THE DIRT – JUNE 2026 – VOLUME 1 – ISSUE 6

When you drive across a bridge or walk into a building, you’re probably not thinking about the qualifications of the engineers behind those projects. Most people simply assume the work was done correctly, that the ground beneath them is stable, and that the professionals involved have the knowledge and experience to make the right decisions based on quality. That trust lies at the heart of engineering, and it is something we often take for granted. In fact, we expect the structures around us to be safe without question because competence should never be uncertain.

This expectation is supported by the standards that guide the profession. As the National Society of Professional Engineers explains in its article “Why Professional Licensure Matters,” professional licensure is built on three essential pillars: education, experience, and examination. Together, these elements help ensure that engineers are prepared to protect public safety and serve their communities responsibly. This perspective is reflected in our own organization. At United Consulting, 1 in every 4 engineers are licensed Professional Engineers, and 2 in every 15 engineers are Professional Geologists, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining high standards across all projects. All proposals and reports are reviewed by a P.E. or P.G. before they are issued.

Building on this idea, Reza Abree P.E., United Consulting’s CEO, recently emphasized the importance of qualifications in achieving successful outcomes. “As a CEO with over 40 years of experience, I have consistently seen that the most successful projects begin with one key decision: placing value on qualifications and expertise across every discipline involved.”

While some engineering disciplines are more visible to the public, others play an equally critical role behind the scenes. Geotechnical engineering, for example, is not always recognized as a professional service in the same way as other fields, yet its impact is present in nearly every project. The decisions made below the surface directly influence everything built above it.

Because of this, qualifications in geotechnical engineering are especially important. They provide confidence that the work is being performed by professionals with the training, judgment, and accountability needed to deliver safe and reliable results. As Reza explains, “The reality is we often do not fully understand the value of the predevelopment phase until something goes wrong during construction. It is easy to overlook the professionals behind infrastructure that performs so well it appears effortless. What looks simple is usually the result of years of expertise and accurate project preparation.”

Qualifications are highly relevant in the A/E/C industry because decisions should never place people’s lives at risk. More importantly, high quality work helps ensure longevity, and that longevity directly affects people’s lives and overall well-being, which is truly priceless. When safety is involved, the value of proper expertise cannot be overlooked. In that context, cost should never outweigh the importance of protecting human life.

Construction led by qualified professionals is not optional, it is a choice that defines outcomes. As a client and as a member of a community, you deserve more than just a finished project. You deserve safety, fewer risks, and the confidence that comes from teams who understand the responsibility behind their work. When expertise leads, uncertainty fades and unexpected costs are minimized. In the end, the real question is not whether qualifications matter, but whether we are willing to accept the consequences when they are overlooked.

Source:

Why Professional Licensure Matters | National Society of Professional Engineers