What is a Civil Engineer?

Photo by Andrea Laughland Weir

Mention "Civil Engineering" and people usually ask, "What is that exactly?" Sure, if you were to say, "Structural Engineering" or "Environmental Engineering," they'd have a pretty good idea. But "civil"... not so much.

Although "civil" can mean "courteous and polite," (and all engineers should be this, of course), this "civil" refers to "citizens" and "public life." As in, "non-military."

Military Engineering is considered the world's oldest form of engineering (think, fortifications, catapults, and other ancient wartime structures). Civil Engineering is the second-oldest (think, pyramids, aqueducts, and other infrastructure not intended for military purposes). Today, all engineering projects---whether for military or civil purposes---are designed by Civil Engineers.  

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Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the foundation for our modern society – our roads and bridges, drinking water and energy systems, sea ports and airports, and the infrastructure for a cleaner environment, to name just a few.


- American Society of Civil Engineers
Learn more from ASCE

Whenever you drive across a bridge, walk along a sidewalk, park in a parking lot, shop at a mall, go to a playground, or even if you just stay home in your neighborhood---you're interacting with an infrastructure that was likely designed by a Civil Engineer. 

Are you planning any projects that require a Civil Engineer? Let us guide you. 

We're here to provide high-quality civil engineering services, plus the one-on-one attention your project deserves. Contact us to get started.