Each year during National Surveyors Week, we recognize the professionals who define the land beneath our feet and provide the critical data that shapes every successful project. Surveying is one of the oldest professions, yet it remains one of the most essential, supporting land ownership, infrastructure development, and community growth.
Surveyors Week is a reflection of the work we are proud to deliver every day, helping clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and precision.
Defining the Foundation of Every Project
Before design begins, before construction starts, and before decisions are finalized, surveying lays the groundwork. From boundary surveys that establish property lines to topographic surveys that reveal the character of the land, our team provides the accurate, reliable data that projects depend on.
Every survey represents more than measurements. It provides:
Confidence in property ownership and boundaries
Critical insight for planning and design
Reduced risk during development and construction
A clear path forward for projects of every scale
Whether confirming where a property begins and ends or mapping elevation, drainage, and existing features, our surveyors ensure that every project starts with the right information.
Turning Data Into Direction
Surveying is both a science and a skill. Our team combines advanced technology, such as GPS-enabled instruments, 3D laser scanning, and drone mapping, with deep expertise and local knowledge.
This allows us to deliver:
Precise boundary surveys that stand up to legal and regulatory standards
Detailed topographic surveys that guide smart, efficient design
Data-driven insights that help uncover opportunities and avoid costly surprises
We don’t just collect data, we interpret it, providing context that helps clients, engineers, and designers make informed decisions.
The People Behind the Precision
Behind every accurate map and reliable dataset is a team committed to excellence.
Our surveyors bring together technical expertise, field experience, and problem-solving to support increasingly complex projects. As communities grow and infrastructure evolves, the need for precise, dependable surveying continues to expand.
We are proud to play a role in that process, supporting development, protecting property rights, and helping bring projects to life from the ground up.
This Surveyors Week, we celebrate the professionals who define the starting point of every project and the lasting impact their work has on the communities we serve.
Celebrating Engineering Week: Infrastructure That Strengthens Communities
Each year during National Engineers Week, we recognize the professionals who design, improve, and protect the systems communities rely on every day. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, Engineering Week highlights the critical role engineers play in safeguarding public health, supporting economic growth, and advancing innovation.
At Abonmarche, Engineering Week is a reflection of the work we are privileged to do alongside the communities we serve.
Engineering That Makes a Lasting Impact
From municipal water and wastewater system improvements to infrastructure planning and environmental services, our engineering teams design practical, forward-thinking solutions that help communities thrive.
Every project represents more than drawings and specifications. It represents:
Responsible wastewater management
Infrastructure that supports growth
Compliance with evolving regulatory standards
Long-term performance and fiscal responsibility
Strong infrastructure begins with strong partnerships. We collaborate closely with municipalities, utilities, and community stakeholders to understand their goals and challenges, delivering solutions rooted in data, experience, and long-term stewardship.
The People Driving the Future of Infrastructure
Behind every successful project is a team committed to excellence.
Our engineers bring together technical expertise, field experience, and innovative problem-solving to address increasingly complex infrastructure needs. As systems age and regulations evolve, the demand for resilient, sustainable solutions continues to grow.
We are proud to contribute to that future strengthening communities through thoughtful design and responsible engineering.
This Engineering Week, we celebrate the professionals who make that work possible and the impact their work has across the region.
Women in STEAM: Designing Places That Serve Real People
In engineering, architecture, and land surveying, we often talk about success in technical terms, such as square footage, schedules, budgets, load calculations, and compliance. And yes, those things matter. But they aren’t the whole story.
The truth is, this work is deeply human.
Every technical decision connects back to real life in some way:
A safer intersection means fewer crashes—and more confidence for families crossing the street.
A well-designed public space makes it easier for people to gather, connect, and stay awhile.
A resilient utility or stormwater system quietly protects homes, businesses, and essential services.
A thoughtfully planned building supports wellness, accessibility, and safety from day one.
These impacts aren’t abstract. They’re things our teams see and feel once a project moves off the page and into the world.
