Pape-Dawson Engineers, a civil engineering firm with a presence in Austin since 2005, has marked two decades of operations in the region. The company’s local office has grown from a small team focused on single-family residential projects to more than 165 employees working on both public and private sector developments across Central Texas.
Managing Principal Mark Ramseur, P.E., who joined the firm in 2012 during the post-recession period, attributed this growth to strategic hiring and an emphasis on balancing project types. “One of the primary reasons for our growth is the intentional hiring of key individuals who have strengthened our team,” says Ramseur. “We’ve reached a strong balance between public and private sector work, and our focus moving forward is to continue diversifying and expanding our capabilities.”
The Austin office’s portfolio includes master-planned communities such as Wolf Ranch and Kissing Tree, commercial developments like Domain South End, as well as infrastructure projects including I-35 utility relocations, Project Connect, and work at the Austin Convention Center.
Pape-Dawson also emphasizes community involvement by providing pro bono services for organizations such as Camp Esperanza, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, Explore Austin, and Brookwood in Georgetown. The company’s charitable foundation recently contributed $50,000 to local nonprofits including the Center for Child Protection, Foster Angels of Central Texas, and the Texas Advocacy Project.
Industry engagement remains central to Pape-Dawson’s mission. The firm participates actively in organizations such as the Austin Chamber of Commerce—where Mark Ramseur will serve as 2025 Chair—the Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA), Opportunity Austin, Austin Contractors & Engineers Association (ACEA), Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, and American Society of Highway Engineers Central Texas.
Looking ahead, water infrastructure is expected to be a major area of focus for Pape-Dawson. The company has led large-scale projects like the Vista Ridge Regional Water Supply Project—a 142-mile water delivery system—and Phase 1B of Alliance Regional Water Authority’s new program. “Water has become a defining area of expertise for our firm,” says Ramseur.
Incoming Managing Principal Kevin Young, P.E., stated: “Our goal is to support Central Texas by contributing to thoughtful development and critical infrastructure projects that make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
“As Austin continues to grow, so do the challenges of mobility, water, and sustainable infrastructure. Our team is committed to helping address these challenges with solutions that support the community’s needs not just today, but for generations to come,” says Ramseur.
The company notes its ongoing commitment extends beyond engineering work through partnerships with local leaders and organizations serving Central Texas residents.
