Core Strengths of Kimley-Horn's Global Delivery Model
Your Partner
for International Projects
As the 4th largest design firm in the US and a trusted partner to many of the world’s most active and dynamic organizations, Kimley-Horn is well-equipped to support projects around the globe. Our proven approach, combined with deep technical expertise and global perspective, enables us to deliver exceptional results for our international clients and partners. Explore the examples below, and let’s discuss how Kimley-Horn can bring value to your next global project.
Common Client Needs on International Projects
- Deep expertise in their specific project types and markets
- Proactive communication and strong project ownership
- Seamless alignment with client design standards and workflows
- High-quality, detail-oriented design
- Deeper bench of resources for any scale of needs
- Streamlined consultant management—less time spent sourcing, vetting, and onboarding
- Reduced project risk through a proven, trusted partnership
A Proven Collaborative Model for International Project Success
At the heart of Kimley-Horn’s international project approach is a powerful partnership model, one that blends our leadership, technical expertise, and organizational strength with the client’s team and a trusted local design firm. This model mirrors the successful structure often seen in high-profile global architecture projects, where firms serve as concept architects, design leads, or strategic advisors. While we recognize that one size doesn’t fit all, our flexible, collaborative approach consistently delivers value, reduces risk, and ensures alignment with client goals—whether across borders or close to home.
Strategic Local Partnership: We collaborate closely and meaningfully with in-country or in-region partner firms, either through our globally connected team or designers engaged by the client, to ensure local insight, compliance, and seamless integration.
Globally Experienced Staff: Our teams include Kimley-Horn professionals with personal and/or professional ties to the project region, helping bridge technical, cultural, and linguistic gaps with confidence and credibility.
Flexible Engagement Model: Kimley-Horn typically leads during concept and preliminary design phases, while the local partner takes ownership of construction documents, permitting, and execution, with ongoing involvement from Kimley-Horn as needed.
Local Expertise: We partner with a locally licensed engineer of record (EOR), typically contracted by the client or lead architect, to ensure full compliance with local permitting and codes as well as engineering and construction standards.
Efficient Project Administration: To streamline operations, payments are made in US dollars to our US-based accounts, typically within 45 days. While foreign currency payments are possible, they may require contingencies for currency fluctuation.
US-Based Delivery with Targeted Travel: Most services are delivered from the US, with international travel typically limited to destinations rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the US State Department. Travel, tax, visa, and safety considerations are factored into project planning.
Contracting: We prefer working with long-standing partners under familiar terms. For new local development partners or other local entities, we may require a rolling retainer and mutually agreeable dispute resolution mechanisms that avoid jurisdictions with low Rule of Law Index scores.
International Project Experience
Data Center Projects; Brazil and India
Kimley-Horn assisted a major global data center client with their developments across three continents. Our role included program management, due diligence, and civil engineering in conjunction with local subconsultant firms, resulting in:
- Stronger risk management on developer-provided sites
- Reduced earthwork costs through more sophisticated designs
- Enhanced sustainability in erosion control and flooding
- Higher quality site construction
- Significantly accelerated project schedules
Distribution and Logistics Projects; Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Singapore
Kimley-Horn oversaw the local civil engineer and developer/landlord design teams for a global logistics operator who was developing new distribution centers in many of their emerging market countries. Project components included: drainage and floor areas; traffic and access; power and wet utility availability; site layout and circulation; site safety and risk management; local permitting approvals; geotechnical reports; and site surveys. Benefits included:
- Reduced operational and real estate risks
- Greater adherence to client standards
- Strengthened financial terms
- Fewer schedule surprises
Infrastructure Modernization Program; South Africa
The South African National Roads Agency partnered with Kimley-Horn to work with local engineers, municipalities, and contractors on a strategic infrastructure initiative. In addition to adhering to and refining associated international standards, the team provided an assessment of existing conditions as well as engineering design and optimization recommendations. Kimley-Horn also served as owner’s representative during subsequent implementation by construction contractors and municipalities. The results of this collaborative framework demonstrate some key benefits:
- Global expertise supplements local consultant capabilities
- Schedules can be accelerated with access to a deeper bench
- Project execution risk is reduced
Mixed-Use Master Planned Community; Romania
Kimley-Horn provided international design expertise and coordinated with the local, in-country engineer who had less experience with projects of this scale. In addition to coordination with the owner and other design team members, Kimley-Horn provided due diligence deliverables, 30% site/civil engineering design, and peer review of the final design. Our expertise and partnership with in-country experts resulted in:
- Enhanced project revenues via first class design
- Reduced construction cost from more sophisticated civil design
- Effective partnership that blended international experience and local knowledge
Interested in connecting with Kimley-Horn about a potential project need outside of the United States?
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