Site/Civil Design & Engineering

The success of your next infrastructure project depends on expert site civil engineering.

GFT delivers safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible site solutions from feasibility and site engineering through permitting and construction support. Our multidisciplinary teams integrate site planning, grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater management while evaluating circulation, mobility, structural requirements, and environmental conditions. This coordinated approach reduces risk, streamlines approvals, and enhances long-term performance.

Delivering Resilient Site and Land Development Solutions

Integrated site and civil expertise that helps you make informed decisions, manage risk, and move projects forward.

Due Diligence
GFT helps you make informed decisions early by evaluating site constraints, risks, and opportunities before commitments are made. Our multidisciplinary approach reduces uncertainty, supports informed investment decisions, and helps projects move forward with confidence.
Environmental and Regulatory Conditions
We assess environmental factors and regulatory requirements to identify potential challenges that could affect schedule, cost, or approvals. This proactive approach helps clients avoid delays, streamline the permitting process, and maintain compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Property Title and Entitlement Reviews
GFT reviews property records and entitlement conditions to uncover limitations that may affect development potential. By identifying issues early, we help avoid costly surprises later in the process.
Zoning and Land-Use Analysis
Our teams analyze zoning and land-use regulations to confirm allowable development and site use. This insight helps align project goals with local requirements while identifying opportunities for flexibility or variances when needed.
Infrastructure Capacity and Access
We evaluate existing and planned infrastructure to determine whether a site can support current and future demands. This assessment helps you prepare for reliable access, utilities, and long-term operational efficiency.

Planning and Feasibility Studies
GFT conducts planning and feasibility studies that balance technical requirements, budget considerations, and community context. These studies help you understand viability, reduce risk, and advance projects with a clear path forward.
Traffic and Roadway Integration
Our transportation specialists analyze traffic patterns and roadway connections to support safe and efficient site access. Thoughtful integration improves mobility, reduces congestion, and supports positive outcomes for users and surrounding communities.
Site Grading, Drainage & Topography
We design grading and drainage solutions that respond to existing site conditions while supporting constructability and long-term performance. This approach helps manage stormwater, reduce maintenance needs, and protect surrounding properties.
Utility Design: Water, Wastewater & Electric
GFT designs coordinated utility systems that support reliable service and future growth. Our integrated approach helps minimize conflicts, improve system resilience, and support efficient construction.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architects create outdoor environments that enhance functionality, sustainability, and visual appeal. These solutions support community use, environmental stewardship, and a strong sense of place.

Featured Projects

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Plaquemines Parish Detention Center exterior with security fencing, entry drive, and parking area.

Plaquemines Parish New Detention Facility

Davant, LA

Aerial view a maintenance complex near a waterfront, with multiple buildings, parking areas, equipment yards, and surrounding neighborhood.

Military Maintenance Facility for the Maryland Army National Guard

Havre de Grace, MD

Construction site in a desert landscape with drilling rig, crane, trucks, and equipment spread across a dirt lot under a partly cloudy sky.

Substation and Power Distribution Design for Mine in Arizona

Tucson, AZ

Circular gravity thickeners with rotating arms concentrating sludge solids.

Biosolids Management Plan and Design

Carlisle, Pa.

Wide view of the completed inner berth with fender system, apron, and work barge at Tradepoint Atlantic.

Tradepoint Atlantic Berth Modernization Structural Design

Baltimore, Md.

Aerial view of Dunkirk Park tennis and pickleball courts with parking lot, restroom building, and surrounding wooded terrain.

Dunkirk Park Tennis Complex Design and Site Engineering

Dunkirk, Md.

Horizontal rendering of a pedestrian bridge that connects a stadium with parking areas.

Meadowlands Pedestrian Bridge Expansion at MetLife Stadium

East Rutherford, N.J.

Gateway signage for John Glenn International Airport at sunrise with the CONRAC facility and control tower in the background.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport Consolidated Rental Car Facility

Columbus, Ohio

Night view of the San Antonio ConRAC with backlit aviation-themed art and illuminated skybridge.

San Antonio International Airport Consolidated Car Rental Facility

San Antonio, Texas

Side view of the Hot Sox field facility, featuring a blue and yellow mural with the name 'Galesville' and a modern concession stand in the background, framed by autumn foliage.

Restoration of Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park

Galesville, Md.

A large sugar silo building featuring a prominent sign on its exterior reading Domino Sugars.

Domino Sugar Silos

Baltimore, Md.

Purple Line Light Rail Transit Project

Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Md.

Featured News & INSIGHTS

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How to Negotiate NPDES Permit Limits: Lessons From 40 Years of Clean Water Act Practice

The completed Broad Creek stream restoration.

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Design-Build Rail Infrastructure at Harold Interlocking

Image of a rail yard with three tracks and a catenary overhead.

Webcast

UPCOMING 10/15: The Good, the Bad, and the Biosolids: Carlisle’s Path to Class A

Sludge holding tanks with mixers, piping, and overhead equipment in a treatment facility.

Webcast

Rerouting the Rails: Unlocking Capacity at America’s Busiest Interlocking

Leadership Team

Meet The Team

Randall Hughes, PLA, AICP, PMP, LEED AP

Site Development Practice Director

Meet Randall

Tim Brennan, PE

Principal Project Manager, Water

Meet Tim

Man wearing a patterned blazer and blue shirt, looking at the camera in a modern office environment.

Daven Oswalt

Division President, Water

Meet Daven

Man wearing glasses, a dark suit, and striped tie, smiling in a bright, modern office setting.

Giuseppe “Joe” Tulumello

Division President, Buildings & Places

Meet Joe

Markets

Explore the markets where our Buildings & Places expertise is applied to meet complex client and community needs.

Complementary Solutions

Learn how our services work together to support successful outcomes for people and places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is site development, and why is it important?
Site development includes the planning, design, and engineering needed to prepare land for construction. It ensures your project meets regulatory requirements, avoids costly delays, and supports strong environmental and operational performance.
What stormwater regulations apply to my project, and who enforces them?
Stormwater requirements vary by site location, size, and land use. Most projects must comply with local ordinances, state regulations, and the Clean Water Act. Municipal reviewers and state agencies oversee approvals. GFT identifies the rules that apply to your project early, so you understand the steps needed for compliance.

Can you support fast-tracked or complex projects?
Absolutely. Time is critical in site development, and our team is structured to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. With established workflows and multidisciplinary expertise, we help accelerate schedules without compromising quality or compliance.