Why We Value Treating Everyone with Respect

This post is the second in a series exploring the values that guide our work at Colman Engineering. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing how each value shapes our approach—not as a declaration that we’ve arrived, but as a reflection of what we’re striving for every day.

At Colman Engineering, “Treating Everyone with Respect” isn’t just about being polite. It’s about recognizing the important role each person plays in a project and honoring that role. We try to keep in mind that each role has its own unique set of responsibilities, pressures, and priorities—and we aim to extend kindness, knowing that 99% of the time, everyone has the best intent.

Here's what that looks like, in the context of a site/civil engineering design project and the roles involved . . .

Clients

Responsibilities: Making decisions, setting budgets, and managing timelines

Pressures: Often navigating the permitting process for the first time, balancing financial constraints with a project vision

Priorities: Getting their project approved, built, and operational as smoothly and efficiently as possible

How we respond with respect: We listen with patience and empathy, especially when clients are learning as they go. We translate technical and regulatory requirements into actionable steps, help them anticipate potential roadblocks, and guide them throughout the process. We understand that this may be one of the most significant investments they’ll ever make—and we treat it as such.

Regulators

Responsibilities: Enforcing local, state, and federal codes and policies

Pressures: Managing public accountability, ensuring fairness, and applying standards that may not always be popular

Priorities: Protecting the environment, public safety, and legal integrity

How we respond with respect: We engage early and often—never as adversaries, but as collaborators. We recognize the difficult position regulators can be in, especially when requirements may not seem directly connected to a specific project. By approaching each interaction with openness and a willingness to find solutions together, we foster mutual trust and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.

Contractors

Responsibilities: Bringing the design to life in the field

Pressures: Tight schedules, limited budgets, unforeseen site conditions

Priorities: Clarity in plans, constructability, staying on time and on budget

How we respond with respect: We prioritize clear, thorough design documentation and are quick to respond when clarifications are needed. We recognize that surprises on site are costly, and we aim to minimize them by thinking ahead. When questions arise, we treat them as opportunities to support—not critique—the team executing the work.

Neighbors and the Broader Community

Responsibilities: Maintaining quality of life, safety, and property value

Pressures: Disruption from noise, traffic, or visual changes; sediment and runoff impacting their properties

Priorities: Transparent communication, minimizing negative impacts, having a voice in the process

How we respond with respect: We consider the broader impact of a project—not just the parcel lines. We advocate for designs that improve the community and seek input where it’s appropriate. Respecting neighbors means looking beyond the project’s footprint and considering how we can be good stewards of the community’s trust.

Internal Team Members

Responsibilities: Delivering high-quality work on deadline, collaborating across specialties

Pressures: Managing multiple projects, meeting client expectations, balancing work-life commitments

Priorities: Doing work they’re proud of, supporting each other, growing professionally

How we respond with respect: We strive for a culture where collaboration is built on consideration. We aim to respect each other’s time, communicate openly about priorities, and give credit where it’s due. It’s not just about getting the work done—it’s about how we get it done, together.

A Collaborative, Respectful Approach

Ultimately, we all want the same thing: a successful project. And success depends on strong relationships—built on trust, communication, and respect. By recognizing the value each person brings to the table, we create smoother processes, better outcomes, and communities we’re proud to be part of.

Follow along as we continue this series, diving into the values that shape who we are and how we work!