Business Details
50 Years
experience
Civil Engineering & Land Development Services in Memphis
Founded in 1976, Reaves Firm has established itself as a trusted multidisciplinary consulting firm dedicated to delivering comprehensive engineering, planning, and surveying solutions. Our team of seasoned professionals specializes in civil and structural engineering, land planning, landscape architecture, and land surveying, serving clients across the Memphis metropolitan area. With decades of combined experience, we prioritize collaborative problem-solving and personalized attention to navigate complex land development challenges. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our diverse project portfolio spanning commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional sectors. We maintain a cohesive, stable team structure that fosters knowledge-sharing between experienced professionals and emerging talent, ensuring innovative yet practical solutions.Recognized for our technical expertise and client-focused approach, we work closely with government entities and private clients to meet evolving regulatory and environmental requirements. Our long-standing relationships with major regional developers and industrial clients underscore our reputation for reliability and quality service delivery. As an extension of our founding principles established by Sam N. Reaves, we continue to emphasize direct communication, technical precision, and community impact in every project we undertake. Our certifications with local and state diversity programs further demonstrate our commitment to equitable business practices while maintaining industry-leading standards.
Services
Civil Engineering
Structural Design
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Land Surveying
Zoning Assistance
Storm Water Management
Environmental Permitting
Construction Staking
Project Entitlements
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in Memphis land development projects.
- Our in-house multidisciplinary team ensures seamless project coordination and communication.
- We provide proven expertise in navigating complex governmental permitting processes.
- Our stable leadership team maintains continuity and institutional knowledge across projects.
- We maintain specialized certifications in storm water management and land surveying.
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services encompass grading and drainage, utility design, storm water management, and road infrastructure planning. We specialize in preparing construction documents and cost estimates for commercial and industrial projects while ensuring compliance with municipal regulations. Our team provides expert bid assistance and construction observation to guarantee successful project implementation.
Land Surveying
We deliver comprehensive land surveying solutions including ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, boundary determination, and topographic mapping. Our services support accurate property development planning and legal documentation. We provide construction staking and utility mapping to ensure precise implementation of engineering plans.
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering experts perform systems evaluation, failure analysis, and seismic assessments for new and existing structures. We provide detailed material estimates and design solutions for foundations, retaining walls, and bridge support systems. Our services include comprehensive construction observation reports for quality assurance.
Land Planning
We offer master planning, zoning assistance, and due diligence analysis for residential and commercial developments. Our planning services integrate environmental considerations with market needs to create functional, profitable land use solutions. We maintain strong relationships with local government agencies to facilitate project entitlements.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture practice creates functional outdoor spaces through planting design, irrigation planning, and amenity development. We produce project pattern books and graphic presentations that guide cohesive development while balancing aesthetic appeal with environmental sustainability requirements.
People
Lee Davidson
President and Principal in Charge
Lee has led Reaves Firm since 1976, focusing on major mixed-use and industrial projects. He manages client relationships and oversees site development aspects including due diligence and governmental liaison work. Licensed in three states, he remains active in Memphis-area community leadership.
Greg Bartlett
Principal in Charge of Civil Engineering
Greg manages commercial and multi-family civil engineering projects with emphasis on storm water management. He serves as company IT director and brings extensive expertise in project entitlements. Licensed in three states, he graduated from University of Memphis with BSCE in 1988.
Mike Davis
Principal in Charge of Land Planning
Mike leads land planning efforts, handling due diligence and governmental interactions. With prior experience at a major homebuilding company, he manages commercial and residential planning projects. Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi, he contributes to local greenway initiatives.
Tim McCaskill
Principal in Charge of Land Surveying
Tim oversees the surveying department with decades of experience in boundary surveys and ALTA standards. His former company merged with Reaves Firm to enhance surveying capabilities. Licensed in three states, he ensures accurate survey data for complex development projects.
Christine Donhardt
Landscape Architect
Christine brings expertise in communications and sustainability to landscape architecture projects. She serves on national and state design committees and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree. Her work focuses on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments.
Questions
What engineering disciplines does The Reaves Firm offer?
We provide civil, structural, and land planning services alongside landscape architecture and land surveying capabilities.
Does The Reaves Firm handle large-scale industrial projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with distribution centers and major industrial developments across the region.
Can you assist with governmental permitting processes?
Our team specializes in navigating zoning requirements, subdivision approvals, and environmental permitting for all project types.
What geographic areas do you service?
While based in Memphis, we work throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and other adjacent regions.
Do you provide surveying services beyond basic boundary mapping?
Yes, we offer ALTA/NSPS surveys, topographic mapping, construction staking, and utility surveying solutions.
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