Sponsor Spotlight: Burns & McDonnell
Posted by [email protected] on Apr. 28, 2026 / Subscribe 0
At Burns & McDonnell, its engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, and consultants do more than simply plan, design, and construct. With a mission unchanged since 1898—to make its clients successful—the team partners with clients to take on the toughest challenges, constantly working to make the world an even more amazing place. Last year, the firm was ranked the Largest Engineering Firm in St. Louis by the St. Louis Business Journal, reflecting its continued growth and impact in the region.
The company has grown significantly since two Stanford University graduates set out for the American Midwest, earned 13 cents in their first three years, and designed a water and energy plant for a small town in Kansas. The firm continues to build strength from that legacy born in 1898. Clinton S. Burns and Robert E. McDonnell established the company in Kansas City, Missouri, where they could reach the most communities needing water and energy within a day’s travel by train. Their enterprise soon branched into transportation, energy transmission, and military and federal projects. This expansion was followed by experience in architecture, aviation, technology, environmental services, manufacturing, and process design. Today, the firm is a $7.2 billion company with offices worldwide, and its first client—Iola, Kansas—remains a repeat and ongoing partner.
Notable Projects
For decades, the firm has worked with the City of St. Louis and the STL Lambert International Airport team on dozens of projects, including a new $50 million bulk jet fuel storage facility and the environmental remediation of prior facilities. Currently, it is completing the design of a new Central Utility Plant (CUP) as a critical component of STL’s multi-billion-dollar terminal redevelopment. The new, modernized plant will handle essential power, water, and HVAC services.
Other major clients in St. Louis include Ameren, Bayer, MSD, MoDOT, and many others.
Why They Support SMPS St. Louis
Burns & McDonnell’s business is built on relationships, and SMPS provides a valuable opportunity to network with fellow industry leaders. It shares and values SMPS’s commitment to continuing education and advocacy within the A/E/C industry.
Advice for Emerging AEC Professionals
Every chance you get to attend an SMPS function, leave the event with two new friends. Don't let it end there—follow up and build relationships. Learn what other companies excel at and how you can partner to provide great service to your clients.
Where Culture Meets Commitment
The spirit of Burns & McDonnell is driven by its employee ownership. As an ESOP, each team member shares in the success of the company and delivers service to clients with an owner's mentality.
0 Comments