Urban is proud to announce that Construction Engineer Laurel Welch, PE, ENV SP, has been named one of the 2026 Rising Stars in the AEC Industry by Zweig Group, an award honoring emerging professionals who are making meaningful contributions across the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

Ms. Welch’s recognition reflects her growing leadership in transportation infrastructure and her ability to connect project design with construction delivery. She began her career as a transportation design engineer before transitioning into construction engineering. Ms. Welch brings a valuable perspective to projects by understanding both the intent behind plans and the realities of field operations. Her experience allows her to identify potential issues early, support coordination among project teams, and help deliver practical solutions during construction.

A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Ms. Welch has supported complex projects for several major transportation agencies in the region, including the City of Philadelphia, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), and New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). Her expertise includes construction management, constructability reviews, value engineering, and construction inspection services across a range of transportation and infrastructure assignments.

Among the projects she currently supports are the City of Philadelphia’s Island Avenue Improvement Project, a Vision Zero initiative focused on multimodal safety and accessibility, and the Broad, Germantown, and Erie Corridor Improvement Project in North Philadelphia. She also served as a Project Engineer on the Toms River Downtown Loop Project in New Jersey, which focused on improving traffic flow, access, and safety in the downtown area.

Currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in engineering and business, she brings a holistic perspective to project delivery. Her leadership extends into professional organizations, where she has held key roles in ASCE and CMAA, reflecting a commitment to both technical excellence and industry advancement.

“I’m honored to be recognized by the Zweig Group as a 2026 Rising Star,” said Ms. Welch, who has been with Urban for 11 years. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside talented mentors and colleagues at Urban who have encouraged me to grow both technically and personally. Delivering transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life for the communities is my passion, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the future of our industry.”

“Laurel’s recognition as a Rising Star reflects the leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative approach she brings to every project,” said Urban’s President and CEO, James A. Bilella, II, PE. “Her ability to bridge design and construction perspectives makes her a valuable asset to our clients and project teams. We are proud to see her accomplishments recognized at the national level and look forward to her continued impact on the profession.”

View Ms. Welch's Rising Star profile here.