A Premier Partner for Construction and Public Works

Discovering the role of diversity, professional development, and community engagement in construction management

Founded in 2013, ACMS Northwest has quickly become a leader in the construction management and inspection services industry.

Specializing in public sector projects, ACMS Northwest is recognized for its strong community presence, a commitment to diversity, and its expertise in managing complex civil and infrastructure projects.

The firm is at a pivotal moment in its growth, and thanks to effective execution, its operational foundation stands strong as it prepares to embrace new opportunities for development.

Leadership focuses on cultivating an organizational culture centered around accountability and a larger shared objective.

So, ACMS Northwest invests in leadership training to help it establish clear, forward-thinking strategies and remain responsive to evolving industry demands and customer needs.

As the firm continues to build upon its strong foundations, its success will be measured by the continued development of an adaptive workforce capable of leading the organization into its next phase of sustainable growth.

That means empowering its skilled workforce by offering opportunities for professional growth, technical development, and cross-collaboration.

ACMS Northwest also continuously refines its recruitment process to attract top talent, promotes a work environment that champions continuous learning, and nurtures a culture of collaboration that spans all levels of the organization.

Operational efficiency is heavily prioritized via streamlining processes through technology and adopting best practices that drive productivity and customer satisfaction.

As a result, ACMS Northwest has built a reputation for its ability to scale operations effectively, expand its footprint within the industry, and secure long-lasting partnerships with clients.

A Strong Foundation and Diverse Expertise

Laurie Allen and Monique Allen founded ACMS Northwest in August 2013.

Drawing on their extensive experience, both Laurie and Monique had previously worked for the same consulting firm in the Portland area, where they honed their skills in project management and construction oversight.

Since then, ACMS Northwest has grown to provide a wide range of services, including civil design, with a strong emphasis on construction management and inspection.

The firm’s clients primarily consist of governmental agencies, such as state departments of transportation, municipalities, and airport facilities.

Over the years, ACMS has expanded its reach and service offerings, solidifying its place in the competitive field of public works development.

“We’ve always believed in building upon the good experiences we had at our previous jobs,” says CEO Laurie Allen. “Our goal was to bring what we learned and build something even better, all while focusing on inclusion and creating more opportunities for everyone.”

While ACMS Northwest is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, its expertise spans beyond the city limits. Certified to operate in Oregon and Washington, the firm serves clients in both states and beyond.

“Our headquarters may be in Portland, but our work takes us all over the region. We’re involved in projects in both Oregon and Washington, and we are always open to expanding our reach when the opportunity arises,” says President Monique Allen, highlighting the firm’s strong commitment to the Pacific Northwest.

ACMS Northwest has built a reputation for handling diverse and complicated projects. The firm’s work is not just about building structures; it’s about improving the quality of life for people in the regions it serves, as evidenced by the types of projects it takes on.

These projects include wastewater treatment plants, stormwater infrastructure, bridges, roads, and even sports stadiums.

Notably, ACMS Northwest has been a key player in the development of the Hop Stadium in Hillsboro, Oregon, as well as ongoing work at Portland International Airport and the Abernathy Bridge.

One standout project is the Secondary Treatment Expansion Program (STEP) for the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, which is a $630 million project involving construction management, project controls, and inspection services.

ACMS Northwest has been working on this project since 2017 and continues to provide invaluable support as part of a collaborative team of consultants and contractors.

“The STEP program is going to be one of the biggest that people don’t pay attention to, but that still affects the public on a regular basis in terms of our everyday lives… We’re providing both project controls and construction management services on behalf of the client,” Laurie Allen says.

In addition to the STEP program, ACMS Northwest is involved in multiple other public works projects, such as the Ada curb ramp upgrades for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and improvements to various Portland public schools.

Their work on the Abernathy Bridge and the Portland Water Bureau’s Bull Run project has also garnered attention for their technical complexity and community impact.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Employee Development

One of ACMS Northwest’s core values is its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

The firm is proud to be both a woman-owned and minority-owned business. Its dedication to diversity extends to its workforce, which is 65% female or minority.

Operationally, ACMS Northwest’s leaders are very engaged with both employees and clients. They believe that the diversity of the team brings a richness of perspectives that ultimately help to serve clients better.

