How one office shaped the foundations of Jacobs today

Few could have imagined that a small engineering office above a Corvallis, Oregon hardware store would shape projects spanning six continents, pioneer breakthrough water technologies and lay the foundation for one of the world's leading technical professional services companies. Yet 80 years later, the spirit that launched CH2M HILL in 1946 continues to influence Jacobs and the communities it serves around the globe.

The Corvallis office stands as both the birthplace of CH2M and an important part of Jacobs' global business, supporting clients across the Pacific Northwest while contributing expertise to programs around the world. As Jacobs marks the office's 80th anniversary, the milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate the people, innovations and partnerships that began in Corvallis and continue to create positive impact today.

In 1946, three Oregon State College graduates and their professor came together in Corvallis with an ambitious vision: to build a company dedicated to solving communities' most pressing infrastructure challenges. What began in a modest office would grow into CH2M, a firm whose innovations supported transformation of water, transportation, environmental stewardship and critical infrastructure around the world.

More than seven decades later, in 2017, CH2M became part of Jacobs, bringing together two organizations known for delivering innovative solutions to some of the world's most complex infrastructure, environmental and technology challenges. Importantly, the pioneering spirit established in Corvallis continues to shape Jacobs' work and culture today.

"Corvallis is more than a Jacobs office. It's where a culture of innovation, integrity and service first took root," says Jacobs Northwest Executive Director of Operations Kristie Casarez. "For 80 years, generations of employees have collaborated with clients to solve complex challenges and improve the communities where we live and work. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor those who built that legacy while recognizing the people who continue to shape our future."

The Corvallis story is inseparable from the story of CH2M itself. Founded by Holly Cornell, Jim Howland, Burke Hayes and Fred Merryfield, the firm quickly earned a reputation for supporting communities throughout the Pacific Northwest to address growing water, wastewater and infrastructure needs. Within a few years, the company had expanded beyond Oregon, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world's most respected engineering and consulting organizations.

From Corvallis, engineers developed innovations that shaped modern infrastructure as we know it today. Early technology breakthroughs such as a variable-speed pumping system and other water treatment technologies established the firm's reputation for practical, forward-thinking solutions. The office also played a pivotal role in landmark water and environmental projects that advanced water quality standards and demonstrated how technology and innovation could improve communities at scale.

Just as importantly, Corvallis became a place where future leaders were developed. Its longstanding relationship with Oregon State University created a pipeline of talent that  fueled decades of growth. Several of today's Jacobs leaders began their careers in Corvallis, carrying the office's entrepreneurial spirit, technical excellence and client-first culture with them as they assumed leadership roles across the company.

Many of the client relationships and technical foundations established during CH2M's growth remain among Jacobs' most impactful programs today. These enduring relationships reflect a legacy built on technical excellence and trust. While the work has evolved from local infrastructure projects to globally significant transportation, water, environmental and technology programs, the foundation remains unchanged: delivering innovative solutions that create lasting value.

The Corvallis office remains an important part of Jacobs' global network, supporting clients throughout the Pacific Northwest while contributing expertise to major programs around the world. For many employees, Corvallis represents a unique combination of local connection and global impact. It’s place where people can build a career rooted in community while delivering solutions for clients across the United States and around the world. 

"There's a tremendous sense of pride in knowing that our office launched a company whose influence now spans the globe," says Jacobs Corvallis Office Lead Marlo Crenshaw. "When we look at the clients and programs Jacobs supports today, we see the continuation of a legacy that began 80 years ago."

Jacobs Executive Vice President and General Manager, Americas - West Eva Wood adds that the anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate both the office's remarkable history and its ongoing role in shaping Jacobs' future.

"For 80 years, the Corvallis office has demonstrated what happens when talented people are empowered to innovate, lead and build lasting client relationships," she says. "Its influence extends far beyond Oregon. The technologies pioneered here, the leaders developed here and the partnerships established here have shaped projects and programs around the world."