Senior Landscape Architect Kathy Burczak describes that moment clearly. “Each time I attend a ribbon cutting or grand opening for a project we’ve worked on, it’s a reminder of why we do this.” Seeing cyclists on the Marquette Trail, people using Canal Plaza, or golfers at the Wee Course brings the purpose into focus.
That realization also shows up in smaller, everyday moments. Staff Engineer Lara Brown mentions that “driving through residential subdivisions I’ve worked on… reminds me that real people live in the places I’ve designed.” Roads and utilities may fade into the background, but people rely on them every day. CAD Technician Keri Van Antwerp captures it simply: “One day you look at them and realize, people are using this.”
Some projects make that connection impossible to ignore.
Project Manager Miranda Bishop recalls an accessible boardwalk project where the contractor shared that his daughter, who is quadriplegic, would be coming to experience it. “Knowing this project allows her, and so many others, to access and enjoy the lake is something I’ll never forget.” It’s a reminder that accessibility isn’t just a requirement; it’s personal.
Staff Engineer Maghan Homan points to projects like affordable housing, recovery support housing, and senior living communities, work that helps people stay safely housed. “Being part of that work is incredibly rewarding,” she says, and it’s easy to understand why.
More Perspectives Create Better Outcomes
If our work is about people, then who is involved in designing it matters.
Having women in STEAM isn’t just about representation; it’s about how problems get solved. Complex projects require collaboration, communication, and a willingness to look at challenges from more than one angle. When teams bring different perspectives to the table early, they tend to ask better questions and land on better solutions.
Project Engineer Liz Roberson puts it honestly: “Having a variety of perspectives on a team can be frustrating… but it always makes the project turn out better.” Our sites are used by people of all abilities and life stages, and teams that reflect that reality tend to design better outcomes.
That value shows up in both big picture decisions and small details. Maghan Homan notes that “sometimes it really helps to reach out and ask someone else for input, even if you aren’t sure they’ll have insight.” Miranda Bishop shares how a woman’s perspective made a real difference on a restroom project, details like changing stations, hooks, benches, and managing small children don’t always surface unless someone brings that lived experience to the table.
And sometimes, a different perspective changes the direction of a project entirely.
On the Five Mile Hill project, the original plan was to replace an old wooden deck with another wooden deck. Kathy Burczak and her team proposed a low retaining wall with seating and landscaping instead, more attractive and lower maintenance. That shift led to an award-winning project, reinforcing her belief that “when our teams reflect the people our projects serve, the solutions benefit everyone.”
Visibility Changes the Pipeline
Seeing someone like yourself in a role can make all the difference.
When young women see engineers, architects, surveyors, and project managers leading meaningful work, it sends a powerful message: there’s a place for you here.
Miranda Bishop speaks directly to that reality. “You may be in the minority in these fields, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.” She points to the organizational, leadership, and project management strengths women bring to every phase of a project.
Maghan Homan echoes that encouragement: “Be bold. Be brave. Find other women to connect with, ask questions, and absorb as much knowledge as you can.” Representation doesn’t just inspire, it helps sustain the future of the profession.
Leadership Takes Intention
Progress in STEAM doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, through mentorship, sponsorship, opportunity, and trust.
Kathy Burczak’s advice is refreshingly simple: “Go for it, there are no limits to what you can do.” CAD Technician Keri Van Antwerp reminds us that the payoff often comes later: “One day you’ll look at a project and be able to say, ‘I helped create that.’” And Project Manager Leah Bectel points to the breadth of opportunity available today, noting that “the opportunities, from scholarships and internships to full-time careers, are endless.”
The Future Is Better When More People Shape It
Women in STEAM aren’t waiting for their turn. They are leading teams, shaping communities, and delivering meaningful work right now.
Women in STEAM Day is a moment to celebrate that, but it’s also a reminder. When we make room for more voices and perspectives, we don’t just strengthen our industry. We strengthen the places and people our work is meant to serve.
Because at the end of the day, the built environment is a people business.
