History
Beyond Boundaries
HBM's path of progress
From the day it all started, we've been a company dedicated to asking one question: "Why not?" Our work to anticipate and overcome every challenge has rooted our values and vaulted us to the top of our industry.
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2001
Hayat Engineering Consultants, LLC was established
President Hayat A. Issa establishes Hayat Engineering Consultants, LLC, marking the inception of a design firm dedicated to providing top-tier engineering consultant services.
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2003
Evolution into HBM Engineering Group, LLC and Early Growth
The firm evolves into HBM Engineering Group, LLC, and expands its team to three professionals, setting up its headquarters at Hillside, Illinois, earning pre-qualifications with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), marking a new chapter of innovation and growth.
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2004
Trailblazing in Advanced Composite Materials
HBM co-leads the development of standardized protocols for concrete repair processes and the implementation of carbon fiber materials, enhancing the structural integrity of bridges and buildings. Concurrently, HBM undertakes comprehensive structural evaluations and rehabilitation projects at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, showcasing its expertise in maintaining critical military infrastructure.
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2005
Certified as DBE & WBE firm, Commitment to Public Safety
HBM gains prequalification with the Capital Development Board (CDB) for Civil/Structure Engineer. HBM earns certification of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) highlighting its commitment to diversity and inclusion. HBM also secured its first job as a sub-consultant with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), embarking on a series of initiatives that involve bridge inspections, structural ratings, and the execution of emergency repairs, demonstrating its commitment to public safety and infrastructure reliability.
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2006–2009
Workforce Expansion, Qualification Growth, and Office Expansion
The workforce at HBM expands to ten dedicated employees. The firm broadens its qualifications with IDOT, and notably, secures its first contract as a prime consultant in the initial phases of infrastructure development. This period is also marked by HBM’s increased involvement in design-build projects, which leverage advanced composite materials to restore and reinforce aging structures, coupled with the firm’s first expansion of its office space to better support its growing operations.
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2010–2017
Doubling Staff Count, Involvement in Major Projects
HBM’s staff count doubles to 20. HBM’s reputation for excellence facilitates its involvement in leading projects and forming joint ventures with prominent state entities and city agencies. The firm also plays a pivotal role as a sub-consultant on major projects, providing indispensable support in field inspections, bridge load ratings, and the development of comprehensive civil, roadway, and structural plans. To support our growing team and meet increasing project demands, a second office space expansion is completed.
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2018
Achieving Complex Structures Pre-Qualification
With the firm achieving further pre-qualifications from IDOT, this time for Complex Structures, earning the distinction of being the First WBE/DBE firm in Illinois to achieve qualifications in Complex Structures.
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2020
Achieving Movable Bridge Pre-Qualification, Staff Growth, Commitment to Safety
The company’s continued success leads to a growth in staff to 25 and an expansion of its IDOT prequalification to include Movable Bridges, an accolade that once again underscores HBM as the First WBE/DBE firm with Movable Bridges prequalification in the state of Illinois. In this era, HBM grows further with its third office space expansion, highlighting its escalating presence in the market. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HBM’s teams undertook initiatives to keep its workers safe, both on job sites and in offices, over the course of an unimaginable year.
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2021–2023
Celebrating 20 years of redefining what’s possible
HBM’s team surpasses the 30-employee milestone. The firm’s portfolio during this period is characterized by a series of complex roadway and bridge projects that employ advanced composite materials, instrumentation, and field load testing, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry. In 2023, HBM celebrates its 20th anniversary, a significant milestone reflecting two decades of dedication, innovation, and industry leadership.
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2023
Chicago Office Expansion, Achieving Major River Bridge Pre-Qualification
HBM strategically expanded its presence in Chicago with a Second Office, reinforcing accessibility for clients and government engagement. The move showcased the firm’s adaptability to changing market dynamics. Simultaneously, yet again HBM achieved a landmark as the First DBE firm in Illinois to secure prequalification from IDOT for Major River Bridges, attaining the highest level and all available Structures qualifications. This recognition highlighted HBM’s exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence, setting a new standard for infrastructure projects and solidifying its pioneering leadership in the state.
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2024
Celebrating series of Awards and Recognition
In February, HBM celebrates Four Awards at ACEC-IL Gala:
- 2024 Medium Firm of the Year
- Special Achievement Award: Cumberland Circle Reconstruction to Modern Roundabout
- Merit Award: I-39 over Kishwaukee River – Structural Evaluation
- Outstanding Graphics of the year -I-39 over Kishwaukee River – Structural Evaluation
In June, HBM receives 2024 Award for Exceptional Consulting Engineering Services – DBE Category