2024 GroundBreaker: Deepal S. Eliatamby, PE
GroundBreak Carolinas congratulates Deepal S. Eliatamby, PE, Founder and President of Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., for being named to the Class of 2024 GroundBreakers – an exclusive group of four individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for the construction community in the Carolinas.
During the last two decades, Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. has become one of the most significant civil and environmental engineering firms in our region. For more than 10 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Engineering News-Record as one of the Top Design Firms in the Southeast. Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. has four offices in South Carolina – Bluffton, Charleston, Columbia and Greenville – and an office in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. provides land planning and site design, roadway and railway design, and solid waste management, stormwater management and water and wastewater management services to a variety of clients – from conceptual planning through final design, permitting and construction. The firm’s mission is “to demonstrate a commitment to its clients through responsiveness, experience, and quality results.”
The firm has assisted numerous cities and counties in the Southeast develop, expand and implement infrastructure projects. Libby Lear, Director of Economic Development for Chesterfield County, SC, noted “Deepal Eliatamby and his company, Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., are closely tied to many of the megaprojects going on in South Carolina right now and in the past. Not only do they do amazing engineering work, but they are also a huge supporter of economic development in the Southeast. His engineers are at the top of the game. They understand the importance of being on time and on budget. They are on site regularly and keep us updated on progress. As a small rural county, Deepal always makes us feel as important as a multi-million-dollar customer.”
GroundBreak Carolinas chatted with Eliatamby about his deep passion for the design and construction industry, what his company is doing to pave the way for the next generation of engineers, and how Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. helps the Carolinas maintain their leadership position in economic development.
Tell us what you are most passionate about when it comes to the AEC industry and/or your role within your organization?
Solving challenges or problems clients may have is what I am most passionate about. We are fortunate in the Design and Construction industry to be able to solve challenges our society has with basic needs for clean water, safe roads, and places to live-work-play. This requires careful analysis and consideration of the natural and built environment to balance the needs of the community. In my role as President of Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., I get to interact with clients and understand their challenges/needs and allocate the resources within our firm to come up with solutions.
What are some of the things you are doing inside and outside of your workspace and organization to improve the construction industry and encourage others to make construction a potential career choice?
At Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., we have an internship program to help civil engineering students get practical experience while they are learning theory in college. We have a mentorship program where other young engineers and experienced engineers help the interns learn how to go about solving real-world challenges. We also take time to speak to students in classes about what it is like in the working world and what to expect when they are ready to enter the workforce.
How do you see technology’s influence?
Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. has embraced technology since its inception to compete and outperform other firms. Using state-of-the-practice technology, our staff continues to find faster and better ways complete their tasks. Technology will evolve and continue to play a critical role in our profession.
What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
Since starting Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. 20 Years ago, we have completed over 2,500 projects. These projects, located across a-half-dozen states, represent over $45 billion in capital investment and over 36,000 jobs. That is 36,000 families that have a better quality of life. Recruiting these industries from around the country and the world to invest in a new facility or expand their existing facility is very exciting.
What do you think are the most important personal attributes one must possess to be successful in the construction industry of tomorrow?
Leadership by example, humility, listening to your client, and willingness to adapt to change are some of the personal attributes that have guided me over the past 35 years.
Celebrating 20 Years in 2024
This past spring, Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. marked its 20th anniversary of delivering exceptional client service with an elegant evening of celebration and appreciation. The commemorative event was held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia on Saturday, May 18, 2024, where clients, friends, partners, allies, and esteemed guests gathered to celebrate the firm’s two decades of service and accomplishments. The 20th anniversary celebration was not only a reflection on the past but also a forward-looking event, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and community engagement.
Eliatamby is involved in numerous professional, technical and civic organizations. For example, he is a Past President of both the South Carolina Economic Developers Association (SCEDA) and the Columbia Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and still actively serves those organizations. Eliatamby is also Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and has served on many local, state and national committees of the ASCE. He is a distinguished alumnus and longtime supporter of the University of South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering.
