ABOUT US
Who We Are
Personal Touch
We focus on building genuine relationships with clients, employees, and communities.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach
From concept to construction, we offer a consultant mindset to all projects, no matter the size.
Collaborative Network
By sharing work across our multiple offices, we ensure you get the best service possible.
What We Value
Our reputation is over 55 years strong, and our values have remained the same since day one.
Relationships are the driving force of Balzer and Associates, a Westwood company. We are committed to being accessible and responsive consultants and partners throughout your project. Our diverse experience allows us to best service your unique needs.
When you choose Balzer and Associates, a Westwood company, your job will always be done on time and within budget. Much of our success is due to how well our offices work together. We are happy to create a team from across the state to provide you with the best service possible.
Our employees are key to our growth and success. That's why we cultivate a dynamic, flexible, and supportive company culture, always focused on taking great care of both our clients and our team. Happy employees do great work!
We're dedicated to providing you with the best service by continually educating our team and updating our technology and methods to exceed industry standards. Our goal is seamless communication throughout the entire process.
We care deeply about our communities and have been dedicated to those connections since our founding. Both inside and outside of the office, we're committed to enhancing the spaces around us to best serve the needs of our neighbors.
History of Balzer and Associates,
a Westwood Company
From humble beginnings in a Roanoke basement to a growing presence across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond, we’ve expanded and evolved through the years while remaining dedicated to serving our clients and supporting our communities.
1960s
Balzer and Associates was founded in 1967 by Donald J. Balzer Sr. as a consulting planning firm that operated out of the basement of his family home in Roanoke, VA.
1970s
The firm opened a proper office and focused on providing excellent service to public-sector clients and community partners in the Roanoke Valley. Don Sr.’s son-in-law Jim McAden joined the firm.
Early 1980s
Don Sr.’s sons, Don Jr. and Craig, joined the firm. Services expanded to include architecture and civil engineering. A second office opened in Richmond, VA. Don Sr. sold the firm to Don Jr., Craig, and Jim.
Late 1980s
In-house services grew to include surveying, structural engineering, and landscape architecture. Balzer and Associates rapidly became a 100-person firm and shifted its focus to the private sector.
1990s
In preparing for the future of the firm, company stock was sold to key internal leaders, putting into motion a stable and successful ownership transition plan.
2000s
Additional offices were opened in the New River Valley and the Shenandoah Valley. Environmental services were brought in-house. The firm navigated the Great Recession by investing in technologies and diversifying its client and market sectors.
2010s
Balzer and Associates marked its 50th anniversary in 2017 with a celebration at The Hotel Roanoke. The firm also rebranded in honor of this milestone.
2020s
The firm began a new chapter with Sean Horne as president. Regional directors were established at each of the four offices to provide additional leadership support for the 160-person firm.
Beyond
Balzer and Associates, a Westwood company, remains committed to being a consultant of choice for its clients, a career platform for future leaders of the firm and the industry, and a trusted partner for the communities it serves.