AECOM Architecture is a division within the broader consulting firm with a history dating back to 1910. Originating as the Swiss Drilling Company and later evolving through various mergers and acquisitions, AECOM has grown into a global powerhouse in 150 countries. AECOM Architecture is central to this vast network, offering full architectural design services across diverse building sectors. The firm’s comprehensive approach spans the entire project lifecycle, from planning and conceptual design to construction administration, ensuring the delivery of high-performance, sustainable solutions tailored to client needs. Notable projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge underscore AECOM Architecture’s impact on the world’s infrastructure landscape. AECOM has positioned offices worldwide, including key locations in Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Under the leadership of CEO Troy Rudd, who assumed the role in 2020, AECOM is guided by a mission to improve and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments. With over 50,000 employees globally, the firm collaborates with public and private sector clients to address complex transportation, facilities, environment, energy, and building challenges. AECOM’s commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and sustainability is evident in its portfolio, featuring iconic projects like One World Trade Center, the Panama Canal Expansion, and the U.S. Embassy in London. The firm’s influence extends to diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, and national infrastructure projects. In addition to its architectural prowess, AECOM is distinguished by its partnerships with major clients, ranging from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of State to commercial real estate developers, healthcare systems, and city governments. These collaborations highlight the firm’s versatility and ability to tackle large-scale and complex projects. AECOM’s dedication to creating efficient, resilient, and equitable infrastructure reflects its mission to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
What is AECOM Architecture?
AECOM is part of a broader architecture and design services division. AECOM is a leading global infrastructure consulting firm that provides professional services spanning architecture, engineering, construction, operations, and more across 150 countries. Specifically, AECOM Architecture offers full architectural design services for a diverse range of building sectors and project types. This includes planning, programming, conceptual design, schematics, design development, contract documents, and construction administration services for commercial, institutional, aviation, transportation, sports, industrial, and other facilities. AECOM Architecture operates as an integrated division collaborating with AECOM’s wider expertise across engineering, construction, sustainability consulting, and other technical services. By integrating architecture with these complementary disciplines, AECOM delivers high-performance, sustainable building solutions tailored to client and project requirements. Some signature architectural projects AECOM Architecture provides include the London 2012 Olympic Park, the LA 2028 Olympic facilities plan, the Telus Sky tower in Calgary, Edmonton’s Walterdale Bridge replacement, the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, and more.
What is the history of AECOM?
AECOM traces its origins back to 1910 when J. Fred Miles founded the Swiss Drilling Company in Oklahoma. In 1915, Miles relocated to Kentucky’s newly discovered oil fields after struggling to survive on the low prices offered for Oklahoma crude. He gained control of around 200,000 acres of land and formed the Swiss Oil Company in Lexington. In 1924, Miles launched a refining operation called Ashland Refining Company, headed by Paul Blazer. The parent Swiss Oil Company struggled, and Ashland Refining thrived under Blazer’s leadership. Over the next few decades, through acquisitions and mergers, Ashland expanded into petrochemicals, chemicals, construction materials, and highway construction. In 1985, Ashland formed a subsidiary called Ashland Technology Corporation. By the late 1980s, Ashland wanted to refocus on oil refining and decided to sell off some assets, including Ashland Technology. Richard G. Newman, the president of Ashland Technology, led a management buyout proposal to acquire the business. In April 1990, Ashland sold a 58% stake in Ashland Technology to an employee stock ownership plan.
Ashland Technology was then renamed AECOM Technology Corporation, with the acronym standing for Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations and Management. Over the next decade, AECOM grew rapidly through acquisitions of engineering, construction, and environmental consulting firms. Major acquisitions included DMJM and Frederic R. Harris in the 1990s. In 2000, AECOM acquired the infrastructure design firm Guy Maunsell and the environmental engineering pioneer Metcalf & Eddy. By 2005, AECOM had grown to 24,000 employees globally. The company went public in 2007. More transformative acquisitions followed over the next decade, including Earth Tech and URS Corporation. In 2014, the merger with URS doubled AECOM’s revenue and workforce, cementing its position as the world’s largest infrastructure consulting firm. Today, AECOM remains a leading global provider of professional technical and management support services in annual revenue and around 50,000 employees worldwide.
Where is AECOM located?
