Our Founder- Austin Brockenbrough, Jr.

Early Years, 1955 – 1980

Austin Brockenbrough & Associates began with two Partners and a small staff of about five employees. The first office was located in the triangular Sauer Building (since demolished) at Meadow and Broad Streets in Richmond. Space requirements and a desire to be nearer to clients soon required a series of moves to several locations in the 100 and 200 blocks of East Cary Street in downtown Richmond. The Firm joined with another consulting firm in 1964 to construct a new office building at 114 East Cary Street and by the early 1970’s, had acquired full ownership and occupied all of the space.

Mr. Brockenbrough was the Firm’s Senior and Managing Partner while Mr. Watlington was responsible for the engineering operations. Projects in the early years included Chesterfield County’s first reservoir and water treatment plant on Falling Creek, a wastewater treatment plant for Ferrum College and sewer systems for the City of Richmond. Urban Renewal projects including Mosby Court, Creighton Court, 17th Street and the Fulton Area were notable projects in Richmond.

James A. Whitt, a 1955 civil engineering graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, joined the Firm in 1960 after serving as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army and working for the Tennessee Valley Authority. He became a Partner in 1966 with responsibility for surveying and site development projects.

Alexander B. Sadler, Jr. a 1958 civil engineering graduate of the University of Virginia joined the Firm in 1961. He had been in the U. S. Navy’s Civil Engineering Corps and served as a project manager for construction and maintenance projects throughout the southeast and he briefly worked in the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works. Mr. Sadler became a partner in 1967 with responsibility for municipal utility projects.

Gerald W. Augst was hired in 1972. He is a 1970 graduate of Virginia Tech and had been employed by the Virginia State Health Department. He became a partner in 1991 with responsibilities for environmental and utility projects.  Jerry later assumed responsibility for all civil engineering projects including transportation and site development.

Gerald E. Kilgore, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, joined the Firm in 1973 as the Firm’s Business Director. He had formerly been Administrator of Federal Programs and Special Assignments for Virginia Community Colleges, and had served in the Army Medical Corps. Mr. Kilgore became a Partner in 1975, responsible for administration and financial management.

William F. Bell joined the Firm in 1973 after being employed as a mechanical engineer with Hercules, Inc. He was a 1956 graduate of Bradley University in mechanical engineering. He became a Partner in 1980 with responsibility for mechanical, process and electrical engineering services.

Mr. Brockenbrough retired in 1972 and Mr. Watlington left the firm in 1976.

Notable projects in this period

Growth and Stabilization, 1980 – 2000

This period was marked by increasing project complexity, a stricter regulatory environment, the beginning of computer aided design and new construction management techniques.

In 1982 the firm moved to a new larger office building located in Chester, Virginia that was specifically tailored to their operations.

With the elevation of William F. Bell to Partner, mechanical and electrical engineering projects became a source of growth for the Firm. Work with the U.S. Department of Defense expanded to providing a full range of services associated with petroleum products.

Bruce K. Sadler, a 1988 BSME graduate from the University of Virginia joined the Firm in 1992 after being employed by BASF Corporation as a Facilities Engineer.  Bruce was elevated to Partner in 1997 responsible for mechanical and electrical engineering services.

Carolyn B. Langelotti, a 1986 BSCE and 1993 MBA graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, joined the firm in 1993.  She had been a Project Manager with Parsons/Main in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carrie was elevated to Partner and Business Director in 1998.

Jim Whitt died in 1992.  Bill Bell retired in 1994.  Alex Sadler and Jerry Kilgore retired in 1997.

Notable projects in this period

3rd Generation/Change: 2000 – Present

Serving the Profession and Community

• American Council of Engineering Companies – Virginia (ACEC Virginia)
  • Alex Sadler, 1984 – 85 President, 1985 – 86 National Director
  • Jerry Augst, 2003 – 04 President, 2004 – 05 National Director
  • Bruce Sadler, 2014 – 2015 President, 2015 – 2016 National Director
• American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Alex Sadler, Past Richmond Branch President
  • Carrie Langelotti, Past Richmond Branch President, 2005 – 06 VA Section President

• Rotary
  • Jerry Augst, Brandermill Rotary Charter Member and Past Board of Directors
• YMCA Chester
  • Ashley Williams, Board of Directors
• Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce
• Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Virginia Society of Professional Engineers
  • Dave Warriner, 2001 – 02 Past President of Richmond Chapter, 2002 – 05 State Board, 2003 and 2006 Chairman of Joint Legislative Committee

• Virginia Road and Transportation Builders Association (now VTCA)
  • Carrie Langelotti, Partner, Past Board of Directors
• Other Member Organizations
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • American Society of Highway Engineers
  • American Society of Testing and Materials
  • American Water Works Association
  • Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • Society of Automotive Engineers
  • Society of Marketing Professionals
  • Virginia Association of Surveyors
  • Virginia Structural Engineering Council
  • Water Environmental Federation

• Kiwanis Club
  • Steve Miles, Past President, Lt. Governor of Division 18 Capital District Kiwanis International
• Virginia Association of Counties
• Virginia Municipal League

Philosophy