Seven Decades of Passionate Design & Exceptional Quality MEP Engineering
Since 1954, our team at Thompson Consulting Engineers has provided exceptional consulting engineering services
Our clients across the State of Virginia have included Architects, K-12 Education Facilities, Municipal Governemnts, Higher Education Institutions, Commercial and Industrial Facilities, Design-Build Contractors and Developers.
We deliver a variety of project types using innovative systems that address sustainability, LEED strategies, integrated technology and communications, life safety and security.
1954
Open for Business
Mathew J. Thompson, III (Jack) founded Mathew J. Thompson, Consulting Engineer in Hampton, Virginia. The young practice averaged just five projects a year, building a reputation for responsive service, technical excellence and long-term client relationships that continue to define the firm today.
1960s
Landmark Educational Projects
Kecoughtan High School was designed in Hampton, Virginia, becoming the first local school in the area constructed from the ground up with air conditioning.
During the decade, the firm also designed the original buildings at Christopher Newport College and several of the first buildings at Thomas Nelson Community College. These projects helped establish Thompson Consulting Engineers as one of the region's leading educational engineering firms.
1973
A Growing Firm
As the firm's workload and reputation continued to grow, the company was incorporated as Mathew J. Thompson, III Consulting Engineers, Inc., establishing the foundation for future expansion.
1980s
Engineer of the Year
Throughout the 1980s, the company continued to expand its portfolio across educational, municipal and commercial projects. In 1987, Mathew J. Thompson, III, P.E. was named Engineer of the Year by the local chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers.
“Our success is due to people who are skilled and loyal and don't mind working like blazes.”
— Mathew J. Thompson, III, P.E.
1990s
Technology Advancements and a Shift in Work
As computer-aided drafting became the industry standard, Thompson Consulting Engineers embraced new technology that improved coordination, efficiency and design quality. During this period, the firm's project portfolio also shifted toward K–12 education, laying the groundwork for decades of school design throughout Virginia.
2002
Ownership Transition
Ownership transitioned when Mathew J. Thompson, III, P.E. retired and the firm was purchased by Mark W. Thompson, P.E., George H. Chappell, Jr. and Kevin D. Allen, P.E.
2005
Company Name Change
The company officially became Thompson Consulting Engineers, reflecting both a new generation of leadership and an expanding portfolio throughout Virginia.
2008
Hampton Office Expands
As the firm continued to grow, the Hampton office moved from its original location on Warwick Boulevard to its current home on Enterprise Parkway. The move doubled the office's size and provided additional space to support the company's expanding team and project portfolio.
2010s
Company Services Expand
The firm expanded its services beyond traditional MEP engineering with dedicated Construction Administration and Commissioning services. Continued investment in staff, technology and client relationships positioned the company for significant growth in the decade that followed.
2020
Richmond Footprint Established
Thompson Consulting Engineers established a permanent presence in the Richmond region, positioning the firm to better serve clients throughout Central Virginia. The new location also created opportunities to expand the company's team, strengthen local relationships and support continued growth across the region.
2021
Richmond Office Expands Again
Just one year later, the Richmond team moved from shared office space into a dedicated location of its own. Matt Haltiner, Principal and Chief Operating Officer; Keith Dignan, P.E., Principal and Vice President; and Joey Dunleavey, P.E., Associate Principal and Director of Plumbing, were the office's first employees, establishing the foundation for the team's continued growth.
2022
Leadership Changes and Continued Expansion
In 2022, Thompson Consulting Engineers opened its Virginia Beach office, expanding the firm's presence in Hampton Roads and strengthening its ability to serve clients throughout Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and the surrounding region.
The year also marked one of the most significant leadership transitions in the company's history. Kevin Allen, P.E. was named Chief Executive Officer; Kenzie Cambar, P.E. became President; Matt Haltiner was appointed Chief Operating Officer; Joey Allen, P.E. became Chief Financial Officer; and Keith Dignan was named Vice President.
Mark W. Thompson, P.E. transitioned to Emeritus Principal, continuing his connection to the firm after decades of leadership.
2023
Richmond Office Grows Again
Continued growth prompted another Richmond office expansion, tripling the team's footprint from just two years earlier. The larger space reflected the rapid growth of the Central Virginia team and provided additional room for future employees, collaboration and client service.
2024
70 Years of Engineering Excellence
Thompson Consulting Engineers proudly celebrated 70 years in business. Since opening its doors in 1954, the firm has remained committed to delivering innovative engineering solutions while building lasting relationships with clients, communities and employees throughout Virginia.
As part of this milestone year, the Board of Directors recognized the firm's continued growth by appointing four new Associate Principals:
- Ben Crismore, P.E.
- Jorvas L. Rodgers, P.E.
- Jason Miner, GGP
- Mike Stover, CPD
2025
Growth Through Leadership, Branding and Service
Thompson Consulting Engineers unveiled an updated brand identity, reintroducing the original “T” icon into the company logo. The refreshed design honored the firm's heritage while reflecting its continued evolution and future growth.
Joey Dunleavey, P.E. was promoted to Associate Principal, continuing the firm's tradition of developing leaders from within.
Company growth accelerated through expanded markets, new services and strategic hiring. The firm expanded its services into Northern Virginia, and new service offerings—including Energy Modeling, Indoor Air Quality Testing and Low Voltage Systems Design—broadened the services available to clients.
2026
Leadership and Industry Recognition
Thompson Consulting Engineers continued to strengthen its leadership team as Ben Crismore, P.E., Director of the Virginia Beach Office, and Jorvas L. Rodgers, P.E., Director of the Richmond Office, were promoted to Principal. Joey Dunleavey, P.E. was also promoted to Director of Plumbing, reflecting the firm's continued investment in technical leadership.
2026 also brought statewide and national recognition for the firm's work, including two ACEC Virginia Engineering Excellence Awards and a national Fire Station Design Award.