HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The firm’s story began in a one-room brick office in the heart of downtown Salisbury. Davis & Associates, as it was first known, was spearheaded by engineers John A. Davis, PE, and Gerald G. Friedel, PE, two young visionaries with a passion for problem-solving and a vision for innovation. Architect, G. Donald Bowen, AIA, joined the firm shortly after, establishing versatile capabilities for the firm early on – and – Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF), officially began.

With a growing need for professional services in Delaware and a drive for a stronger presence on the Eastern Shore, DBF opened a second office in Dover in the 1990s. Later relocating to Milford to better serve one of the firm’s largest municipal clients, the move offered broader geographic coverage and a multitude of opportunities in a new region, setting the tone for future endeavors.

Years later, DBF would acquire Andrews, Miller & Associates in 2007, expanding architecture, surveying, civil engineering, and structural engineering services to include marine engineering, hydrology, and enhanced surveying. From there, DBF consolidated and opened an office in Easton, Maryland, and celebrated two grand openings of relocated offices: DBF’s corporate headquarters in Salisbury, MD, and the continually expanding office in Milford, Delaware; all designed to accommodate the burgeoning firm.

In January of 2023, DBF acquired Environmental Resources, Inc., a Delaware based environmental sciences consulting firm. The acquisition marked the firm’s second strategic acquisition, offering an expanded catalogue of services under one roof.

Today the firm is led by President, Ring W. Lardner, PE and Principals, Mike E. Wheedleton, AIA, LEED Green Associate, W. Zachary Crouch, PE, Jason P. Loar, PE, and Jamie L. Sechler, PE.