This focus on diversity is paired with an equally strong commitment to employee development, which ACMS leadership plans for and cultivates intentionally.

“Our staff is working day-to-day with our clients… and we want to make sure that we’re there to help champion and cheerlead their successes and then—if we need to—step in and assist,” says Operations Manager Karla Keller.

ACMS Northwest actively promotes from within, providing opportunities for employees to advance in their careers.

The work employees do during projects is often used to seamlessly build unique developmental opportunities, where employees gain more access and exposure to newer, more complex roles.

“We give the highest quality of ourselves to our employees. Our employees give the highest quality of themselves to us and our clients, and our clients stay happy. That dynamic often comes back to us in the form of a lot of repeat business,” Monique Allen says.

Generally, ACMS Northwest strongly emphasizes the professional development of its employees, particularly mentorship programs for women and minorities.

Its support of organizations such as Women in Transportation (WTS) and Oregon Tradeswomen highlights its commitment to creating diverse and inclusive professional spaces.

Over the years, individuals from ACMS Northwest have even advanced into leadership roles in these organizations, further solidifying the firm’s impact within the industry.

The firm also emphasizes mentoring through programs that empower underrepresented groups, providing mentorship to young women through the BIPOC community and other organizations.

This mentoring is not just about career development; it’s also about inspiring the next generation of leaders to continue the cycle of giving back to the community.

Expanding the Commitment to Community Engagement and Local Partnerships

ACMS Northwest takes a distinctive approach to community engagement, blending professional collaboration with grassroots support, educational contributions, and volunteerism.

As part of its ongoing mission, ACMS Northwest partners with a diverse range of local and national entities that share similar values, particularly when it comes to supporting minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

These partnerships extend beyond the business sphere and reach into the community, where ACMS Northwest focuses on impactful education and environmental initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the firm has established programs that reach all age groups.

Their initiative, “Engineering for Kids,” provides young children with the opportunity to explore basic engineering concepts, laying the foundation for future learning.

The firm’s involvement begins with preschool-level engineering programs aimed at fostering an early interest in the field.

In addition, ACMS Northwest partners with local elementary schools, hosting annual reading events and rewarding students for meeting their reading goals. Its outreach reaches even further into high school and college.

The firm’s approach to partnerships emphasizes inclusivity, with a focus on working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) businesses.

ACMS Northwest’s dedication to local businesses and to working with certified companies that support the same values highlights their long-term strategy of empowering underserved communities.

The firm prefers to work with COVID-certified, local, small businesses whenever possible. By prioritizing these vendors, ACMS Northwest promotes inclusivity within its supply chain and sets a powerful example for others in the industry.

ACMS Northwest has worked with vendors such as “Photos by Kim” and “Stratoscape” for photography needs, “Northwest Insurance Strategies” for benefits, and others who share the firm’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in business practices.

ACMS Northwest has also received several awards, reflecting the quality of its work and its commitment to the community.

Notable recognitions include the “Small Business of the Year” award from AWAMI, the “Woman of the Year” award from WTS for Monique Allen, and Carla Keller’s recognition as a “Woman of Influence.”

As ACMS Northwest continues to expand, its future looks bright. It’s planning to extend its reach into new markets, particularly in Seattle and King County.

The expansion is not just about geographic growth but also about deepening the connections with the community, as the firm focuses on strengthening its ties with educational institutions and local vendors.

In addition to its ongoing work on major infrastructure projects, the firm is exploring new opportunities for growth, particularly in areas where its expertise in civil design and construction management can significantly impact the industry.

“I think we’ll have a much larger presence statewide within Oregon. We’ve been reaching out to some new cities. Within the last 6 months, they’ve already asked us for inspection services,” Keller confirms, referring to the particular benefits the firm can provide regarding transportation and sustainability.

With a clear focus on sustainable growth, strong relationships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, ACMS Northwest’s influence will continue to grow in ways that benefit everyone involved.

At a Glance

Who: ACMS Northwest
What: A woman- and minority-owned construction management and inspection services firm specializing in public works projects.
Where: Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, ACMS Northwest operates across Oregon and Washington.
Website: https://acmsnw.com/services/#1455982745468-3d539e81-be51