Linking South Bend: Delivering the Link Trail Through Collaboration and Innovation
South Bend just got a whole lot more connected. Completed in April 2025, the Link Trail is a 1.5-mile, multi-use corridor linking the University of Notre Dame to downtown. Designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, this trail turns everyday streets into safe, vibrant, and inviting spaces, without disrupting vehicular traffic. Beyond its physical improvements, the Link Trail is also a case study in collaboration under pressure, showcasing how municipalities, academic institutions, and engineering consultants can deliver complex projects on accelerated schedules.
A Design That Puts People First Built entirely within the existing right-of-way, the Link Trail demonstrates the power of thoughtful urban planning and adaptable, solution-oriented design. The project stretches along LaSalle Avenue, Hill Street, South Bend Avenue, Notre Dame Avenue, and Angela Boulevard, featuring:
Wide multi-use path with raised crosswalks and separate sidewalks
Enhanced lighting and traffic-calming features
Thoughtful landscaping and signature wayfinding signage
Upgrades to underground infrastructure, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main improvements
These improvements create a safer, more attractive route while maintaining smooth traffic flow with a proper Complete Streets approach. Early coordination with stakeholders, including AEP on high-voltage transmission line crossings, ensured the project remained on schedule and safe for the community.
Meeting the Community’s Needs Before the trail, students and residents had limited options for non-vehicular travel between the campus and downtown. The Link Trail now:
Reduces traffic congestion, especially during Notre Dame football weekends
The project highlights the unique role of Notre Dame students, who supported research, community engagement, and project planning. Their involvement added valuable insight and reinforced the trail’s connection to local learning and civic participation.
More Than a Trail: A Placemaking Triumph Robust public engagement shaped the project from day one. Residents influenced key design choices, ensuring the trail reflects the community’s vision. Signature branding and landscaping make it instantly recognizable, while programming led by Visit South Bend and the University of Notre Dame, including community walks and student activities, keeps the space active and welcoming. To help measure this success, MACOG received a grant to install a trail counter. The data collected will track trail usage, giving planners and community leaders valuable insight into how the Link Trail supports mobility, recreation, and economic vitality.
A Model for Collaboration Funded through a public-private partnership, with equal contributions from the City of South Bend, Visit South Bend Mishawaka, and the University of Notre Dame, the Link Trail demonstrates what’s possible when stakeholders unite behind a shared vision. At $11.5 million, South Bend’s most significant transportation-related investment is tied to the university and sets a new standard for urban placemaking. This project illustrates how early coordination, open communication, and adaptable planning can allow complex, multi-phase infrastructure projects to succeed under tight timelines. The Link Trail isn’t just a route between two points; it’s a symbol of community, collaboration, and innovation, showing how infrastructure can connect people, strengthen local economies, and foster a sense of place.
Collaborative Addressing: A Modern GIS Approach for Smarter Communities
“In cartography, as in medicine, art and science are inseparable. The perfect map blends art and science into an effective tool of visual communication.” — Dr. Keith Harries
Address management may seem routine—but for local governments, it’s a mission-critical function. From emergency response and public safety to planning, permitting, and utility coordination, accurate address data underpins nearly every civic operation. Yet in many communities, address management still relies on fragmented systems and disconnected workflows, creating inefficiencies that ripple across departments.
Elkhart County, Indiana, recognized this challenge and chose a different path—one rooted in collaboration, transparency, and GIS technology. By implementing a unified, Esri-powered address management system, the county established a scalable governance model that now serves as a best-practice example for communities nationwide.
The Challenge: Disconnected Processes, Delayed Services
For years, address creation and maintenance in Elkhart County operated in silos. Municipalities, emergency services, planning departments, and private developers each followed their own systems and timelines. The result was a set of recurring challenges:
Inconsistent address records across agencies
Delays in emergency response caused by outdated or mismatched data
Redundant workflows and unclear authority over address assignment
Limited transparency for developers and residents navigating the process
This fractured model created administrative burden—and, more importantly, risk. When public safety and development depend on accurate geographic data, fragmentation isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous.
