Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Services in Brookings, SD
Civil Design is a premier civil engineering and land surveying firm with 25 years of excellence in delivering innovative solutions. Established in 1998, we specialize in transportation engineering, environmental projects, and site design for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Our team of licensed professionals combines technical expertise with advanced technology to ensure precision in every project. We prioritize client collaboration, offering tailored services from feasibility studies to construction administration. With a focus on quality control and compliance, we serve communities across the Midwest, including South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition through industry awards and partnerships with leading design firms. We pride ourselves on transforming complex challenges into efficient, sustainable infrastructure solutions. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures seamless execution, whether designing bridges, municipal streets, or athletic facilities. Clients trust us for our proven track record in managing projects from concept to completion.
Services
Land Surveying
Civil Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Site Design
Municipal Engineering
Quality Control
Athletic Site Design
Environmental Permitting
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of specialized expertise in civil engineering and land surveying.
- Our team includes licensed professionals with multidisciplinary certifications.
- We provide end-to-end project management from feasibility studies to construction.
- We utilize advanced technology for accurate surveying and design solutions.
- We maintain a proven track record of award-winning infrastructure projects.
Associations and certifications
- South Dakota Department of Transportation (SD DOT)
Services
Land Surveying
Our land surveying services provide precise measurements and mapping for property boundaries, construction staking, and topographic analysis. Using advanced GPS and robotic technology, we ensure accuracy for residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Clients benefit from ALTA surveys, boundary determinations, and construction layout services that meet federal and state standards.
Civil Engineering
We deliver comprehensive civil engineering solutions for infrastructure projects, including roadways, bridges, and drainage systems. Our expertise spans municipal streets, industrial parks, and railroad design. With licensed engineers in seven states, we ensure compliance with AASHTO and DOT specifications while prioritizing safety and sustainability in every design.
Environmental Engineering
Our environmental engineering team specializes in wastewater treatment design, stormwater management, and regulatory compliance. We create stabilization pond systems and detention basins that meet EPA and state requirements. Services include feasibility studies, permitting assistance, and sustainable drainage solutions for communities and industrial clients.
Transportation Engineering
We design safe, efficient transportation systems including roads, railroads, and municipal streets. Our services cover traffic analysis, bridge rehabilitation, and railroad track design. With BNSF and UP pre-qualification, we handle complex projects from feasibility studies to construction administration, ensuring compliance with AREMA and AASHTO standards.
Site Design
Our site design services optimize land use for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. We handle platting, grading, utility layout, and stormwater management. With expertise in subdivision design and athletic field planning, we create functional spaces that balance client needs with environmental considerations and regulatory requirements.
People
Carey Bretsch
President & Co-Founder
With 40+ years of civil engineering experience, Carey Bretsch leads Civil Design as President. A licensed engineer in seven states, he specializes in railroad and bridge projects, holding leadership roles in ASCE and transportation associations. He earned his BS and MS in Civil Engineering from South Dakota State University.
Jeffrey Cooley
Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey Cooley oversees Civil Design's operations with 15+ years of engineering leadership. Licensed in six states, he focuses on project development and client relations. A South Dakota State University graduate, he mentors engineers and contributes to STEM programs in Brookings.
Chris Brozik
VP Structural Engineering
Chris Brozik manages structural engineering projects with expertise in highway and railroad structures. A licensed engineer in five states, he holds a master's degree from SDSU and completed advanced bridge inspection certifications. Recognized as ASCE South Dakota's Outstanding Young Civil Engineer in 2015.
Andrew Kangas
Vice President
Andrew Kangas leads surveying and project engineering efforts. Licensed as both a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor in South Dakota, he oversees field data collection and design projects. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 2006.
Jason Petersen
Project Engineer
Jason Petersen specializes in site design and railroad projects with 18 years of experience. Licensed in South Dakota and Minnesota, he handles drainage analysis and bridge inspections. He earned his degree from South Dakota State University in 2005.
Questions
What civil engineering services does Civil Design offer?
We provide land surveying, transportation engineering, environmental projects, site design, bridge rehabilitation, and municipal infrastructure services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
Which states does Civil Design operate in?
We work across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana, and Texas with licensed engineers in seven states.
Can Civil Design handle railroad engineering projects?
Yes, we're pre-qualified by BNSF, UP, CN/IC, and DM&E railroads with expertise in track design, site selection, and construction staking.
Do you offer surveying services for commercial properties?
We perform ALTA surveys, boundary surveys, construction staking, and topographic mapping for commercial developments and land transactions.
How does Civil Design approach environmental compliance?
Our team ensures projects meet EPA and state regulations through wastewater treatment design, stormwater management plans, and permitting assistance.
What experience do you have with municipal projects?
We've designed municipal streets, drainage systems, and infrastructure improvements for cities like Brookings, with expertise in AASHTO and DOT standards.