AECOM is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, United States. The company relocated its global headquarters from Los Angeles, California to Dallas in 2021, with Dallas emerging as a hub for corporate headquarters and talent, especially in the consulting and engineering sectors. In addition to the Dallas headquarters, AECOM has offices across 150 countries worldwide. Some of the key office locations include Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, and Dubai among many others. The company delivers projects across the U.S. and Canada through its offices in major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa. AECOM has a strong foothold across Europe with offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Frankfurt, Warsaw and Istanbul, among other cities. In the Asia Pacific region, key AECOM offices are located in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. The company also has a sizable presence in the Middle East and Africa with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Johannesburg, and Nairobi.
What does AECOM focus on building?
AECOM’s focus includes transportation, covering roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, and transit systems; facilities, involving government buildings, commercial real estate, healthcare facilities, and data centers; environmental projects, such as water and wastewater treatment plants, waste management, and remediation; energy, including power plants, transmission and distribution networks, and renewable energy initiatives; and buildings, spanning commercial high-rises, stadiums, hospitals, and transportation hubs. AECOM’s expertise extends across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure assets, from initial planning and design to program management, construction management, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Collaborating with both public and private sector clients, AECOM is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions for critical infrastructure projects, emphasizing planning, design, and effective management across the global landscape in transportation, facilities, environment, energy, and buildings.
Who is the owner of AECOM?
AECOM’s founder was Richard G. Newman, who served as President of Ashland Technology then. It was founded in 1990 when a group of employees from Ashland Oil led a buyout of Ashland Technology Corporation. The founder was Richard G. Newman, who served as President of Ashland Technology then. AECOM’s origins trace back to Ashland Inc., an oil refining company founded in Kentucky in 1910. The firm was then renamed AECOM, which stands for Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations and Management. Newman became AECOM’s founding Chairman, President and CEO. He led the vision of creating an integrated professional and technical services firm focused on infrastructure consulting and project delivery. Over the next 25 years under Newman’s leadership, AECOM grew rapidly through over 50 acquisitions. Major additions included DMJM, Frederic R. Harris, Metcalf & Eddy, and URS Corporation.
Who is the CEO of AECOM?
Troy Rudd was appointed Chief Executive Officer of AECOM in 2020, succeeding Michael S. Burke, who retired after leading the company for over 15 years. Rudd joined AECOM in 2005 and served in several senior leadership roles before becoming CEO.
Before he was appointed CEO, Rudd was Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of AECOM for over 4 years starting in 2016. As CFO, he oversaw AECOM’s financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, accounting and controllership, tax, treasury, internal audit, and investor relations. Rudd was pivotal in strengthening AECOM’s balance sheet and overseeing its transformation into a higher-margin, lower-risk professional services business. As CEO, Rudd is responsible for setting and executing the long-term vision and strategy for AECOM. His priorities include nurturing a high-performance culture focused on technical excellence, enhancing the company’s professional services capabilities, and providing innovative solutions to AECOM’s public and private sector clients across the infrastructure lifecycle.
Rudd has over 35 years of experience in the infrastructure industry including leadership roles focused on financial, operational, and strategic management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Utah and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
What is the mission of AECOM?
AECOM’s mission is to deliver professional services that improve and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments. The company aims to be the premier, fully integrated infrastructure firm partnering with public and private sector clients to solve complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. AECOM delivers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design services, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance solutions to transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, and water markets worldwide. The company leverages its global expertise, local knowledge, and innovative technical capabilities to help clients maximize opportunities and overcome obstacles across the project lifecycle. With over 50,000 employees worldwide, AECOM is driven to make infrastructure more efficient, resilient, and equitable so communities can thrive. Its technical experts harness technology to deliver transformative outcomes that open doors, create opportunities, and protect the future. AECOM also has a responsibility to protect, enhance, and restore natural and social systems for people and the planet.
What are the most famous projects of AECOM?
Listed below are the famous projects of AECOM:
- One World Trade Center: One World Trade Center in New York City is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776 feet (541 meters). AECOM provided full architecture and engineering services for this iconic skyscraper built on the site of the original World Trade Center towers destroyed on 9/11. One WTC sets new standards in public safety, sustainability, and resilience.
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge: The world’s longest sea-crossing bridge at 34 miles (54 km) long, this megaproject connects Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China across the Pearl River estuary. AECOM delivered full design and engineering services on this cable-stayed bridge hailed as an engineering marvel with tremendous economic impacts.