The Solution: A Unified, GIS-Based Addressing Ecosystem
To modernize its approach, Elkhart County implemented a centralized address management workflow built on Esri GIS technology. The new system established a single authoritative source of truth for address data, supported by several key capabilities:
Standardized address creation protocols aligned across municipalities
Automated validation rules to enforce consistency and reduce human error
Real-time status dashboards to track addresses from submission through approval
A public-facing GIS Hub site for transparency, education, and direct stakeholder access
Together, these tools created a fully integrated platform that supports emergency dispatch, land use planning, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
Collaboration: The True Catalyst for Change
While technology enabled the transformation, collaboration made it successful. Elkhart County built a shared governance structure that brought together:
City, township, and county leadership
Emergency service providers to ensure public-safety readiness
Developers, utilities, and private sector partners to align timelines and expectations
The county also prioritized training and user support to ensure both technical and non-technical staff could confidently use the new tools. This investment in people ensured the system wasn’t just implemented—it was adopted.
Workflow Improvements at a Glance
Automated Address Validation: Reduces duplication and enforces consistency
Live Tracking & Status Updates: Improves transparency across departments and external users
Public Hub Integration: Educates residents and developers while streamlining communication
Centralized Data Access: Ensures all agencies work from one accurate, real-time dataset
The Results: Faster, Smarter, and More Transparent
Since launching the GIS-based workflow, Elkhart County has realized significant benefits:
Faster approval timelines for new and updated addresses
Improved emergency response readiness with real-time, accurate location data
Reduced administrative burden and clearer interagency roles
Increased public trust through transparency and consistent communication
What was once a reactive, fragmented process is now a coordinated, proactive public service.
Key Lessons for Other Communities
Elkhart County’s experience offers actionable insights for any local government pursuing modernization:
Engage stakeholders early and often to ensure alignment and buy-in
Automate strategically without overcomplicating the user experience
Invest in continuous training to support long-term adoption
Design for scalability to serve both rural and urban growth
A Model for Regional GIS Innovation
Elkhart County’s addressing initiative demonstrates what’s possible when GIS technology, strategic governance, and collaboration intersect. By aligning tools, people, and processes, the county laid the foundation for smarter growth, improved safety, and stronger public trust.
This project reinforces a simple truth: innovative governance starts with smart data. And with the right framework in place, even foundational systems like address management can drive efficiency, transparency, and community confidence for years to come.
Boundary Surveys: Drawing the Line with Confidence
We know that buying, building, or developing land comes with big decisions and sometimes even bigger questions. One of the most common is: “Where does my property actually begin and end?” That’s where a boundary survey comes in.
What Is a Boundary Survey?
Think of a boundary survey as drawing the “frame” around your property. Our licensed surveyors dig into historical records, study plats and deeds, and combine that research with precise fieldwork using advanced GPS and mapping tools. The result is a clear, legally recognized map of your property lines.
Why Boundary Surveys Matter
A boundary survey might feel like just another box to check, but it’s often the step that prevents headaches down the road. Here’s why:
Peace of Mind for Property Owners Nobody wants to find out that a fence, driveway, or even a building sits on the wrong side of the line. A survey gives you certainty and can resolve disputes before they even start.
Smart Development Starts Here Whether you’re planning a new home, a commercial development, or a community space, you need to know exactly what land you’re working with. Surveys give designers and engineers the confidence to plan without costly surprises later.
Smooth Real Estate Transactions Lenders, buyers, and title companies often require boundary surveys. They help confirm that the land being sold matches the description in the deed, avoiding confusion (and extra costs) at closing.
Protecting Long-Term Value When your boundaries are clear, so is your investment. You can make improvements with confidence, knowing your property is protected.
More Than Just Measurements
Technology has changed the way we survey. At Abonmarche, we use tools like GPS-enabled instruments and drone mapping to deliver highly accurate results faster than ever before. But while technology is powerful, our team’s experience and judgment make the difference. We combine precision, local knowledge, and decades of expertise to ensure every survey stands up to scrutiny.
Why Work with Abonmarche
For us, a boundary survey isn’t just about drawing lines on a map; it’s about helping people move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or municipality, surveys are the first step in building something great.
We don’t just define boundaries; we provide peace of mind.
