Diamond Associate Member Spotlight: Commonwealth Engineers, Inc.
In 1974, just two years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. was founded in Greenwood, Indiana, by Claude Quillen, Jack Dritt, and Ed Tinkle. What began as a small, focused team has since grown into the largest Indiana-based engineering firm dedicated to water and wastewater engineering. Commonwealth recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service, innovation, and a firm commitment to supporting communities.
From its origins as a single office with a handful of staff, Commonwealth has experienced deliberate and sustained growth. As recently as 2016, the firm had only three offices and 71 employees. Today, it operates eight regional offices with a team of over 170 professionals. This expansion has been strategic and purpose-driven, embedded in a desire to maintain close proximity to the communities they serve. The firm’s regional presence ensures that clients, whether in urban centers or rural towns—receive personal and responsive service tailored to their unique infrastructure needs.
Commonwealth distinguishes itself in the industry not only through its technical excellence but also through its comprehensive, client-centered approach. In addition to engineering expertise, the firm provides specialized services that extend far beyond traditional design. These include grant assistance, regulatory guidance, and operational support. In the last five years alone, Commonwealth has helped clients secure more than $209 million in grant funding, a testament to its ability to make critical infrastructure projects financially attainable for communities of all sizes.
The firm also employs former utility operators and IDEM personnel to enhance the practical and regulatory components of its services. This integrated approach ensures that projects are not only well-designed but also feasible for operators to maintain and comply with evolving regulations. The goal is to support clients from project inception through completion, and well beyond.
Commonwealth’s commitment to community engagement is equally strong. The firm actively supports local events, festivals, and initiatives in the towns it serves, often stepping in as a sponsor for fireworks displays or community celebrations. Each year, the company hosts a client appreciation golf outing that raises funds for local charities. In 2024, the event raised over $28,000 for 22 client-selected organizations. Additionally, Commonwealth staff regularly participate in service projects such as the Ohio River Sweep, community clean-up days, and school supply drives.
Internally, Commonwealth has promoted a culture of stability and growth. Many members of the firm’s leadership team began their careers at Commonwealth directly out of college and have remained with the organization for decades. This deep bench of institutional knowledge enables the firm to deliver long-term consistency to clients, many of whom have experienced staff or elected official turnover. At the same time, Commonwealth’s team has remained a steady and knowledgeable presence.
This commitment to excellence has earned Commonwealth numerous accolades. The firm has been recognized as a Central Indiana Top Workplace for seven consecutive years and was recently named one of the top 10 Best Places to Work in Indiana for midsize companies in 2025. It has also received the prestigious PSMJ Circle of Excellence Award for seven consecutive years—a national recognition for high-performing architecture and engineering firms that exemplify strong business practices.
As a longtime member of the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, Commonwealth has recently increased its level of support to become a Diamond-level sponsor. This decision reflects the firm’s recognition of the Alliance’s role in supporting the same communities that the Commonwealth serves. Staff members particularly value opportunities to connect with utility professionals at Alliance events such as the Operator Expos, where the informal, hands-on setting allows for deeper engagement with clients.
At its core, Commonwealth Engineers is more than an engineering firm. Clients frequently describe the firm as an extension of their own staff, emphasizing the sense of partnership, trust, and community that defines these relationships. The firm’s mission is not just to design infrastructure but to empower and support the people who depend on it.
As Commonwealth enters its next 50 years, its legacy of service, integrity, and community impact continues to shape the future of Indiana’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
Learn more about Commonwealth at Home - Commonwealth Engineers