No. 2 large Top Workplace 2022: RK&K civil engineering firm remains vested in community

Nick D’Angelo left his native Ohio last year and relocated to Baltimore for a plum position at the civil engineering firm RK&K. The move proved to be a sound decision, the young professional said, in more ways than one.

“I absolutely love it,” said D’Angelo, an engineer in RK&K’s environmental group and water division. “I can walk to work in about seven minutes.”

Besides the short commute to RK&K’s downtown offices on East Pratt Street, he’s most excited about the job itself.

“It was important to be part of a company that has community engagement and outreach, which I’d heard about,” he said. “I also wanted to feel supported, which happened even during the interview process. I made this huge jump to come halfway across the country, and my co-workers and the partners have really been great. I feel very personally and professionally supported.”

Since its founding in 1923, Rummel, Klepper & Kahl LLP has served the public and private sector by providing planning, engineering, environmental and construction-phase services.

The team currently has some 1,500 employees in Maryland and across the world. RK&K is involved in a plethora of projects, including the new Governor Harry W. Nice/Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge over the Potomac River, unveiled in October.

Zach Brown, an associate landscape architect who works in RK&K’s site development division, is thrilled to be working on a project at the Inner Harbor. The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore selected RK&K to provide civil/site design services to support improvements at Rash Field.

“One of the reasons I moved to Baltimore was to work on this. It was in progress, and I wanted to be part of it,” Brown said. “What I appreciate about RK&K is sharing of ideas. It’s very cool. You want to put your stamp on the world, and say, `I did this.’”

Dave Trausneck, the company’s communications manager, said leadership has fostered a culture built on teamwork and collaboration.

”Everyone has a voice, and everyone listens,” he said. “We believe in taking care of one another.”

They achieve this in part via mentorships, team-building programs and no-cost training from their professional development team.

RK&K has ample perks for its employees, as well.

Brown said he’s a fan of “free breakfast Friday” and the snacks provided regularly in the office.

The team receives complimentary tickets to Orioles and Ravens games, and there are employee appreciation nights, ice cream socials and golf outings.

As RK&K prepares for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2023, there’s a sense of gratitude and pride.

“We are part of helping Charm City thrive,” Trausneck said.