October 21, 2025
With over 32 years in geotechnical and environmental consulting, Sam Watts has been part of the S&ME team since 1999. Now a Senior Client Developer in the Raleigh office, he draws on his deep technical background to connect with clients, understand their challenges, and guide projects that strengthen local communities.
We talked with Sam about his perspective on the growing Triangle region, trends, and what’s to come for the area.
What makes this region such a unique and competitive market for firms?
“For decades, this region has enjoyed a high quality of life and business-friendly government regulations. Now our secret is out!
In the 80s and 90s, Raleigh benefited from the fresh supply of highly educated workers pumped out by the nearby major research universities and the tech companies that employed them in the Research Triangle Park. But over the past 20 years, net migration and diversification of industries have significantly transformed our economy. Contrasted to other markets, Raleigh isn’t overly reliant on just one industry. We have an amazing interlocking network of healthcare, biotech, research, higher ed, finance, and advanced manufacturing businesses, all fueling construction of new, complex, high-impact projects. With new labs, hospitals, and biotech facilities constantly on the rise, there’s a steady need for specialized design, engineering, and environmental expertise.”
Are there particular project types that you see expanding most rapidly here?
“Definitely. Life sciences companies are making major investments in the Region, driving significant demand for site design, engineering, and construction through 2030 and beyond.
Population growth, along with demographic changes, is putting strain on the healthcare system in North Carolina. Post-COVID, all of the major health systems (Duke Health, Novant, WakeMed, UNC Health, Cape Fear Valley Health, etc.) are responding to the strain with new hospitals, expansions, and hybrid care centers across the region. Their response has been rapid, but these complex projects take time to design, permit and construct. Also related to population growth, K-12 and higher education projects are rapidly expanding. Wake County and UNC System have funded capital improvements creating steady opportunities. Additionally, mission-critical data centers and mixed-use urban developments, such as Downtown South and new transit hubs, are fueling diverse and sustained activity across the region.”
S&ME has been part of the region for 50 years. How has that history shaped the relationships and reputation we have today?
“S&ME’s 50+ year history in the region has built a foundation of trust, collaboration, and consistency with our clients and community partners. As our region has grown, S&ME has grown right along with it. The number of projects we’ve consulted on is astounding. It’s almost every corner of every block. That experience helps us stay ahead of client needs and deliver smart, reliable solutions. It’s how we’ve earned our reputation for quality, and it’s still how we do business today.”
Looking back over those five decades, what types of projects stand out as milestones for S&ME in this region?
“Looking back over the past five decades, it’s incredible to see how many impactful projects and partnerships have shaped this region and how S&ME has been part of that growth. There are honestly too many to name, each one leaving a lasting mark in its own way. A few highlights that reflect trust in S&ME and our capability for high‑impact, high‑visibility work include:
- Duke Raleigh Hospital South Pavilion (2018-2021)
- Novo Nordisk Facility in Clayton, NC
- Eli Lilly’s RTP Manufacturing Campus
- NCDEQ Pre-regulatory Landfill Contract (2010-2025)”
What challenges do AEC firms face in this region, and how do you see those evolving in the next few years?
“Twenty-five years ago, there were less than 200 AEC firms in Raleigh and a dozen real estate development firms. Today there are more than 2,500 AEC firms and more than 150 real estate development firms. Raleigh has become a big city and with that comes big city problems.
Numerous firms have come from outside the Raleigh market to join the economic boom. Most come with different backgrounds and experiences, developed in different regions of the country. Not all of those means and methods are successful here. In response, the State Construction office and local municipalities have developed more stringent regulations for design, permitting, and construction. The regional economy remains strong, but recently, regulatory complexity and rising project costs have slowed the development pipeline.
Raleigh and other municipalities have responded with digital upgrades and staffing improvements. And owners and contractors are experimenting with creative project delivery approaches to counter rising construction costs and extended construction schedules.”
What does S&ME’s future look like to you in this region?
“Great things are on the horizon. Although technology and delivery methods are rapidly advancing, the foundation of our work remains constant — strong client relationships and technical excellence. As an employee-owned company, every employee has a stake in the company and our reputation and we take great pride in serving our clients to the best of our abilities. We believe investing in our people and our performance is a continuous process. For S&ME, that means innovating and adapting delivery of our core services while maintaining the relationships and service standards that have defined us for decades.”