Designing for Industry: How Architecture Drives Production
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, architecture is more than aesthetics—it’s a strategic tool for driving productivity and performance. With over 40% of Midwest manufacturers planning capital expenditures exceeding $1 million in 2025, facility design is becoming a critical part of the conversation.
As manufacturers expand or retool to meet rising demand, efficiency, safety, and adaptability are top priorities. Industrial architecture plays a pivotal role in this process, transforming operational goals into physical spaces that work as hard as the people inside them.
We specialize in designing environments that empower industrial operations. For example, we proudly partnered with Wieland, working with Global paper manufacturer Sofidel on the design of their newest facility, right here in the Midwest From the initial kickoff to final delivery, our architecture team is focused on aligning building performance with client production goals.
Strategic Design = Operational Efficiency
Effective industrial design starts by understanding a client’s processes. For Sofidel, our architects worked closely with engineers, plant managers, and equipment vendors to ensure spatial layouts supported streamlined workflows, minimized downtime, and met rigorous safety standards.
Thoughtful design directly impacts:
Material flow: Optimized layouts reduce travel distance and boost throughput.
Worker productivity: Natural light, ventilation, and ergonomic spaces support performance and morale.
Scalability: Flexible infrastructure makes future expansions faster and more cost-effective.
Sustainability Meets Industrial Strength
Modern manufacturing facilities must also meet sustainability goals. In the Sofidel project, we integrated efficient lighting systems, energy-saving HVAC design, and sustainable materials to reduce the building’s environmental footprint—without compromising durability or performance.
Partnership from Concept to Completion
From site selection and permitting through architectural design and construction oversight, our team delivers comprehensive support for industrial projects. We bring together architects, engineers, and project managers who speak the language of manufacturing and understand how space can fuel growth.
Whether expanding a production line or breaking ground on a greenfield facility, your architecture partner should help you build smarter, safer, and stronger.
Full-Depth Reclamation: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution for Parking Lot Renovation
As budgets tighten and environmental concerns grow, finding efficient and sustainable solutions for parking lot renovations has never been more important. Enter Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR)—an innovative, in-place recycling method that transforms existing parking lots and light-duty drives into durable, eco-friendly spaces.
FDR is a game changer for pavement reconstruction. Rather than hauling away old materials, this method recycles the existing pavement and stone sub-base by grinding them up and mixing them with Portland Cement and other materials. The result? A strong, solid foundation for a new asphalt surface that can withstand the demands of today’s vehicles. Not only does this process improve structural capacity, but it also addresses a variety of pavement issues, from rutting and potholes to rough areas and cracking.
What makes FDR particularly attractive is its environmental and financial benefits. By reusing the materials already in place, you can reduce waste and preserve natural resources. Additionally, FDR is typically more cost-effective than traditional removal and replacement methods, providing facility owners and managers with a longer asset life cycle and significant savings. But that’s not all. FDR also offers the opportunity to enhance lot drainage during the reconstruction process, further improving the long-term functionality of the space.
As an approved method for road reconstruction by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), FDR has proven its success in projects across the nation.
One recent example is our work at Westview Schools in Topeka, IN, where FDR was successfully utilized on the High School and Middle School campus. Despite slight modifications, FDR provided a cost-effective solution to a major renovation challenge for the Warriors.
If you’re facing budget challenges with parking lot or road maintenance, especially when schedules are tight, FDR might be the perfect solution. Let us tell you how this approach can work for your next project, just as it did for Westview Schools!
Designing with Nature: Kathy Burczak’s 32-Year Legacy in Landscape Architecture
When you speak with Kathy Burczak, Abonmarche’s Senior Landscape Architect, one thing becomes clear: she was born for this work. With more than 32 years at Abonmarche and a career shaped by a reverence for nature and history, Kathy has helped bring to life cherished public spaces across Michigan and Indiana.
Returning Home, Finding Purpose
Kathy’s journey began in Northwest Indiana. After gaining valuable early experience and brief stint in Vermont she moved to South West Michigan and began her work with Abonmarche. “I’ve been with Abonmarche for over 32 years,” she says. “I came back to the area because it’s home.” Kathy’s work embraces a naturalistic design aesthetic—spaces that appear to have been shaped by nature itself. She attributes this approach to the influence of legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen. “Early in my career, I worked on parks originally designed by Jensen. He probably influenced my design philosophy more than anyone else.”
