HOUSTON — Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture and construction firm, has selected Jake Merriman to lead its Environmental Services Group for the South Central Region. Merriman, who also leads the firm’s Central Texas office in Austin, succeeds Mark Knaack who was appointed to a national role as general manager of the firm’s Environmental Services Group.

“We are excited to have Jake lead our region’s Environmental Services Group,” said Allen Xi, senior vice president and general manager of the South Central Region. “Jake has been an essential part of our growth in Central Texas. Backed by our solid team of design, permitting and construction professionals, we’re fully equipped to help customers across the region respond to their growing environmental needs.”

Merriman joined Burns & McDonnell in 2011 and previously served as managing director of transmission for the firm prior to relocating to Austin. He has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, construction and project management.

“It’s an exciting time to lead our talented Environmental Services Group,” Merriman said. "Austin has a long history of environmental and renewable energy leadership and I look forward to seeing that our clients’ projects have a positive effect on the local environment and communities.” 

Burns & McDonnell established its Austin office in 2014 and has additional Texas-based offices in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Amarillo.

Burns & McDonnell ranks #3 among the Top Design Firms in Texas and Louisiana, according to Engineering News-Record, and is recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work For in Texas, according to the Texas Association of Business.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of more than 13,500 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from 70 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.