DLR Group Launches Global Infrastructure Practice

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DLR Group, a global integrated design firm, today announced the launch of its Infrastructure practice, expanding the firm’s multidisciplinary capabilities across aviation, power generation, and horizontal transportation markets. This new practice brings together industry-leading expertise, strategic hires, and major project wins to support the growing demand for resilient, future-ready infrastructure around the world.

“DLR Group’s new Infrastructure practice vertically integrates design, engineering, and planning to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable large-scale solutions.” DLR Group CEO Steven McKay, AIA, RIBA.

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“Clients are navigating unprecedented change, from volatile energy markets to the modernization of critical transportation systems,” said Managing Principal and CEO Steven McKay, AIA, RIBA. “DLR Group’s new Infrastructure practice vertically integrates design, engineering, and planning to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable large-scale solutions.”

DLR Group’s Infrastructure team delivers services to standalone clients including public utilities and transportation agencies, while also serving the firm’s existing affinity markets including federal, data center and manufacturing, and healthcare.

Strategic Leadership Driving Infrastructure Innovation

The Infrastructure practice is anchored by seasoned leaders with deep experience delivering complex, mission-critical programs at national and international scales. Principal and Global Infrastructure Leader, David Chow, PE, AICP, brings extensive leadership in global infrastructure systems, informed by more than two decades directing multimodal and transportation planning programs.

Principal and National Aviation Leader Joshua Stephens, AIA, NCARB and Senior Associate and Aviation Design Leader Ana-Maria Drughi, AIA, NCARB will anchor Infrastructure’s aviation arm, with design and delivery specialization spanning international terminal and concourse planning, airfield infrastructure, and aviation system modernization. Principal and Renewable Energy Leader John Weiskopf, PE, SE, will expand the renewables practice he established at the firm almost a decade ago into new energy and power markets including utility infrastructure, grid modernization, and emerging technologies in energy integration. Principal and Global Planning Leader Yogesh Saoji, AIA, FAICP enhances the team with large-scale urban planning expertise.

Driving new business will be Senior Associate and National Infrastructure Business Development Leader, Chel McCarthy, who joins DLR Group with 25 years of experience in the transportation, power, and energy industries. McCarthy currently sits on California Infrastructure Delivery Coalition and The Valley Industry & Commerce Association boards.

Together, these leaders advance DLR Group’s vision for integrated, technology-forward infrastructure solutions that support economic vitality, energy reliability, and equitable mobility.

Momentum Through Major New Partnerships

The Infrastructure practice launches with significant project momentum including work with Mainspring Energy supporting innovative linear generator technology, which provides highly efficient, fuel-flexible, and low-emissions power generation solutions for commercial and industrial clients.

DLR Group has also been awarded a 10-year contract with a regional power agency to include design, engineering, and construction services for facility improvements across a multi-state service territory. The long-term contract will modernize field sites critical to grid performance, operational safety, and service reliability.

“These early wins demonstrate the trust our clients place in DLR Group to deliver high-performance energy and mobility infrastructure,” said Chow. “Our integrated approach, which combines architecture, engineering, planning, and technical expertise, allows us to solve complex challenges with holistic, future-oriented solutions.”

About DLR Group

Celebrating 60 years in 2026, DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering sustainable, human-centered solutions for communities locally and globally. The firm’s architects, engineers, interior designers, and planners collaborate with public and private sector clients to create projects with long-lasting social, economic, and environmental value. Fast Company named DLR Group among the World’s Most Innovative Companies for its industry-leading adaptive reuse strategies: innovative design that serves clients and communities while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

DLR Group’s promise is to elevate the human experience through design. As a 100% employee-owned firm, DLR Group fosters a culture of ownership and accountability that shapes its daily practice and drives its commitment to sustainability initiatives, including the 2030 Challenge, the China Accord, and the AIA 2030 Commitment.