After seven decades of quietly influencing the infrastructure of San Diego, engineering firm RICK has recently stepped into the limelight, receiving statewide recognition for its significant contributions to the region’s development. The firm is set to be honored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of California at the Engineering Excellence Awards banquet on February 19, 2024, at the Disneyland Hotel. This event celebrates projects that combine technical innovation with substantial public benefit.
Transforming Urban Landscapes
One of RICK’s hallmark projects is the transformation of Civita, a redevelopment initiative in Mission Valley. This ambitious project occupies approximately 230 acres of a former quarry and aims to introduce around 4,800 new homes, complemented by extensive public park areas. RICK’s expertise has been instrumental in master planning, infrastructure development, and creating effective park drainage systems over the past decade. Local sources, including the Times of San Diego, have extensively covered the project’s progress, underscoring its significance in the area.
RICK is also leading the design for Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier, which is poised to become the largest veterans park on the West Coast. Spanning nearly 10 acres, the park is part of a collaborative effort with the Port of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum. Scheduled to open in 2028, the park’s development is currently underway, with ongoing demolition and reinforcement work to ensure the USS Midway remains accessible during construction.
A Broad Portfolio and Strategic Growth
Founded in 1955, RICK has evolved into a multi-disciplinary firm known for its diverse portfolio, which includes neighborhood site designs, roads, bridges, and airport landscaping projects. Recent reports highlight a variety of initiatives, from urban community planning in San Diego to enhancements in the infrastructure surrounding Mission Bay and the airport redevelopment program.
According to the San Diego Business Journal, RICK reported an annual revenue of approximately $90 million and anticipates a growth of about 13% by 2026. This growth comes at a time when the firm is actively seeking to expand its technical workforce. The challenge of hiring qualified land surveyors, many of whom are nearing retirement, has prompted RICK to adopt a strategy that includes targeted training and strategic recruitment.
To meet the increasing demand for its services, RICK is pursuing acquisitions and expanding its presence in rapidly growing markets across the western United States. Reports from the San Diego Metro detail how these efforts are aimed at filling technical gaps and enhancing the firm’s regional capabilities.
Reflecting on its seven decades of success, RICK leadership emphasized, “The most successful projects come from persistent commitment to both the work and the people behind them.” This philosophy, rooted in long-term engagement and phased infrastructure development, has allowed the firm to leave its mark across San Diego, with recent accolades reinforcing its impact on both a local and statewide level.
