadened the support Fishbeck could offer to clients with increasingly complex needs. With this acquisition, the firm continued its steady trajectory of investment in expertise, regional reach, and integrated solutions.
2024
Growing Mechanical and Electrical Strength in the Midwest
1950s
Our story began when Ken Fishbeck started our company in a small room of his Lansing home. It was a simple setup, but Ken approached each project with care and a genuine desire to help people solve problems well. His early work earned a reputation for reliability and thoughtful engineering, qualities that became part of the company’s identity. What started as a one‑person practice steadily grew, but the spirit that guided those first projects still shapes who we are seventy years later.
1956
Meet Ken Fishbeck
A Firm Takes Shape
Water and Wastewater Services Added
Environmental Services Added
Two long-established engineering firms combined their Grand Rapids operations to create a broader, more resilient practice. Fairbrother, known for its mechanical and electrical work, had recently streamlined after large project cycles subsided. FTC&H brought complementary civil, environmental, and structural expertise, along with a strong local presence. Merging their teams into a single East Fulton office created a unified operation with greater depth and flexibility.
The move also positioned the firm to meet the rising capital demands of computer‑driven engineering. Advanced design systems required investments that were easier to support at scale. By joining forces, the new organization expanded its capabilities, steadied the natural swings of the marketplace, and strengthened its ability to serve clients from design through efficient operation.
1985
Building Strength Through Scale
1981-1984
In 2001, Fishbeck brought its Grand Rapids operations together under one roof, leaving the three‑building Fulton campus in Ada for a unified headquarters on Cascade Road. The move created a home that reflected the firm’s evolution, with every discipline working side by side in a space designed for collaboration and shared purpose. It marked a clear step forward from the modest Lansing house where the firm began, yet the spirit of those early days carried through: practical, ambitious, and grounded in teamwork. The new headquarters became a place where the full breadth of Fishbeck’s capabilities could take shape together, and where the firm’s identity as an integrated, multidisciplinary partner truly came into focus.
2001
The Big Move to our Grand Rapids HQ
click to meet Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr, and Huber!
In 1969, Ken Fishbeck was honored as Engineer of the Year by both the Grand Valley Chapter and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, recognition that reflected his lifelong commitment to the profession. The awards celebrated his technical expertise and steady leadership, service to the chapter and state society, and the values-driven approach that shaped his career. For those who worked alongside him, the honor affirmed what they already knew: Ken’s influence reached far beyond his projects and helped strengthen the engineering community he cared so deeply about.
1969
Ken Fishbeck Wins Engineer of the Year
MEET THE FOUNDER:
Ken Fishbeck
Ken Fishbeck was born in Livingston County, Michigan, in 1904 and graduated from Michigan State University with an engineering degree in 1928. He spent 28 years with the City of Lansing, ultimately serving as Assistant City Engineer. In 1956, he entered private practice and founded the firm that would bear his name. Working from his Lansing home, he welcomed his first employee, Paul Thompson, the following year, quietly building the foundation of a company that would endure long after his retirement.
Ken’s professional influence reached far beyond his day-to-day work. Within the Grand Valley Chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, he held almost every committee chairmanship and chapter office. His involvement extended to the state level, where he served as magazine editor, national director, and leader of several committees. In recognition of his impact, he was named the chapter’s Engineer of the Year in 1969 and later elected to Honorary Membership of the Michigan Engineering Society.
His leadership also extended to environmental and civic organizations. Ken served as president of the Michigan Sewage and Industrial Waste Association from 1953 to 1954 and received its respected Willard F. Shephard Award in 1959. Outside of engineering, he was an active member and past president of the Optimist Club of West Side Lansing. Ken retired in 1969 but continued consulting for several years, leaving a legacy of steady leadership and thoughtful engineering that continues to guide the firm.
view the photo gallery
See photos from the event!
click to view the gallery
A NEW CHAPTER OF LEADERSHIP:
Paul Thompson and Charles Carr
When Ken Fishbeck retired in 1969, leadership of Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. passed to two individuals who knew the firm well and shared his commitment to thoughtful engineering. Paul Thompson, who had graduated from Michigan State University in 1955 and joined the firm two years later, was appointed president and treasurer. Charles Carr stepped into the roles of vice president and secretary. An MSU graduate as well, Carr brought experience from his service as an Air Force officer from 1959 to 1962 before joining the firm in 1963 as a design and project engineer.
