CDM Smith

The story of CDM Smith began in 1947 when Thomas Camp, Herman Dresser, and Jack McKee founded a consulting partnership in Cambridge, Massachusetts. United by a commitment to improving water quality and public health, the trio established a firm rooted in technical excellence and client service. What started as a regional practice focused on water and wastewater engineering in New England steadily expanded its horizons, taking on increasingly complex environmental and infrastructure challenges across the United States and eventually around the globe.

A pivotal moment in the company's history arrived in 2011 with the acquisition of Wilbur Smith Associates, a renowned transportation engineering firm. This strategic merger brought together two industry leaders, creating a comprehensive global organization capable of delivering integrated solutions across water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities. Today, CDM Smith stands as a privately owned, employee-owned firm with over 5,000 professionals worldwide. Their journey from a small partnership to a global engineering powerhouse reflects a relentless dedication to innovation, independence, and the shared purpose of building a more resilient future for communities everywhere.