ACEC California Celebrates Outstanding Engineering Innovations
Today, the American Council of Engineering Companies, California (ACEC California) proudly unveiled the recipients of its esteemed Engineering Excellence Awards for 2026. These awards recognize engineering feats that showcase exceptional innovation, complexity, accomplishment, and value. This year, twenty remarkable projects received the prestigious Honor Award distinction, while twenty-seven earned Merit Awards, and another fifteen were granted Commendation Awards.
Recognizing Technical Brilliance and Community Impact
Tyler Munzing, the Executive Director of ACEC California, expressed enthusiasm for the honorees, stating, "We are proud to acknowledge these firms for delivering significant value and technical excellence to the communities we serve. Quality infrastructure—whether it involves reliable drinking water, safe roads, or public spaces—is vital to our state's prosperity. The projects recognized this year illustrate how our engineering and land surveying firms are dedicated to building a resilient and interconnected California."
The Golden State Award Announcement
The Golden State Award, which honors the best project overall, will be revealed during the upcoming Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet. This event is scheduled for February 19, 2026, and also functions as a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit that awards scholarships to outstanding graduate and undergraduate students in engineering and related studies.
Details of the Engineering Excellence Awards
The Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes exceptional achievements in engineering and land surveying projects carried out by California firms. Categories for submissions cover a wide array, including: studies; research and consulting engineering services; building and technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental initiatives; waste and stormwater management; water resources; transportation; special projects; small projects; energy; and industrial and manufacturing processes.
Honor Award Winners and Their Projects
Honor Award recipients are given the chance to compete at the national level at the Engineering Excellence Awards competition held in Washington, DC. Some honored projects include:
- Adobe Associates Inc. for the Lytton Rancheria: A Homeland Restored.
- Anchor QEA for the Davenport Park Expansion and Landfill Gas Control System.
- Arup for the California College of the Arts Campus Expansion.
- JCE Engineering Group, Mott MacDonald, and Arup for renovations at the LAX / Metro Transit Center.
- Atlas Technical Consultants for the Foresthill Bridge T-1 Steel Inspection and Repair Project.
- Biggs Cardosa Associates, Inc. recognized for the McKinley Street Grade Separation and Artesia Boulevard Bridge Emergency Repairs.
- Carollo Engineers for work on the Zone 7 Stoneridge PFAS Treatment Facility.
- COWI North America, Inc. for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing project.
- Michael Baker International for the New River Improvement Project.
- Parsons for enhancements at the Interstate 80/Gilman Street Interchange.
- SmithGroup for the CSU East Bay Braddock Center for Science and Innovation.
- STV for their project at the SMART Windsor Station.
Merit Awards Celebrated
Among the distinguished recipients of the Merit Awards are:
- 4Creeks, Inc. for their work on the Riggin Avenue Widening and Viscaya Park project.
- Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC recognized for the CV Link Multi-Modal Transportation Corridor and I-15 SMART Freeway.
- GTS for the Intersection Safety Analysis project.
- HDR for contributions to the Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake and Discharge Facility.
- Kimley-Horn for various impactful projects in the San Diego area.
Commendation Awards Recognized
The Commendation Awards went to projects that demonstrated significant community and environmental benefits, including:
- Earth Systems for Tropical Storm Hilary Disaster Recovery work.
- KOA | A Lochner Company for the Town of Apple Valley Highway 18 Access Plan.
- TRC Engineers, Inc. for the Sacramento International Airport Terminal Renovation.
- Quad Knopf, Inc. (dba QK), BSK Associates, and Stantec for the Woodlake Storm Drain Pipeline Project among other collaborative endeavors.
Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
Through initiatives like the Engineering Excellence Awards, ACEC California continues to foster development and innovation that enhances infrastructure and supports communities across the state. This ongoing dedication to excellence not only recognizes the outstanding achievements of engineering firms but also underscores the vital role they play in shaping a better tomorrow for all of California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Engineering Excellence Awards?
The Engineering Excellence Awards celebrate innovative and high-quality engineering projects accomplished by firms in California.
When will the Golden State Award be announced?
The Golden State Award will be announced during the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet set for February 19, 2026.
Who can participate in the Engineering Excellence Awards?
California engineering and land surveying firms can submit their projects for consideration in various categories.
What does the Merit Award signify?
The Merit Award signifies recognition for notable contributions and quality within specific engineering projects.
How many categories are there in the awards competition?
There are twelve project categories for submissions in the Engineering Excellence Awards competition.
