Michael Baker International, a renowned global leader in engineering, planning, and consulting services, has recently announced the addition of two industry experts to its Design-Build (D-B) team. Shawn Plichta, P.E., and James Murphy, DBIA, have joined the firm as Regional Practice Leads, where they will play pivotal roles in promoting Michael Baker’s D-B capabilities across multiple markets in the United States. Their responsibilities will involve supporting the firm’s operations by establishing winning teams for project pursuits, negotiating terms with contractor partners, and positioning Michael Baker for successful project wins.
Design-Build
Design-Build has emerged as the fastest-growing method for delivering construction projects in the United States. With its continued popularity, Michael Baker is committed to delivering innovative and collaborative alternative delivery projects that effectively address clients’ needs. Eric Ostfeld, P.E., President of Design-Build Services at Michael Baker International, expressed his pleasure in welcoming Shawn and James to the D-B team, acknowledging their instrumental role in expanding the portfolio of D-B projects and enhancing the firm’s resources in this sector.
Shawn Plichta brings an impressive 24 years of experience in D-B/alternative delivery project management, business development, and negotiation of teaming and design service agreements to his new role. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Plichta served as a Program Director – Mobility Solutions with Parsons Corporation and held the position of Operations Manager with Graham, where he provided general contracting, D-B, construction management, and public-private partnership (P3) services across the buildings, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a Bridge Engineer and Inspector with the Washington State Department of Transportation. Mr. Plichta holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University.
James Murphy brings more than 15 years of experience in heavy civil infrastructure construction to his new role. His expertise includes large-scale utilities, roadways, concrete paving, retaining walls, and bridges. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Murphy served as a Design Manager with Flatiron, where he was responsible for coordinating and managing the design efforts of lead engineering firms in the Southwest. Previously, he held the position of Project Manager with New-Com, the consolidated parent company of TAB Contractors, MMC, Acme Electric, and Biodiesel of Las Vegas. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Design Manager and Project Manager with Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. James Murphy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Michael Baker International is a trusted provider of engineering and consulting services, operating across five distinct verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS), and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm’s practices encompass various aspects of infrastructure, including design, civil engineering, bridge construction, highway development, water management, rail and transit systems, aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental studies, construction management, and program management. With a history spanning over 80 years, Michael Baker International has built a strong reputation as a reliable partner to clients, delivering comprehensive services, embracing innovation and emerging technologies, and prioritizing quality.
With a workforce of more than 3,500 employees across nearly 100 locations, Michael Baker International is committed to making a positive difference for its clients and communities. The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement, and it is in the process of reimagining itself as a full-service engineering and consulting firm within the next five years. Embracing emerging technologies such as intelligent transportation systems, engineered models, and software as a service (SaaS) for public safety, Michael Baker International strives to stay at the forefront of the industry and provide exceptional expertise and solutions to its clients
