Planning is more than just a starting point—it’s the backbone of successful project delivery. Whether it's building transportation infrastructure or revitalizing a neighborhood, effective planning ensures projects stay aligned with community values, stakeholder needs and long-term goals. This article explores how good planning defines the “why” behind a project, facilitates collaborative processes, engages the right people at the right time and ultimately helps projects overcome challenges to deliver meaningful results.
R&M has been recognized as one of Zweig Group’s 2025 Best Firms to Work For. The firm ranked #22 in the 50–99 Employees category and #21 in the Civil Engineering category, marking the firm’s 14th consecutive year on this list. This award honors outstanding architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) workplaces across the United States and […]
Trevor Copple recently joined R&M as an Environmental Geologist in the firm’s Geosciences Group. In this role, Trevor supports environmental and geotechnical investigations, providing services in site characterization, chemical sampling, subsurface investigations, material site assessments, geologic mapping and data analysis. “Trevor is integral to expanding our Contaminated Sites service line through his unique client experience […]
The integrity of asphalt pavement relies heavily on the quality of its longitudinal joints, making joint construction one of the most critical aspects of roadway durability and longevity. Common methods include butt joints, notched-wedge joints and echelon paving. Each comes with distinct advantages and challenges. While butt joints are favored for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, […]
Nick Parker, LSIT, Lindsey Sutherland and Adam Dalton, EIT recently joined R&M. Nick joined R&M’s Land Surveying Group as a Staff Surveyor. He has spent the last four summers as a Geomatics Intern with the firm, returning full-time after earning his B.S. in Geomatics from the University of Alaska Anchorage this past May. Nick has […]
The challenges facing Alaska’s coastal communities were recently highlighted in the PBS Frontline documentary Alaska: Vanishing Native Villages. The documentary explores the impacts of climate change, coastal erosion and infrastructure vulnerability in communities like Kotzebue — issues R&M has worked directly to address. Featured in the documentary, Kotzebue’s shoreline improvements show proactive efforts to protect […]
Navigating the land use entitlement process can be an intimidating experience due to its complexity, potential for project delays and uncertainty of outcome. Sometimes property owners and novice developers ignore the importance of, or are unprepared for, the land use regulatory process. Delivering a successful project requires preparation, strong communication skills and a proactive approach. […]
As Alaska’s cities and communities grow, so does the demand for safe, reliable non-motorized infrastructure, including sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use trails. These facilities support transportation, recreation and public health, offering residents and visitors a way to commute, exercise and explore Alaska’s unique landscapes. In urban centers like Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, pedestrian and bicycle […]
Dave Whitfield joined R&M as a Senior Planner in the firm’s newly established Land Development Group. Dave brings more than 20 years of land use planning experience to R&M, most recently serving as the Planning and Zoning Manager and Platting Officer for the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA). His background includes expertise in land use planning, subdivision […]
Warren Garner and Branson Lee, EIT, WAQTC recently joined R&M as Staff Engineers in the firm’s Engineering Department. Warren is in the firm’s Site development Group where he will assist with design of urban and rural site development projects. Branson is in the firm’s Utilities Group where he will assist in the planning and design […]
Chris Blitz, PLS recently joined R&M as a Land Surveyor in the firm’s Geomatics Department. Chris will supervise work of survey parties engaged in collection, processing and mapping of survey data in support of airport, highway, railroad, waterfront and other civil infrastructure projects. He will also produce surveying and mapping products in accordance with current […]
Lauren Jennings, CESCL joins R&M as an Environmental Specialist in the firm’s Earth Sciences Department. In this position, Lauren will be responsible for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) impact analysis and document preparation, regulatory permitting, environmental field surveys (invasive species, wetlands, eagle nests, etc.), storm water management, and other related office and field-based environmental services […]
Courtney Maillet, Senior Project Accountant at R&M in the firm’s Accounting Group, has gained her Financial Management Accounting Associate (FMAA) Certification. The FMAA, offered through the Institute of Management Accountants, is a professional certification credential in the management accounting and financial management fields. it signifies knowledge in the areas of accounting and financial management, financial […]
