In 1947, Thomas Camp made a visionary move, leaving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to establish a consulting practice alongside Herman Dresser and Jack McKee. Together, they laid the foundation for groundbreaking advancements in wastewater and drinking water treatment, water quality protection and groundwater recharge. More than seven decades later, their legacy continues to shape CDM Smith’s culture of innovation, independence and technical excellence.
Their vision sparked something bigger than a company. It launched a movement. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on in the work of 7,000 dedicated professionals across the globe. We’ve grown in size, services and perspective, but our commitment remains the same: to improve our communities and build a more resilient world.
While we may be more than 75 years strong, our energy is anything but nostalgic. We honor our past, and we’re boldly building what’s next.
History by the numbers
79
years of being privately owned
120+
office locations around the world
79
years of innovation
Fortifying the Future
CDM Smith has been changing the world for the better since 1947. Join us as we talk to a few of the folks who were there from almost the beginning and others who shaped some of the pivotal moments in the firm's history.
Our history through the years
Explore our interactive timeline to revisit some of our most defining milestones from our very first client to our boldest expansions and noteworthy events in between.
Ready to take the next steps?
We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.