Business Details
42 Years
experience
Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Communities
Founded in 1984, Wallace Group has evolved from a one-person firm into a multidisciplinary engineering and design leader deeply rooted in community service. Our 100% employee-owned structure fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, driving solutions that balance technical excellence with environmental stewardship. With expertise in civil engineering, transportation planning, landscape architecture, and water resources, we specialize in projects that enhance public infrastructure and natural spaces. Our collaborative approach integrates mechanical engineering, surveying, and GIS technologies to deliver cost-effective, sustainable outcomes. Backed by decades of experience serving California's Central Coast, we combine technical rigor with local knowledge to address complex challenges.Our commitment to quality is reflected in award-winning projects like the Laguna Lake Dog Park and Avila Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades. As active community members, we prioritize long-term environmental health through responsible design practices. Our team's technical certifications and cross-disciplinary expertise ensure comprehensive service delivery across public works administration, construction management, and permitting processes. This integrated approach has established us as trusted partners for municipalities, developers, and public agencies seeking innovative infrastructure solutions.
Services
Civil Engineering
Transportation Planning
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
Surveying Services
Water Resource Management
Construction Management
Public Works Administration
GIS Solutions
Permitting Services
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 100% employee-owned firm fostering personal accountability
- 35+ years serving California's Central Coast infrastructure needs
- Integrated multidisciplinary services under one roof
- Specialized expertise in public agency coordination and Caltrans projects
- Award-winning sustainable design and environmental stewardship
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering team delivers comprehensive infrastructure solutions for transportation systems, public works, and land development projects. Specializing in master planning and detailed site design, we provide feasibility studies, cost estimates, and construction documentation. With extensive experience in public agency coordination and Caltrans projects, we ensure regulatory compliance while optimizing cost-effectiveness through value engineering approaches that reduce material and construction expenses.
Landscape Architecture
We create context-sensitive landscape environments that blend art with ecological responsibility. Our services include park planning, natural resource preservation, and site-specific designs that enhance community spaces. By integrating sustainable practices with cultural considerations, we develop solutions that balance built environments with ecological systems. Recent projects demonstrate our commitment to creating functional outdoor spaces that improve quality of life while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Water Resource Management
Our water resources division specializes in comprehensive water system planning and management. We design and implement solutions for water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and recycled water systems. With expertise in regulatory compliance and sustainable practices, we help clients optimize water usage while protecting environmental resources. Our team stays current with evolving stormwater regulations to ensure projects meet all compliance requirements.
Surveying Services
Utilizing advanced surveying technologies, we provide precise spatial data collection and analysis for engineering and construction projects. Our services include conventional, robotic, and GPS surveying to support accurate site assessments. We offer map verification services and expert guidance on subdivision processes, Certificates of Compliance, and land surveying regulations, ensuring projects maintain proper spatial documentation throughout their lifecycle.
Construction Management
We provide comprehensive construction management services that maintain project timelines and budgets through advanced coordination. Our team handles bid preparation, cost estimation, and construction documentation using industry-leading software like Procore for real-time project tracking. By maintaining strong relationships with contractors and agencies, we facilitate smooth project execution while managing public outreach and regulatory compliance throughout the construction process.
People
Brad Brechwald
CEO, President
Licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor with decades of experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects across California's Central Coast region.
Thomas Zehnder
Principal
Experienced engineering leader specializing in public infrastructure projects with a focus on transportation systems and municipal improvements.
Rachel Hawthorne
Director of Civil and Transportation Engineering
Licensed Professional Engineer managing complex transportation projects and infrastructure developments with emphasis on public agency coordination.
Matt Wilkins
Director of Landscape Architecture
Award-winning landscape architect creating sustainable outdoor environments that integrate ecological principles with community needs.
Greg Hulburd
Director of Water Resources
Senior water resources engineer with expertise in regulatory compliance and sustainable water management solutions for public and private clients.
Questions
What engineering services does Wallace Group offer?
We provide civil engineering, transportation planning, mechanical engineering, water resource management, and construction management services.
How long has Wallace Group been in business?
Since 1984, when we began as John L. Wallace & Associates before becoming Wallace Group in 2004.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily California's Central Coast region including San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.
Are you a certified woman/minority-owned business?
We are 100% employee-owned but don't hold specific diversity certifications as an organization.
What makes your firm different?
Our employee-owned structure fosters personal accountability and long-term commitment to community-focused engineering solutions.
Can you handle public agency projects?
Yes, we specialize in public works projects with extensive experience coordinating with Caltrans and local municipalities.
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