With Thompson and Carr at the helm, the company was renamed Fishbeck, Thompson and Carr, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. Their leadership marked a smooth and steady transition. Both men were deeply committed to the values Ken had instilled from the beginning and were determined to keep those principles at the heart of the firm as it entered a new decade of growth and opportunity.
Fishbeck advanced its Midwest strategy in 2025 through the acquisition of Align CEC, an Indiana‑based civil engineering firm with more than six decades of experience in transportation design, water infrastructure, surveying, and construction inspection. Align’s long history of community‑focused work and technical strength fit naturally with Fishbeck’s multidisciplinary approach, adding greater depth in areas that continue to drive regional investment.
Align’s addition strengthened Fishbeck’s presence across Indiana and reinforced its commitment to offering comprehensive, client‑centered solutions throughout the Midwest.
Expanding Civil and Transportation Expertise Across Indiana
2025
Fishbeck began a new chapter in Farmington Hills with the move to a consolidated office designed to bring teams from the two Novi locations together in a space that supports collaboration, flexibility, and connection. The updated location offers improved access, modern infrastructure, and a brighter, more welcoming environment that reflects the firm’s identity. Features like an outdoor patio, onsite fitness options, convenient food access, and an efficient layout create a more supportive everyday experience for staff. The move also strengthens the firm’s Workplace Program by giving in‑office, Flex Work, and Remote Work teams a shared base built for adaptability and clear communication, ensuring the office remains a strong hub for project work and client engagement.
Investing in our People: A New Chapter for Farmington Hills
Check out the new facilities.
Fishbeck marked another step in its regional growth in 2024 with the relocation of its Indianapolis office to a larger, modern space on Crosspoint Boulevard. The move reflected a steady rise in project work throughout Indiana and created room for a growing, multidisciplinary team. The new location was selected to strengthen collaboration, support expanding services, and offer a more connected presence within a busy business district.
With this relocation, the Indianapolis team gained the space and resources needed to keep pace with new opportunities while remaining closely aligned with the firm’s integrated, client‑focused approach.
A New Home for a Growing Indianapolis Team
Fishbeck’s 70th anniversary offers a natural moment to look back at the journey from our earliest beginnings to the multidisciplinary, employee‑owned company we are today. It is a chance to reconnect with what has always driven us: showing up with energy, telling the truth, caring for people, and serving clients with care and consistency. This milestone is about recognizing the people whose day‑to‑day work built the firm’s reputation and carried its spirit forward. Every employee, past and present, is part of our story. It’s a story of collaboration, ownership, and steady forward momentum into what comes next.
2026
70 Years of Innovation and Excellence
Fishbeck’s Kalamazoo teams began a new chapter in 2026 with the move to a unified office at Trade Centre Way, bringing two locations together in a space designed to strengthen collaboration, deepen service integration, and support continued growth across Southwest Michigan. The full‑service office brings a wide mix of disciplines under one roof, including land development, civil and transportation engineering, environmental services, geosciences, and electrical engineering. With an open layout, thoughtful work settings, and architecture that reflects the firm’s identity, the new space was created to elevate teamwork, communication, and overall employee experience while reinforcing Fishbeck’s commitment to delivering integrated, high‑quality service throughout the region.
Breaking Ground: Kalamazoo Office Move
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A 70-Year Journey of Excellence
From our earliest projects to today’s multidisciplinary solutions, our story is one of collaboration, ingenuity, and lasting impact. Discover how our integrated approach has transformed industries, strengthened communities, and set new standards for what’s possible.
Delivering high-quality, all-in-one engineering, architecture, infrastructure, environmental, and construction services.
Still Designing. Still Building. Still Growing.
ALL-IN-ONE
BACK TO TOP
1962
By the mid‑1970s, growing national concern over pollution and failing infrastructure, along with new federal funding programs, created a surge in demand for modern water and wastewater treatment. The industry was evolving quickly, and firms with the right expertise had an opportunity to step into work that required fresh thinking and technical skill.