Sustainability with Soul
Sustainability is woven into every element of Kathy’s work. From the reuse of materials to intentional plant selection, she designs with both longevity and ecology in mind. But for Kathy, sustainability is about more than environmental stewardship—it’s about creating spaces that people love, use, and return to time and again.
Designing for Community
When asked to name a favorite project, Kathy finds it difficult to choose just one. “There are several that come to mind,” she says. Among them:
Allegan Riverfront, where a former parking lot was transformed into a vibrant destination complete with a music venue, splash pad, and public gathering spaces.
New Buffalo Streetscape, a reimagining of downtown that revitalized the community’s public realm.
Jean Klock Park, where she helped restore elements of Jens Jensen’s original design while incorporating modern amenities.
Harbor Shores, including her current work on the Wee Golf Course, designed as a short course for golfers of all ages.
Challenges and Triumphs
Designing public spaces often comes with challenges—especially budgetary constraints. “Site elements are often the first to go,” Kathy notes. Yet she remains committed to balancing aesthetics, function, and sustainability. Her guiding principle? “Designs should never feel forced—they should feel like they’ve always belonged.”
A Fun Twist on the Journey
One of the more unexpected moments in Kathy’s story? “I turned down a full-paid scholarship to cosmetology school,” she laughs. “My English teacher probably convinced me it wasn’t the right path—likely after seeing my hair!” Kathy’s passion, experience, and connection to place have left an enduring legacy—not only at Abonmarche, but in the communities she’s helped shape. Her work continues to evolve and inspire, just like the spaces she so thoughtfully brings to life.
Collaborating to Tackle Lead Water Lines with GIS Technology
We are committed to improving community health and safety through collaboration and innovation. Our recent efforts, as highlighted by GIS Specialist George Nikokiris in a podcast and blog post with Esri, demonstrate how we’re using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to address the critical issue of lead contamination in water supply lines across northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.
The Hidden Danger of Lead Pipes
While lead was once a common choice for plumbing due to its durability, we now know the serious health risks it poses, especially when it contaminates drinking water. Many communities remain unaware of where lead pipes are located within their water systems, causing delays in necessary actions to protect public health.
The Risks of Lead Contamination
Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children, pregnant women, and pets. Long-term exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other severe health issues. Identifying and replacing these pipes is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.
Our Collaborative Approach to Mapping Lead Pipes
In his conversation with Esri, George Nikokiris emphasizes how Abonmarche’s GIS team collaborates with local leaders and residents to address this challenge. We are working to create detailed, comprehensive inventories of water supply lines, which will help communities identify the presence of lead pipes and prioritize their replacement.
“Collaboration with local residents and leaders is key to tackling the issue of lead contamination. By using GIS technology and community engagement, we are building stronger, safer neighborhoods.” — George Nikokiris, GIS Specialist at Abonmarche
Utilizing GIS Technology for Better Mapping
Our approach includes extensive research, including delving into historical records, to accurately map and track lead pipe locations. GIS technology allows us to create interactive maps that visualize the extent of lead pipe usage in each area, helping local authorities make informed decisions about water system improvements.
Community Engagement in Lead Pipe Identification
Community involvement is at the heart of our initiative. Through the use of ArcGIS Hub sites, we are empowering residents to actively participate in the identification of lead service lines. Our efforts include:
Distributing informative door hangers to educate residents about the dangers of lead pipes
Conducting surveys to gather community insights on water service line conditions
Establishing online platforms where residents can report potential issues and monitor the progress of lead pipe replacements
By fostering community engagement, we are raising awareness and creating a shared sense of responsibility for improving water safety.
Join Us in This Essential Initiative
We invite you to learn more about how we’re leveraging GIS technology to improve water safety and engage local communities in addressing the lead pipe issue. Together, we can help pave the way to a healthier, safer environment for everyone.
