FREEPORT — Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, continued its successful streak of ranking on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm list, ranking No. 435.
The firm climbed 39 places from its 2024 ranking of No. 474. It ranked No. 471 in 2023 and No. 494 in 2022, reflecting a consistent trend of growth. ENR ranks firms based on annual revenue data collected from engineering companies across the country. Fehr Graham’s steady rise signals the firm’s continued expansion and success in serving communities throughout Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Fehr Graham President Kyle Saunders credits the achievement to the firm’s people-first approach.
“We’re committed to the people and communities we serve — and to solving their complex problems,” he said. “Our position on the ENR Top Design Firms list shows not just our talents and dedication to service, but also the positive impacts we’re having on the communities we call home.”
Founded in Freeport, Illinois, in 1973 by Al Fehr and Joe Graham, the firm has grown from five employees to 250 people across 13 offices in three states. Growth has come organically and through strategic acquisitions.
Fehr Graham partners with private and public clients on projects ranging from water and wastewater treatment facilities to roads, bridges and highways. The firm also designs stormwater solutions, sanitary sewer collection systems, water distribution, production and storage facilities, parking lots, residential and commercial developments, parks and more.
Five recently hired or promoted
Fehr Graham recently announced several new hires and promotions.
Meg Kulikowski was hired as Marketing Coordinator. Senior Accounting Analyst hires include Holly Olson and Hannah Saunders. Kristen Diehl was promoted to the same position. Mark Hackett was recently hired as a Senior Recruiter.
Kulikowski helps with marketing and brand development for the firm. She has experience in writing, editing and social media management. She works closely with the marketing team and firm leaders to write and edit case studies, new hire materials, news releases and more. Kulikowski supports recruitment and retention, working closely with human resources and senior leadership to highlight Fehr Graham’s commitment to its employees.
Kulikowski holds bachelor’s degrees in Creative Writing and Literary Studies from Beloit College.
Olson will help build the Project Accounting function for the firm by owning the life cycle of projects. These crucial tasks involve key financial aspects of our projects from initial setup to monitoring the progress of budgets to billing coordination and invoice management.
Olson supports the firm’s 13 offices in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. She earned an associate degree in Applied Science, Business Administration from Robert Morris University.
Diehl oversees accounts payable, manages company credit cards, assists with invoicing and supports project reviews. As the firm grows, she maintains her primary responsibilities while proactively addressing additional accounting tasks.
Diehl joined Fehr Graham in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Saunders manages payroll processing and ensures accuracy for employees. She also supports monthly accounts payable and receivable and completes general ledger reconciliations.
She brings four years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, where she handled union reporting, intercompany billing, audit compliance and tax report filing.
Her work supports the firm’s 13 offices in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Hackett strengthens the firm’s workforce by focusing on experienced career hires. He collaborates with all departments and office locations to identify qualified professionals who align with Fehr Graham’s culture, goals and mission. He also works with Fehr Graham’s parent company, The Trilon Group, to implement talent acquisition initiatives.
Hackett earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Wesleyan University.
Fehr Graham wins Best Firms to Work For Award
Fehr Graham was recently named a Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For, which recognizes companies in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.
The firm ranked No. 31 among firms with more than 200 employees and No. 29 in the civil engineering category. This award highlights companies that excel in workplace practices, employee benefits, retention rates and overall employee satisfaction.
“Being named a Best Firm to Work For reflects the dedication and character of the people who make Fehr Graham a great place to work,” said Fehr Graham President Kyle Saunders. “Our employees bring passion, creativity and a deep sense of purpose to everything they do. This honor belongs to this exceptional team.”
Fehr Graham’s commitment to its employees is evident through people-first initiatives like customized career pathways, professional development programs, flexible work arrangements and open feedback channels. These efforts have fostered a culture where employees feel valued and empowered.
In addition to this award, Fehr Graham secured the No. 60 spot on the 2025 Zweig Group Hot Firm List, marking its fourth consecutive appearance. This list recognizes the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the U.S. and Canada, based on revenue growth over the past three years. Fehr Graham was also named on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Firms list and the ENR Midwest Top Design Firms list, solidifying its reputation for excellence in the industry.
Since 2004, Zweig has used the Best Firms to Work For Award to highlight AEC firms that invest in the employee experience. Using two employee surveys — corporate and anonymous employee — Zweig collects more than 2 million data points each year. Each firm’s combination score evaluates its culture, professional development opportunities, benefits, retention rates and policies. Awards were given in multiple categories based on firm size and discipline.
“The firms honored this year demonstrate what it looks like to invest in people in a meaningful, measurable way,” said Zweig Group President and CEO Chad Clinehens. “Their commitment to creating environments where employees feel valued and empowered is what drives innovation, retention and long-term success.”
The 2025 Best Firms to Work For and Hot Firm winners will be recognized at the 2025 Elevate AEC Conference and Awards Gala Sept. 9-11 in San Antonio, Texas, and are featured in the Zweig weekly newsletter, The Zweig Letter.
Fehr Graham makes Zweig Hot Firm list for fourth straight year
Fehr Graham secured a spot on the Zweig Hot Firm list for the fourth straight year.
Coming in at No. 60, the firm jumped 23 spots from last year’s No. 83 ranking, following No. 54 in 2023 and 74 in 2022. This is the 10th time Fehr Graham has placed on the Hot Firm list, showing the firm’s commitment to growth over the years.
Fehr Graham has grown over the years through strategic acquisitions and aggressive hiring. In 2024, the firm acquired Midwest Engineering in East Peoria, Illinois, a 34-person engineering firm. At the end of last year, Fehr Graham employed about 235 people. Today, 250 people work at the firm.
“Our consistent ranking on the Hot Firm list is thanks to Fehr Graham employees who always strive for more and do right by our clients,” said Fehr Graham President Kyle Saunders. “We’re grateful that our growth and dedication are being acknowledged.”
Zweig is a business management group that annually honors the 100 fastest-growing firms in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Rankings are determined by revenue growth by percentage and dollars over three years. Eligibility for the 2025 Hot Firm List requires at least 50% of the firm’s revenue in 2021 through 2024 to be derived from the AEC industry, firms to generate at least $500,000 in gross revenue and to have achieved at least $1 million in gross service revenue by 2024. Firms must have been established on or before Dec. 31, 2019.
“The 2025 Hot Firms are a reflection of the strength and resilience of the AEC industry,” said Chad Clinehens, president and CEO of Zweig Group. “These companies have achieved remarkable growth while navigating market shifts, talent shortages, and increased competition. Their success highlights the value of strategic leadership, strong culture, and the ability to adapt and innovate.”
Winners will be recognized at the 2025 Elevate AEC Conference and Awards Gala Sept. 9-11 in San Antonio, Texas, and are featured in the Zweig weekly newsletter, The Zweig Letter.
