ENGINEERING • ENVIRONMENTAL • SURVEY

About PBS

OUR HISTORY IN THE NORTHWEST

PBS began more than 40 years ago with the goal of bridging the built and natural environment in a way that protects our precious resources, improves safety, and allows communities to thrive.

Over four decades, we’ve grown from a three-person operation in the heart of Portland, Oregon, to more than 280 dedicated staff in offices across the Northwest.

1982
PBS first contract with USPS
1982

First Environmental Contracts

Ned Peck, Principal Architect of Peck Grady & Associates (the “P” of PBS), wins an Asbestos Program Development project for USPS.

Dave Butts, also an architect (and the “B” in PBS), performs asbestos assessments for the USPS and Portland Public Schools.

1984–1988
original PBS logo
1984–1988

PBS Is Formed

Steve Smiley, architect (and the “S” in PBS), joins in, forming a separate corporation. PBS acquires marquee clients such as Multnomah County, Port of Portland, and the U.S. Public Health Service.

PBS grows as a result of AHERA and expands into environmental services.

1992
seattle and eugene map
1992

Two New Offices

PBS expands to Seattle, Washington, and Eugene, Oregon.

1998
vancouver expansion map
1998

Vancouver Expansion

The firm establishes an office north of Portland in Vancouver, Washington, to serve Clark County and the surrounding area.

1999
Birch Bay Shoreline Study 3
1999

Natural Resources Added

PBS acquires Enviroscience, adding natural resource consulting to its growing capabilities.

2000
Bend Oregon map
2000

Office Established in Bend

PBS expands to Bend, Oregon, to better serve clients in the central regions of the state.

2001
Vancouver Waterfront Development 8
2001

Tri-Cities Office & Geotechnical Services Added

PBS expands into geotechnical services after acquiring Wright-Deacon Associates, Inc. and expands into the Tri-Cities region of Washington.

2002
Corbett Office Renovation
2002

20-Year Anniversary and Office Move

PBS moves into a renovated office on Corbett Avenue in Portland. The company celebrates its 20-year anniversary and grows to over 80 employees.

2008-2012
PBS 30 year logo
2008-2012

30-Year Anniversary

PBS grows to more than 120 employees and PBS celebrates 30 years of success in 2012.

2016
HDJ building
2016

Joining Forces & Issaquah Expansion

PBS acquires HDJ, adding robust engineering and surveying capabilities with additional support in Vancouver, Walla Walla, and Richland. The firm opens a new office in Issaquah, Washington to further support engineering in the Puget Sound region.

2017
PBS employee with drone
2017

Taking to the Skies

PBS unveils a new UAS program for drone surveying, and expands Tri-Cities operations to combine teams in Richland and Pasco.

2019
Vancouver Waterfront Development 5
2019

Structural Engineering Added

PBS completes key hires to establish a structural engineering group to support the firm’s transportation division.

2020
Public Involvement header
2020

Public Involvement & Planning Services

To assist our clients in the process of connecting with communities on key infrastructure projects, PBS cultivates additional talent in the area of public involvement, as well as expansion of existing planning and landscape architecture capabilities.

2022
PBS 40 year logo
2022

40-Year Anniversary

PBS celebrates 40 years in the Pacific Northwest, with eight offices and more than 280 staff across Oregon and Washington.

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