Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/708507
6 AI Engineers, Inc. Young engineers delivering a presentation on bridge inspection to AI staff F rom humble beginnings, with a handful of employees and a single computer for bridge engineering services, AI has grown into a multistate, multidisciplinary consult- ing engineering firm serving public, and private entities throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. As the company's reputation grew, so did its physical footprint. Offices in New York City and Boston established a signif - icant presence in the Northeast's largest markets. Since then, regional offices have been opened in Cranston, RI; Albany, NY; and Richmond, VA; and the company continues to grow. In the last few years, AI has nearly doubled in size; approach - ing 200 employees. The New York City and Boston offices have recently moved into new facilities — effectively doubling their square footage — while the corpo- rate office is adding 8,000 square feet to accommodate future growth. Annual revenues saw a 20 percent increase over five years — and the last two years have seen AI propel itself onto the list of ENR Top 500 Design Firms in the country. Growth of this magnitude speaks to the effectiveness of AI's leaders as well as the dedication and talent of its employees. Senior management has recognized that in order to ensure continued growth the company must expand its customer base and encourage repeat business from its already established clientele. Doing so means delivering projects efficiently and responsively while providing dynamic and innovative solutions. AI's growth can also be attributed to its dedication and focus on being highly responsive to its clients' needs as well as a desire to be a true partner in helping them build and maintain infrastructure. As institutional owners demand leaner practices, they expect consulting engineer - ing firms to deliver projects more efficiently and at optimal value. AI is mindful how important frequent dialogue and constant engagement with clients is to achieving these goals. Agency and owner feedback helps AI to improve its services and truly understand the challenges and needs of these projects, whether they be new construction, rehab or maintenance. Additionally, the firm places a high value on the ideals of a transparent organizational culture promoting open and free communica - tion. Mr. Islam encourages employees to ap- ply the same zeal and entrepreneurial spirit, that built the company, to their own projects. Innovative thinking and knowledge have led to a number of new projects. For exam- ple, a recent partnership with Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT), In 1991, Abul Islam, PE, FASCE, President and CEO of AI, embarked on a journey that could only have been envisioned by a true entrepreneur. ' Today's engineers leave college with more analytical and technical knowledge than ever before. Our goal is to develop their skills and leadership talents by promoting creativity and drive in a transparent culture and team- oriented, interdisciplinary environment. Everyone benefits, our clients, the company, and the individuals. ' – Abul Islam, PE, FASCE, President & CEO Roots of Growth: From Humble Beginnings to a Regional Firm