- London 2012 Summer Olympics: AECOM was the official engineering infrastructure services provider for the 2012 London Olympics. The firm handled technical planning and engineering across all venues and infrastructure for the Games. This included the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Center, Athletes Village, transportation networks, and more.
- Panama Canal Expansion: AECOM managed the Panama Canal expansion project completed in 2016 allowing larger container ships to traverse the canal. The firm provided engineering and program management services to widen and deepen Atlantic and Pacific entrances and transit channels.
- Hudson Yards, New York City: The largest private real estate project in U.S. history, Hudson Yards is a development on Manhattan’s West Side. As an associate architect, AECOM helped design 10 iconic skyscrapers, a cultural venue, retail space, restaurants, residences, and a public square.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): AECOM has led the LAX Modernization Program since 2009, managing terminal upgrades, transportation projects, utilities, and infrastructure, and enabling projects to make LAX world-class. This includes the Midfield Satellite Concourse opening in 2028.
- U.S. Embassy London: AECOM delivered architecture, engineering, and construction management for the new U.S. Embassy in London. This modern facility integrates the latest in safety and sustainability on a prominent site in Nine Elms overlooking the River Thames.
- Hong Kong International Airport: AECOM has provided planning, engineering, architectural, and project management services on Hong Kong International Airport’s facilities since the 1990s. Projects help HKIA maintain its status as one of the world’s busiest cargo airports and premier Asia-Pacific hubs.
- King Abdullah Financial District: AECOM managed this sustainable smart city development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, spanning 59 towers, an integrated metro system, and mixed-use communities all powered by renewable energy.
- Sydney Metro Northwest: AECOM delivered architecture, engineering, construction supervision, and technical services on this rapid transit rail project extending metro rail from Sydney’s central business district to growing residential areas.
Who are the most important clients of AECOM?
Listed below are the most important clients of AECOM:
- U.S. Department of Defense: The U.S. Department of Defense is one of AECOM’s most vital and largest clients. In 2018, AECOM secured a $28 billion IDIQ contract to deliver research and development support services for the Defense Technical Information Center for 5 years. This provides enterprise-wide scientific, technical, and engineering support across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other DOD divisions. Specific services span R&D program management, data analytics, modeling, education/training, and building the next generation of defense technologies. AECOM delivers highly complex, secure projects under strict security protocols. They also provide disaster recovery services to rebuild damaged bases and facilities after natural disasters.
- U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State continues to be an essential AECOM client after awarding a landmark contract in 2019 to furnish worldwide diplomatic platform support services over five years. This expansive contract has since been renewed to 2027. It encompasses comprehensive facility operations and life support at over 285 U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions in more than 180 countries. Specific services incorporate global supply chain management, physical/technical security, IT/communications infrastructure, food/housing, transportation fleets, and overall platform management. This enables American diplomats and foreign service staff to live and work safely worldwide as they represent U.S. interests.
- Commercial real estate developers: AECOM is an industry leader in commercial real estate development, having delivered over 250 million square feet of office towers, shopping malls, hotels, apartments, mixed-use complexes, and other developments in the public and private sectors. Top global property developers repeatedly choose AECOM for their technical experience, creative, sustainable building designs, speed to market, and expertise in executing complex large-scale projects. AECOM’s unmatched portfolio of commercial projects spans high-rise office towers, multi-building corporate campuses, landmark hotels/resorts, sprawling retail centers with parking garages, luxury condominiums, multifamily housing, and mixed-use communities.
- Healthcare systems: AECOM enjoys longstanding partnerships with many of the nation’s premier hospital networks, medical research institutions, and health systems as a trusted provider of clinical architecture, design, engineering, and construction services. They have built over 160 cutting-edge healthcare projects to date totaling over 50+ million square feet, including leading hospitals, cancer treatment centers, children’s hospitals, VA medical centers, academic medical campuses, and medical research laboratories. State-of-the-art hospitals by AECOM have won awards for sustainability, resilience, innovation, and architectural design excellence.
