Dunaway acquires Austin-based engineering firm

Fort Worth engineering firm Dunaway has acquired Urban Design Group, an engineering firm based in Austin, the company announced July 24.

“UDG has a long history of doing tremendous work,” said Tom Galbreath, president of Dunaway. “Their reputation and the fact that they have an extensive understanding of how to successfully work with municipalities were both factors in our decision to acquire the firm.

“By combining these two remarkable groups of professionals, Dunaway is uniquely positioned to advance into new markets, such as those involving municipalities, where UDG’s proven track record with the City of Austin permit process will be invaluable.”

Dunaway, which has offices in Austin, Midland, and San Antonio as well has Fort Worth, has about 200 employees and provides a range of services, including civil engineering, structural engineering, planning and landscape architecture, environmental engineering, surveying and GIS services. No price for the transaction was released.

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UDG has been involved in several high profile projects in Austin, including the Colony Park Sustainable Community Initiative, the Austin Central Library, and The Independent, a high-rise planned for downtown.

Galbreath said he considers it a success that the entire UDG team is joining Dunaway. Laura Toups, P.E., a UDG vice president with 35 years of experience in civil engineering & urban design, said the two organizations are a cultural fit.

“We have developed a successful formula that Dunaway recognizes and values,” said Toups. “There is also an amazing cultural fit, right down to UDG’s philosophy of prioritizing the development of clients even over the pursuit of a project.

“Because these two companies are so compatible, we can start reaping the benefits of the marriage of these two companies immediately,” said Galbreath. “We are barely scratching the surface of our potential in the marketplace.

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“The new entity brings a breath of fresh air to Central Texas,” Galbreath continued. “Factor in UDG’s expertise in the Austin planning process and passion for personalized service, and you have a distinctive offering by a firm with deep roots in the state of Texas.”

UDG’s John Noell, P.E., RPLS, said the synergy between the firms promises great potential and was a very important factor in their decision to join Dunaway.

“The Austin market is as dynamic as ever,” Noell said. “But that also has led to a lot of competitors entering the marketplace. It was important to us that this new entity could not only maintain the level of quality and execution that our customers have become accustomed to, but also compete with anyone in Central Texas for new business.”

UDG will be known as Dunaway | UDG.