Although Fishbeck was still a relatively small firm at the time, the Grand Rapids office brought together engineers with strong environmental backgrounds and a real passion for solving complex problems. This combination of talent and curiosity allowed the firm to compete for projects typically handled by much larger, more established companies. These early efforts helped Fishbeck build a solid foundation in water and wastewater services and set the stage for a service area that would become a significant part of the firm's identity and growth.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Expanding into Water and Wastewater Services
Around the mid‑1970s, as Fishbeck took on a growing number of federally funded water and wastewater treatment projects and other complex civil work, the firm recognized the need for dedicated structural capabilities. The Grand Rapids office, still in its early years, became the launching point for this new service area. Structural engineering began as a small, focused effort to support the environmental and civil projects coming through the door, but the demand quickly expanded.
Even though the firm was modest in size, it brought specialized structural expertise to handle increasingly sophisticated facilities, work typically associated with larger, more established companies. That early investment laid the groundwork for a full structural practice and added a critical dimension to the firm’s growing multidisciplinary approach.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Adding Structural Engineering Services
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. expanded its presence and diversified its services, strengthening its multidisciplinary capabilities to meet evolving client needs.
Strengthening Expertise: Advancing Our Engineering Services
“You know, we all have our specialty areas like structural engineering or civil engineering, and mechanical/electrical or whatever it may be. … I think we’re a very unique firm that way, we have a huge diversity, … with our divisions – doing the environmental work and water/wastewater process work, civil work, remediation, architectural/engineering … all the other types of engineering and services have grown steadily since we’ve started the firm.”
— Bruce Elenbaas, PE Principal/Senior Vice President (1976-2015)
Remediation
Civil Engineering added to Grand Rapids
Hydrogeological
Mechanical
Engineering
Electrical
Engineering
Environmental Regulatory Compliance
In 1991, Fishbeck made a key advancement by incorporating architectural services into its expanding portfolio. Integrating this expertise internally broadened the firm’s offerings and transformed team dynamics. Now, engineering expertise can be seamlessly combined with an architectural perspective, enabling the firm to handle more complex projects with a cohesive vision from the outset. This fostered a smooth progression from concept to design and implementation, which clients appreciated from the outset.
This move distinguished Fishbeck in a competitive market. By integrating architecture with its existing engineering disciplines, the firm positioned itself as a comprehensive full-service design partner, capable of managing every project phase with consistency and expertise. This development enhanced the firm’s identity, expanded its capabilities, and contributed to the creation of the integrated model that still shapes its work today.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Introducing In-House Architecture Services
When Fishbeck brought construction management services in‑house in 1997, the firm completed a long‑building arc toward true project integration. What once required coordination across several outside partners could now be handled from the earliest concept through the last day onsite. The shift opened the door to a smoother, more accountable project experience, with architects, engineers, and construction professionals working side by side rather than across organizational boundaries.
What set this model apart was its designer‑led approach. Instead of waiting for a separate constructor to flag problems during bidding or construction, teams could study constructability early and surface cost‑saving opportunities before budgets were locked in. Clients gained a clearer path through complex decisions, and the firm gained a reputation for delivering well-designed, thoughtfully built projects. The move strengthened Fishbeck’s identity as a truly end‑to‑end partner, with the tools and expertise to guide a project from first sketch to final handoff.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Construction Management Services
In 1962, the firm adopted the name Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc. Paul Thompson, Ken's first hire in 1957, earned his place on the door after five years of loyal service and growing leadership.
Firm Becomes Fishbeck and Thompson, Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc.
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As environmental concerns became more visible in the 1970s and early 1980s, communities faced contaminated sites, aging infrastructure, and new expectations for responsible cleanup. Fishbeck was already working on projects tied to environmental protection, especially through its growing water and wastewater practice, which naturally positioned the firm to take on a broader role.
What began as support for civil and utility projects soon expanded into a distinct environmental service area. The firm’s engineers brought enthusiasm, technical skill, and a willingness to take on emerging challenges, enabling Fishbeck to address issues such as soil and groundwater contamination and evolving regulatory requirements. Those early efforts formed the backbone of an environmental practice that would become a steady and important part of the firm’s multidisciplinary work.
NEW SERVICE ADDED:
Advancing Environmental Protection Through Engineering Expertise