#United States #Sacramento #ACEC California #Innovation Projects #Engineering Awards

ACEC California Announces 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards

On January 7, 2026, the American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC California) revealed the recipients of its annual Engineering Excellence Awards, a highly regarded competition that recognizes remarkable achievements in the fields of engineering and land surveying. The awards honor projects that exemplify innovation, complexity, and overall value to the community.

A total of twenty projects achieved the prestigious Honor Award, while twenty-seven received Merit Awards and fifteen earned Commendation Awards. Tyler Munzing, Executive Director of ACEC California, expressed pride in acknowledging the dedication and quality provided by engineering firms across the state. "Quality infrastructure—from reliable drinking water to secure and effective transportation systems—is crucial for California's continued success," he stated. Munzing further emphasized that the award-winning projects illustrate how engineering and surveying professionals are actively contributing to a more resilient and interconnected California.

The ceremony will culminate in the announcement of the Golden State Award, designated for the best overall project. This award will be revealed at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet, scheduled for February 19, 2026. This annual celebration also serves a dual purpose as it functions as a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to awarding scholarships to outstanding graduate and undergraduate students.

Overview of the Engineering Excellence Awards

The Engineering Excellence Awards celebrate noteworthy accomplishments in engineering and land surveying within California. The competition considers entries across twelve distinct project categories, which include studies, consulting engineering, structural systems, mapping technology, environmental projects, waste and stormwater initiatives, water resource management, and various sector-specific engineering projects.

Honor Award winners have the opportunity to compete at the national level in Washington, DC, further elevating the recognition of their exceptional contributions to the industry.

Notable Winners

Among the Honor Award recipients are distinguished firms and their impressive projects:

• - Adobe Associates Inc. in Santa Rosa, for their innovative work on the Lytton Rancheria A Homeland Restored.
• - Anchor QEA in Irvine, recognized for the Davenport Park Expansion and Landfill Gas Control System Project.
• - Arup, a notable firm based in San Francisco, was acknowledged for their contribution to the California College of the Arts Campus Expansion.
• - Atlas Technical Consultants in Rancho Cordova secured recognition for their efforts in the Foresthill Bridge T-1 Steel Inspection and Repair Project.
• - In addition, the COWI North America, Inc. team received accolades for their collaborative work on the Mt. Vernon Avenue Viaduct Replacement Design-Build Project, showcasing innovative engineering and design solutions.

Merit and Commendation Award recipients also illustrated impressive achievements. Examples include 4Creeks, Inc. in Visalia for their Riggin Avenue Widening project and HDR in Irvine for their contributions to modernizing the Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake and Discharge Facility.

Conclusion

The 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards highlight the creativity and technical excellence demonstrated by California's engineering firms. These projects not only enhance the state's infrastructure but also significantly contribute to community welfare and resilience. As ACEC California prepares for the upcoming banquet, the anticipation builds for the announcement of the Golden State Award, which promises to honor the most outstanding project among an impressive array of entries. By recognizing the exceptional efforts of engineering professionals, ACEC California reinforces the vital role of innovative engineering in fostering sustainable development and community advancement in California.