Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Civil Engineering Partner in Chicago
Founded in 1992, TERRA Engineering has established itself as a woman-owned, full-service engineering firm dedicated to delivering client-specific solutions. Our expertise spans landscape architecture, land surveying, and civil engineering, with a focus on quality, budget adherence, and timely execution. With over 100 employees across offices in Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis, and Milwaukee, we prioritize mentorship and continuous learning to remain at the forefront of engineering innovation. Our values of excellence, integrity, and stewardship guide every project, ensuring sustainable and community-focused outcomes.Recognized nationally for award-winning work, we combine technical proficiency with a collaborative culture to serve diverse markets. Our leadership team brings decades of experience, fostering partnerships that transform infrastructure and enhance urban environments. Committed to social responsibility, we actively engage in community initiatives and professional development. This combination of technical rigor, ethical practice, and client-centric approach positions us as trusted partners in engineering excellence.
Services
Construction Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying Services
Transportation Engineering
Water Resources
Structural Engineering
GIS Mapping
Municipal Engineering
Public Involvement
Electrical Engineering
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Woman-owned engineering firm with 30+ years of experience
- Multidisciplinary team delivering innovative solutions
- Award-winning projects recognized nationally
- Commitment to sustainability and community stewardship
- Offices in Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis, and Milwaukee
Services
Construction Engineering
TERRA's construction engineering expertise handles projects from small local initiatives to regionally significant developments. Our team ensures technical precision and regulatory compliance while maintaining budget and schedule integrity. This service supports infrastructure improvements through comprehensive planning and execution oversight.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture practice creates sustainable, aesthetically-driven environments that enhance community livability. We specialize in context-sensitive designs for public spaces, parks, and urban planning projects. By integrating ecological principles with functional requirements, we deliver enduring, performance-driven landscapes.
Water Resources
TERRA's water resources team provides drainage studies, floodplain management, and utility system design. Certified professionals develop comprehensive solutions for stormwater management and watershed planning. Our expertise ensures resilient infrastructure that addresses both current needs and future climate challenges.
Transportation Engineering
We deliver transportation engineering services for urban and rural environments across all project scales. Our capabilities include roadway design, traffic analysis, and multimodal infrastructure planning. By combining technical expertise with stakeholder engagement, we create efficient, safe transportation systems.
Geographic Information Systems
TERRA's GIS specialists leverage spatial data to inform decision-making and optimize project outcomes. We provide demographic analysis, site selection, and environmental impact assessments using advanced geospatial technologies. This service transforms complex data into actionable insights for various engineering applications.
People
Karen Steingraber
President
Karen Steingraber co-founded TERRA Engineering in 1992 and has driven its growth into a multi-office firm. With extensive civil engineering experience, she emphasizes technical excellence and community impact. Her leadership focuses on fostering innovation and professional development across the organization.
Jamil Bou-Saab
Executive Vice President
Jamil Bou-Saab, PE, co-founded TERRA Engineering and oversees strategic operations. With decades of engineering experience, he has managed complex infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. His technical expertise and business acumen contribute to the firm's sustained growth and industry recognition.
George Ghareeb
Senior Vice President
George Ghareeb, PE, joined TERRA in 2000 and manages operations across regional offices. His leadership expanded the firm's market presence through client-focused engineering solutions. With expertise in municipal infrastructure, he ensures technical quality and project delivery excellence.
Questions
What engineering services does TERRA offer?
TERRA provides civil, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering, along with landscape architecture, surveying, and GIS services for public and private sector clients.
Where is TERRA Engineering located?
TERRA has offices in Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL; St. Louis, MO; and Milwaukee, WI, serving clients across the United States and internationally.
How long has TERRA been in business?
TERRA Engineering has operated since 1992, providing engineering solutions for over 30 years with a focus on quality and innovation.
Is TERRA a woman-owned business?
Yes, TERRA Engineering is a certified woman-owned engineering firm, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry.
What industries does TERRA serve?
TERRA works with clients in transportation, municipal infrastructure, healthcare, education, commercial development, and environmental sectors nationwide.
Reviews (2)
Everett Gorup
Jan 04, 2022
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Scouting Report for John Helfrich: Height: 6'-1" Weight: 185 lbs Throws: Right Handed Bats: Right Handed (tried switch hitting one time in 2021 and popped out) Arm Strength: 9/10 Hitting Power: 8/10 Speed: 7/10 Summary: Both an offensive and defensive asset with quick decision making in the field and clutch abilities at the plate. Don't pass this guy up for your 16" team.
Artie Banks
Mar 13, 2021
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I worked for Terra Engineering, Ltd as a consultant. I enjoyed working with them for the ITHA on 5 different construction projecrs. Their employees are pleasant to work with. They are very knowledgeable, professional, ethical and moral. I applied for numerous jobs that they have posted because they are a very good company to work for. Artie Banks Naperville, IL 60564-5619
