Manhard Consulting traces its roots back to 1972, when Donald Manhard, Sr. opened Donald Manhard Associates in Deerfield, Illinois. Starting with three staff members, early projects included the Village of Riverwoods, Illinois, Lincolnshire Corporate Center in Lincolnshire, Illinois and Del Mar Woods in Bannockburn, Illinois.
In 1982, son, Donald Manhard, Jr. began his career at the firm as a staff engineer. The following year, son, Peter Manhard joined the firm as a staff engineer. Over the next ten years, the firm grew in size from eight staff members to thirty and the client base grew to include over 1,000 different companies and municipalities.
Don and Peter envisioned the firm growing further in size and in geographic coverage. So, in 1992, with their father’s blessings, they established Manhard Consulting.
Today, after five decades, the Manhard name is synonymous with quality and dedication to our clients. With more than 300 employees, thirteen offices across the United States and over 8,000 clients, Manhard Consulting continues to lead the industry as one of the most responsive, innovative and technologically advanced civil engineering and surveying firms in the country.
The Manhard Story
Donald Manhard Associates opens in Vernon Hills, Illinois. With three staff members, early projects included the Village of Riverwoods, Illinois, Lincolnshire Corporate Center in Lincolnshire, Illinois and Del Mar Woods in Bannockburn, Illinois.
Donald Manhard, Jr. begins his career at Donald Manhard Associates as staff engineer.
Peter Manhard joins Donald Manhard Associates as staff engineer.
Don and Peter envision the firm growing further in size and in geographic coverage. With their father’s blessings, they establish Manhard Consulting.
Manhard Consulting’s first branch office is opened in Downers Grove, Illinois.
The first acquisition of Manhard Consulting is completed. Hagensee Surveying of Naperville, Illinois is acquired to strengthen and expand the surveying division of the firm.
Manhard Consulting expands its reach with the opening of its first regional office in the Denver metro area (Lone Tree, Colorado).
In support of several clients, an office is opened in Reno, Nevada.
With an eye towards new opportunities, Capital Engineering in Carson City, Nevada is acquired.
In order to offer a broader range of services, Manhard acquires Carroll & Lange, a well-respected firm in Centennial, Colorado.
Manhard Consulting enters into a regional partnership with Rolf C. Campbell & Associates, an established civil engineering firm with a long history in the Chicago-metro market.
Manhard joins forces with Cowhey, Gudmundsen, Leder, an experienced and well-respected civil engineering firm in the Chicago metro area.
To better service clients and make commutes easier for staff, Manhard moves into space in a prime downtown Chicago location.
Accurate-Engisurv in Westminster, Colorado is acquired, bringing an enhanced scope of civil engineering and surveying to the region.
The acquisition of Tamarack complements Manhard Consulting’s civil engineering and surveying offerings and adds expertise in oil and gas, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Colorado special districts.
Manhard opens a Dallas office in a strategic response to the area’s rapid economic growth.
Manhard newest location, its 10th office opens in Austin, Texas.
Manhard opens office in Fort Worth, Texas to better serve clients in the diverse and expanding market in greater DFW,
October 2022 marks our 50th year of providing civil engineering and surveying services under the Manhard brand! To learn more, visit Celebrating 50 Years…1972-2022!
With staff commutes in mind, Manhard opens a Denver office, its second office in the greater Denver area.
Manhard opens its third location in the greater DFW area.
Incorporating the RealSearch team, led by Jeremy Deal, into the Manhard organization allows us to offer all our services under one roof in greater DFW area.
The acquisition of Abram Dashner, RPLS LLC, marks Manhard’s second office in Austin.
Manhard further expands its presence and service across the southeast region with the opening of a Nashville office managed by Matt Korte, PE.
Remembering Our Founder
Don Manhard, Sr.
Donald Manhard, Sr., the founder of Donald Manhard Associates—a consulting civil engineering firm that later evolved into Manhard Consulting—was a man of remarkable talent and unwavering integrity.
Colleagues and clients who had the privilege of working with Don remember him not only as a highly skilled engineer but also as a kind, honest, and ethical individual. Even in his later years, he remained deeply engaged—reviewing plans, offering invaluable advice, and mentoring young staff, including his grandsons, who were fortunate to learn from his wealth of experience.
Don's impact on the field of civil engineering and on those who knew him is immeasurable. His legacy will endure, and he will always be remembered with admiration and respect.