KCI acquires Daft-McCune-Walker

KCI Technologies Inc., a leading employee-owned engineering firm, has acquired Daft-McCune-Walker (DMW), a Maryland-based company specializing in civil engineering and related services. The acquisition, announced on January 22, 2026, underscores KCI’s strategic efforts to enhance its multidisciplinary capabilities and expand its service offerings within Maryland and potentially further afield. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Daft-McCune-Walker, founded in 1970, has earned a reputation for innovative civil engineering and environmental solutions, with a notable presence in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The firm collaborates with clients across various sectors, including residential development, mixed-use spaces, and educational facilities. DMW's client roster features prominent names such as the University of Maryland Medical Systems and The Howard Hughes Corporation. The integration will be led by Lisa Gobrecht, former president of DMW, who has been instrumental in transforming the company into a prominent minority and women-owned enterprise in the region.

Nick Barrick, KCI Technologies' Service Line Leader, emphasized the strategic fit of DMW’s expertise and the value it brings to KCI's comprehensive service platform. The acquisition aims to bolster KCI’s civil site design, land planning, and environmental compliance capabilities, thereby expanding the firm’s reach and service efficiency for both public and private sector clients.

With this move, KCI Technologies—already ranked among the top 100 engineering firms by Engineering News-Record—seeks to strengthen its foothold in a competitive engineering market. In 2025, KCI reported sales exceeding $600 million, bolstered by its services in various fields such as transportation, telecommunications, and land development. DMW’s integration is anticipated to enhance competitive positioning, potentially enabling KCI to compete more aggressively for high-profile projects.

Looking ahead, DMW’s 30-plus staff will remain operational at their Towson and Frederick, Maryland locations, maintaining continuity for existing clients. The transition represents an opportunity for KCI to broaden its client solutions while fostering growth within its employee-owned operational model. The acquisition’s impact on regional market dynamics and how it influences KCI’s strategic trajectory will become clearer as the integration progresses.