Pape-Dawson Expands Florida Presence Through Acquisition of Innerlight Engineering
Pape-Dawson, a leading engineering, surveying, and planning firm with a strong presence across the United States, has announced the acquisition of Innerlight Engineering, a highly respected Florida-based civil engineering and land planning company. This strategic move significantly expands Pape-Dawson’s footprint in Florida, one of the nation’s fastest-growing states, while strengthening the firm’s ability to serve communities and clients throughout the region.
Innerlight Engineering, headquartered in Miramar Beach, Florida, has earned a well-deserved reputation for technical excellence, innovative solutions, and long-standing client relationships. With a focus on civil engineering, surveying, and land planning, the firm has been a trusted partner to municipalities, developers, and private clients throughout Northwest Florida. By combining resources and expertise, Pape-Dawson and Innerlight Engineering aim to provide a more comprehensive suite of engineering and planning services, positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for infrastructure and community development in Florida.
This acquisition marks Pape-Dawson’s fifth in Florida in the last three years, highlighting the company’s commitment to building a strong presence in the state. Previous acquisitions include Poulos & Bennett (2023), GradyMinor (2024), Morris Engineering (2025), and Bonnett Design Group (2025). Each of these strategic additions has brought local expertise, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of Florida’s communities, complementing Pape-Dawson’s statewide resources and multidisciplinary capabilities. With the addition of Innerlight Engineering, Pape-Dawson now has an even more robust team to address the state’s rapidly growing population and evolving infrastructure needs.
Expanding Services and Resources for Florida Communities
Trey Dawson, President of Pape-Dawson, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition. “Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with unprecedented demands for infrastructure, residential and commercial development, and community planning,” Dawson said. “Expanding our team here means more opportunities for our employees, stronger partnerships with our clients, and a greater ability to serve Florida’s communities. Innerlight Engineering’s expertise and reputation in the Florida panhandle make them an ideal partner, and we are excited for what we will accomplish together.”
Dawson added that the acquisition allows Pape-Dawson to broaden the range of services available to clients in the region. “By integrating Innerlight Engineering’s team, we can offer a more seamless experience for clients, from initial planning and design through construction and project delivery,” he explained. “Our combined knowledge and resources will ensure that projects are completed efficiently, sustainably, and with the highest technical standards.”
Innerlight Engineering’s Legacy and Expertise
Founded in Miramar Beach, Innerlight Engineering has built a strong reputation for delivering technically sound and innovative engineering solutions. The firm specializes in civil engineering, surveying, and land planning services, providing support for a diverse portfolio of projects that include residential and commercial developments, public infrastructure, and community-focused initiatives.
David Smith, Managing Director of Innerlight Engineering, described the decision to join Pape-Dawson as a natural evolution for the company. “Joining Pape-Dawson allows us to expand our services and resources while staying true to the values that have guided us from the beginning,” Smith said. “This is an exciting step for both our employees and our clients. By leveraging Pape-Dawson’s statewide resources and expertise, we can take on larger and more complex projects while continuing to deliver the personalized, client-focused service that has made Innerlight Engineering successful.”
Smith also highlighted the cultural alignment between the two organizations. “Both Innerlight Engineering and Pape-Dawson share a commitment to technical excellence, community engagement, and employee development. This partnership ensures that our teams can continue to grow professionally while serving the needs of our clients more effectively.”
Strengthening Florida’s Infrastructure and Community Development
Florida’s rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges for engineering and planning firms. From expanding transportation networks to developing residential and commercial properties, the state requires innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions to meet the needs of its diverse communities. Pape-Dawson’s acquisition of Innerlight Engineering positions the firm to play a leading role in shaping Florida’s built environment.
By combining Pape-Dawson’s extensive resources with Innerlight Engineering’s local expertise, the firm can offer clients a more integrated approach to project planning and delivery. This includes advanced surveying and mapping capabilities, comprehensive land planning services, civil engineering design, and construction support. The expanded team will also be able to provide enhanced technical guidance, regulatory compliance support, and sustainable design solutions tailored to Florida’s unique environmental and regulatory landscape.
Supporting Employees and Driving Growth
One of the key benefits of the acquisition is the expanded opportunities for employees at both organizations. Pape-Dawson has a long-standing commitment to employee development, offering training programs, mentorship, and pathways for career advancement. By integrating Innerlight Engineering’s team, Pape-Dawson can provide additional professional growth opportunities, access to larger and more diverse projects, and the chance to collaborate with a broader network of industry experts.
“Investing in our employees is critical to our success and the success of the communities we serve,” said Dawson. “As we continue to grow in Florida, we are committed to providing our teams with the resources, training, and support they need to thrive professionally while delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
A Strategic Vision for Florida’s Future
Pape-Dawson’s acquisition of Innerlight Engineering is more than just a business transaction; it reflects a long-term strategic vision for growth and impact in Florida. The firm aims to leverage its expanded presence to address the state’s infrastructure needs, support sustainable community development, and foster partnerships with local governments, developers, and community organizations.
With Florida’s population expected to continue growing rapidly, the demand for skilled engineering and planning professionals is projected to increase. By bringing together Pape-Dawson’s multidisciplinary expertise and Innerlight Engineering’s deep local knowledge, the combined organization is well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions that meet both current and future needs.
