Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Surveyors & Civil Engineers in Lafayette, CO
Founded in 1949, Drexel Barrell has established itself as a premier provider of land surveying, civil engineering, and infrastructure design services across Colorado. With over 75 years of continuous operation, we combine time-tested practices with innovative approaches to deliver precise, reliable solutions tailored to each project's unique needs. Our team of licensed engineers and surveyors brings decades of collective experience, ensuring every client benefits from unmatched technical expertise and a commitment to excellence.As a 100% employee-owned company, we prioritize client satisfaction through transparent communication, local market knowledge, and a holistic approach that streamlines project management from initial surveys to final construction inspection. Our reputation for quality, on-time delivery, and budget adherence has made us a trusted partner for both public and private sector clients, including cities, counties, universities, and utility districts statewide.
Services
Land Surveying
Civil Engineering
Water Resources Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Construction Inspection
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- 76 years of continuous service as Colorado's most experienced surveyor/civil engineer
- Comprehensive A-to-Z services from design surveys to construction inspection
- 100% employee-owned company with deep local expertise and accountability
- Pioneers in GPS surveying with historic projects like NORAD tunnels and Air Force Academy Chapel
- Proven track record with 25,000+ successful projects for cities, counties, and state agencies
Services
Land Surveying
We provide boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction staking, and ALTA/ACSM standards surveys. Our expertise includes GPS technology implementation since the 1990s and historic projects like the NORAD tunnels and Pike's Peak summit survey. Clients benefit from precise data collection and legal documentation for property development and infrastructure projects.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services cover site infrastructure design, roadway projects, and utility systems. We handle projects from initial surveys through construction documentation, specializing in public works like recreation centers and transportation corridors. Clients receive comprehensive solutions that balance technical requirements with environmental and economic considerations.
Water Resources Engineering
We offer floodplain modeling, drainage studies, and water distribution system design. Our expertise includes FEMA-certified floodplain mapping and reservoir rehabilitation projects. Clients receive sustainable water management solutions that address both urban stormwater challenges and rural water infrastructure needs.
Transportation Engineering
We design roadways, intersections, and pedestrian facilities while conducting traffic impact studies. Our experience includes highway access permits and railroad crossing improvements. Clients benefit from safety-focused designs that improve mobility while meeting federal and state transportation standards.
Construction Inspection
We provide field verification of construction projects to ensure compliance with design specifications. Our services include as-built documentation and quality control checks. Clients receive ongoing support to maintain project accuracy and regulatory compliance throughout the construction process.
People
Tim D. McConnell
Principal / Colorado Springs Regional Manager
With over 12 years leading our Colorado Springs office, Tim manages complex public and private sector projects including the Air Force Academy Chapel restoration. His expertise in transportation and infrastructure engineering ensures client success through practical solutions and technical excellence.
Mathew E. Selders
Principal & Surveyor
As a licensed professional land surveyor, Mathew oversees survey operations with decades of experience in boundary determination and construction staking. His technical leadership maintains our reputation for precision in projects ranging from municipal infrastructure to historic landmark restorations.
Kate Varnum
Senior Civil Engineer
Kate specializes in civil infrastructure design with extensive experience in public works projects. Her technical expertise ensures efficient, code-compliant solutions for roadway improvements, utility systems, and floodplain management projects across Colorado.
John C. Day
Survey Manager
As Colorado Springs Survey Manager, John directs field operations with specialized knowledge in GPS surveying and construction layout. His team delivers accurate data collection for complex projects including transportation corridors and large-scale developments.
Kimberly Cooper
Chief Financial Officer
Kimberly provides strategic financial leadership with over two decades of experience managing accounting operations. Her expertise ensures fiscal responsibility and administrative efficiency across all company projects and offices.
Questions
What services does Drexel Barrell offer?
We provide land surveying, civil engineering, transportation engineering, water resources engineering, floodplain studies, and construction inspection services for public and private sector clients.
How long has Drexel Barrell been in business?
We've been serving Colorado clients continuously since 1949, celebrating 76 years of operation in 2025.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate statewide with offices in Lafayette, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Steamboat Springs, and Grand Junction, serving all Colorado communities.
Are you a locally-owned company?
Yes, we're 100% employee-owned with deep Colorado roots dating back to our founding in Boulder in 1949.
What makes Drexel Barrell unique?
Our combination of surveying and engineering expertise under one roof, historic experience with landmark projects, and commitment to local decision-making sets us apart.
What types of clients do you work with?
We serve cities, counties, school districts, utility providers, state agencies, and private developers across Colorado.
