LDA Engineering has long been quietly shaping Knoxville’s growth, ensuring communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive. From roads and utilities to water systems and solid waste management, the firm works behind the scenes to make daily life run smoothly while supporting the city’s long-term development.
This year, LDA Engineering was recognized with the 2026 Pinnacle Mid-Sized Business Excellence Award, sponsored by MP&F Strategic Communications. The award celebrates businesses that have scaled successfully while maintaining a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to the communities they serve.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” said Jason Brooks, principal of LDA Engineering. “This recognition reflects the work of our team every day, and also the communities and partners we get to serve. Our mission is simple: we want to contribute to stronger, happier communities. When people can get where they need to go, have access to safe drinking water, and know that their infrastructure works reliably, that’s when we know we’ve done our part.”
Brooks emphasized that the firm’s approach depends on understanding the people and communities they serve. LDA’s team reflects diverse experiences and perspectives, which allows them to meet clients where they are and address complex challenges in ways that make a tangible difference for the city.
“Knoxville is home for us,” Brooks said. “I grew up nearby, and it’s special to be recognized by this community. We get to watch the city grow and improve and know that we’ve contributed to that in meaningful ways.”
Investing in the next generation of engineers is also central to LDA’s mission. The firm supports STEM initiatives and programs like the Future City Competition, where middle school students design cities 100 years in the future, using the engineering process to solve real-world challenges. Brooks sees these programs as a way to cultivate the professionals who will continue building and maintaining Knoxville’s infrastructure for decades to come.
Over the years, LDA has adapted alongside the engineering industry itself, moving from traditional drawing boards to advanced three-dimensional planning tools that allow the team and clients to visualize projects in real time. As Knoxville continues to grow, LDA anticipates expanding its services to meet both new development needs and the maintenance of existing infrastructure.
“The growth here in Knoxville and the surrounding communities gives us an opportunity to keep serving in the way we always have,” Brooks said. “Our work is ultimately about helping our clients achieve their goals, whether that’s extending roads to new areas, improving utility systems, or supporting new industries coming to the city. The engineering is part of it, but the larger part is the result we help make possible.”
“LDA Engineering represents what this award is truly about,” said Tiffany Carpenter, principal at MP&F Strategic Communications. “They have scaled their business while staying grounded in purpose. Their work reflects a deep understanding that growth is most meaningful when it strengthens communities and improves quality of life.”
For in-depth video interviews and more information on the Pinnacle 2026 Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.