- Colleges and universities: Higher education institutions large and small rely on AECOM’s education experts to deliver high-quality, sustainable academic and research facilities aligned to institutional missions and student needs. This encompasses cutting-edge classrooms, libraries, athletic facilities, and recreation centers along with offices, dormitories, dining halls, and student unions. AECOM excels at complex interdisciplinary projects under tight budgets and accelerated schedules. Notable campus projects include laboratories, innovation centers, athletic stadiums, and performance venues in addition to central utility/energy plants and infrastructure upgrades. More than 150 prominent colleges and universities across North America partner with AECOM.
- Airports: AECOM delivers comprehensive planning, program management, architecture, engineering design, construction management, and asset management services for airport clients across aviation sectors: commercial, cargo, corporate, and defense. They have worked on nearly every major U.S. airport and dozens worldwide. AECOM airport projects encompass terminals, concourses, parking garages, control towers, hangars, cargo warehouses, maintenance facilities, people movers, and runways. Notable projects include the Midfield Satellite Concourse at Los Angeles International Airport and the new Terminal F at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. AECOM also oversees airport expansion programs enabling clients to meet forecasted air traffic demand through 2040 and beyond.
- Technology firms: AECOM is the trusted partner of choice for global technology firms requiring specialized R&D, manufacturing, and office facilities with complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure. Cutting-edge solutions span corporate campuses, high-tech labs, cleanrooms, data centers, fulfillment centers, and more. Notable AECOM projects include R&D centers, chip fabrication plants, and office complexes for industry leaders Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, IBM, and others. Data center designs meet resiliency, redundancy, and security mandates. AECOM leverages vertical integration to deliver projects faster through centralized architecture, engineering, and construction teams working in concert toward client goals.
- Sports teams and leagues: AECOM enjoys sports heritage, having designed some of the most iconic stadiums and arenas across the globe over 8+ decades. Extensive services for professional teams and sports event organizers include architecture, engineering, project management, and cost consulting. Facilities encompass NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS venues, major college athletic programs, and tournaments like the Olympics. AECOM provides teams and leagues with data-driven guidance on venue modernizations and new construction based on market analyses. Marquee projects include SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
- City and county governments: Hundreds of city, county, and local governments partner with AECOM on civic architecture projects serving citizens across North America. AECOM designs functionally efficient, cost-effective, sustainable facilities to strengthen communities through the built environment. Buildings include city halls, courthouses, correctional/public safety complexes, municipal service centers, convention centers, performing arts venues, recreation centers, and libraries. AECOM is a leader in justice architecture, having built over 500 courts, jails, prisons, probation offices, and related complexes over 8 decades.
- National governments: AECOM works with national governments globally as a trusted advisor on public infrastructure modernization programs vital for economic growth, quality of life, and private development. Federal projects in the U.S. include veterans’ hospitals and clinics, border crossing facilities, federal courthouses and office buildings, national park visitor centers, air traffic control towers, disaster recovery programs, and environmental remediation. AECOM has led major public works programs abroad in the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Central America, including new capital districts. Partnerships focus on sharing technical and management best practices.
What is the address of AECOM?
AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, operates from various strategic locations worldwide. The company’s global headquarters is located at 13355 Noel Rd #400, Dallas, TX 75240, United States. This serves as the central hub for AECOM’s worldwide operations. Additionally, the company maintains other key offices in significant regions. In Los Angeles, CA, AECOM’s Americas Headquarters is located at 300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 900. This office is crucial in coordinating and overseeing AECOM’s activities in the Americas region. For Europe, AECOM’s headquarters is based in London, UK, specifically at Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman Street. This office serves as a central point for managing and directing AECOM’s operations and projects across Europe. In Asia, AECOM’s headquarters is situated in Hong Kong at Grand Central Plaza, 138 Shatin Rural Committee Road. This location serves as a key center for overseeing AECOM’s endeavors in the Asian region. The Middle East Headquarters of AECOM is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the International Tower, Capital Gate. This office plays a pivotal role in coordinating AECOM’s projects and initiatives throughout the Middle East. AECOM’s expansive reach is underlined by its extensive employee base of over 87,000 individuals distributed across offices in more than 150 countries.
What is the contact phone number of AECOM?
