Always Asking “Why”
“Why?” is a simple question, but it’s not one we ask ourselves often enough. Why do we do the work we do? Why do we live the way we live?
At BFW/Marcum, asking “why?” is part of our culture. Curiosity, on the job and off, has helped us step back, think bigger, and make better decisions. When we understand the why, we can better serve the communities we care about.
Engineering Starts with Why
Every engineer starts by asking questions. It’s not just about designing or building. It’s about thinking critically, reimagining what’s possible, and always improving.
That mindset is central to how we design transportation systems, not just for efficiency, but for safety. When we develop roundabouts, traffic signals, or intersections, the goal isn’t just smooth flow. It’s to protect the people who use them every day. Our transportation designs, including traffic signals and roundabouts, are intentionally created to prioritize safety. We consider how people move through intersections and corridors, aiming to reduce collisions, minimize confusion, and support efficient, predictable travel. These designs aren’t just technical solutions. They are public safety tools that help keep communities running smoothly and protect lives every day.
Why We Do Things a Certain Way
We believe in doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. Asking “why?” helps us slow down and examine the details. That attention to detail shows up in projects like our structural upgrades to school gymnasiums.
We’re proud to say that many of these spaces now double as tornado shelters. The structural services we provide for schools are centered on safety. We design gymnasiums with reinforced upgrades so they can serve as community tornado shelters. This is especially important in our region, where tornado activity is a real and growing concern. By integrating shelter functionality into everyday school spaces, we help protect children, staff, and the broader community during severe weather events.
Why We Achieve the Results We Do
Sometimes a project even surprises us. But good outcomes are not enough. It’s important to understand why we succeeded, or why we didn’t. Every result is an opportunity to learn and improve.
This principle is especially clear in our environmental services. Our team helps clients navigate complex regulations like NEPA compliance, 401/404 permitting, and Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). But this work is about more than paperwork. It’s about stewardship.
Environmental services like ESAs, NEPA compliance, ESA consultations, and 401/404 permitting help protect the places we live, work, and play. These services make sure projects are safe for people and wildlife, keep our water and land clean, and help communities grow responsibly. They ensure our projects don’t just check a box. They actively protect the ecosystems that matter.
Why We Always Push to Be Better
The engineering industry doesn’t always reward ambition. Many firms are content with the status quo, sticking to what’s safe and familiar. But at BFW/Marcum, we ask: why not do more?
That question has led us to integrate environmental and human safety into every project. We don’t just aim for regulatory minimums. We design with intention. Our teams go beyond the blueprint to ensure projects are safe for both people and wildlife, helping communities grow responsibly.
It’s all about finding smart ways to move forward while protecting what matters most.
Building for the Common Good
As engineers, we have a responsibility to the public. Our work must be bigger than us. It must serve local and global communities, not just fulfill a contract.
That’s why we take on work that challenges us to think more deeply. These projects push us to question our assumptions and strengthen our sense of purpose. We also invest in services that extend beyond traditional engineering, including resilience-focused design, sustainable planning, and ensuring every project contributes to the greater good.
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