Our History & Timeline

Company History

SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting services firm which specializes in Construction Materials Testing, Geotechnical, Environmental and Structural Engineering as well as Forensic Inspections, Residential and Retaining Wall Design, Subsurface Drilling, Chapter 17 Special Inspections, Advanced AASHTO, ACI, AMRL, CCRL and NCDOT Laboratory Testing. The firm was founded in 2004 by three principals, Douglas Curley, P.E., Andrew Coffey, E.I. and Robert McDonnell, who still hold active roles in the company today. SUMMIT has grown into a 200-member firm, serving North Carolina, South Carolina, and the DC Metro region from six office locations.

In 2017, SUMMIT converted to a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), turning the page for the next successful chapter of SUMMIT’s story. In 2021, SUMMIT strategically merged with Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), becoming part of the UES family of companies. This acquisition further strengthens SUMMIT’s professional service offerings from coast to coast and solidifies both organizations as AEC industry leaders. Beyond our growing and diverse staff of experienced project management and field professionals, we are supported by our in-house NCDOT Tier Ill-, AMRL-, CCRL- and AASHTO-certified laboratory. We invite you to Meet Our Leadership Team.

About UES

Grounded in excellence for nearly 60 years, UES’ work includes both public and private clients and consists of projects ranging from transportation and healthcare to commercial and education. UES engineers, geologists, certified inspections, and scientists offer an unwavering commitment to excellence, approaching each project as an opportunity to cultivate enduring relationships with our clients. Experienced and proven, UES is considered a pioneer of the industry and stands at the forefront of emerging technology, best practices, and influential legislature.

Evolving from a one-man operation to a national company spanning over 70 branches and 3,500 teammates (and growing!), UES remains focused on the betterment of our local and nationwide communities. The #1 fastest growing AEC firm on The Zweig Group’s Hot Firm list in both 2021 and 2022, the UES family of companies are poised to lead the AEC industry into the future.

Company Timeline

2004 – SUMMIT ECS, Inc. founded with 3 principals 10
2005 – 12 employees; opened a Materials laboratory 15
2007 – 50 employees; Opened new 12,000 SF office in the Charlotte area 25
2008 – 52 employees; Formed various strategic alliances 30
2009 – 45 employees, Maintained majority of staff through recession; Purchased first CME 55 ATV drilling platforms 35
2010 – 53 employees; Added structural engineering to SUMMIT’s services; Acquired Raleigh-based firm in late 2010; Secured 2nd drilling platform, CME 45B truck rig 40
2011 – 56 employees; Hired director of Business Development; Expanded Raleigh and Charlotte offices 45
2012 – Hired Chief Engineer and Raleigh branch manager; Opened Columbia, SC office; 2nd ATV drill rig 50
2013 – Over 80 employees; Grew Charlotte and Raleigh offices; Opened Charleston, SC office 55
2014 – Over 90 employees in five locations; Company celebrates 10th anniversary; Opened Greenville, SC office 60
2015 – Hired Regional Manager to oversee South Carolina offices; Grew to over 100 employees 65
2017 – Charleston and Raleigh offices are both relocated to accommodate growth and greater on-site laboratory capabilities 70
2018 – Company reaches 150 employees 75
2019 – 15th Anniversary celebrated; Corporate HQ renovated 80
2021 – SUMMIT partnered with Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. (UES) 85
2022 – Added DC Metro, CPT Rig, Virtual Design Consulting 90
2023 – Added Petrographic Testing Services 95