AECOM’s primary point of contact for the global headquarters, located in Dallas, TX, is (972) 788-1000. This central number is a hub for inquiries and assistance related to AECOM’s worldwide operations. For the Americas Headquarters, located in Los Angeles, CA, individuals can contact (213) 593-8000. This contact number facilitates communication and coordination for AECOM’s activities in the Americas region. In Europe, AECOM’s headquarters is based in London, UK, with a dedicated contact number of +44 207 061 7000. The Asia Headquarters in Hong Kong can be contacted at +9 712 613 4000. This regional contact number is a vital communication link for overseeing AECOM’s initiatives and endeavors in the Asian region. The contact number for the Middle East Headquarters, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is +971 2 483 0100. In addition to regional contact points, AECOM provides specific phone numbers for various inquiries, enhancing accessibility and support. The Benefits Service Center, accessible at (844) 779-9567 or +1 312-843-5091 (outside the US), can assist with benefit-related queries. For matters related to Investor Relations, the designated number is (213) 593-8100. Additionally, individuals seeking information about jobs and careers can reach +44 172 753 5656 (UK/Ireland) or +44 125 631 0655 (legacy URS in UK/Ireland).
How to apply to work for AECOM?
Here are the steps on how to apply for AECOM:
- Finding open positions: To find open positions at AECOM, visit the company’s career page at aecom.com/careers. Once on the page, you can search for available jobs that suit your skills and qualifications. If you find a position that interests you and that you are qualified for, you can click the “Apply Now” button to start the application process.
- Submitting an application: To apply for a job at AECOM, you must complete an online application. This typically involves submitting your resume/CV, answering screening questions, and potentially completing an online assessment. Depending on the position you are applying for, the company may also ask for additional information, such as a cover letter or references.
- Interview process: The interview process may include one or more interviews, which may be conducted over video, phone, or in person. The interviews may be conducted by HR representatives, hiring managers, or both. During the interview, the company may ask you questions about your experience, qualifications, skills, and interest in the position and the company. The interview process typically takes 1-3 months from the initial application to the offer stage.
- Contact information: If you have general questions about the application process, contact AECOM HR/Recruiting at [email protected]. If you have specific questions about a job opening, you can contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting.
What style of architecture does AECOM represent?
AECOM doesn’t represent a specific style of architecture but integrates a sustainable approach to design. They incorporate sustainable solutions and high-performance strategies into building designs to improve environmental performance. Their architectural services encompass new buildings, communities, public spaces, workplaces, and more. Their design approach focuses on creative innovation, multi-disciplinary collaboration, inclusive processes, and ecological/sustainable outcomes. Their capabilities span urban planning, high-performance buildings, adaptive reuse, landscape architecture, and more. AECOM has been involved in major projects covering various architectural styles – from the London and LA Olympics facilities to corporate HQs to industrial plants. They have worked on modern landmark buildings like the Shard and historic renovations.
How important is it for architecture firms to follow the architecture fundamentals?
Architecture is important for architecture firms to follow the architecture fundamentals spanning design excellence, business operations, collaborative processes, and ethical integrity. Firstly, architecture firms must demonstrate strong design capabilities rooted in aesthetics, spatial relationships, sustainability, contextual sensitivity, and engineering principles. Mastery of these technical skills and design thinking allows firms to meet client needs and create innovative, quality buildings. Secondly, firms should stay updated on emerging technologies, materials, codes, and best practices to maintain high standards. However, the design is only one piece. Running an architecture business requires strategic planning, financial management, marketing, HR, IT, and legal expertise. Lastly, firms must operate efficiently and profitably to remain viable. Understanding business fundamentals is vital. Firms should collaborate across specialties and gather stakeholder input throughout a project.
Should all architecture companies have a portfolio?
Yes, a portfolio is an important component for any architecture firm, regardless of size or years in business. An architecture portfolio serves multiple important purposes, making it invaluable for companies in this field. Firstly, a portfolio showcases a firm’s design capabilities and past work to potential clients. It provides visual evidence of their experience and skills, helping clients evaluate expertise and fit for a project. Secondly, the portfolio builds credibility through demonstrated project knowledge. More experienced firms use their portfolio to highlight signature styles and technical competencies. The portfolio is a chance to make a solid first impression in all cases. Lastly, portfolios assist with marketing efforts, proposals, and bids. Firms can tailor portfolios to specific RFPs or target client types by featuring relevant projects. The portfolio becomes a sales tool, and the portfolio website is a 24/7 resource for prospective clients researching options. For staff, the portfolio helps recruit talent by giving candidates a window into the firm’s design aesthetic and values. It communicates the types of projects and roles available. The portfolio showcases the kind of work employees can expect to produce.
