Our Story
A civil engineering firm built on relationships, technical depth, a willingness to serve our clients regardless of location or type, and principal involvement from first call through final inspection.
How it all Started
Calichi was founded in 2009 with clear purpose: treat every project like we own it. Listen to our clients and partners, and grow to meet their needs. Learn where the codes hurt, where they bend, and where they support. Invest in the best tools and master them. Work harder, work smarter, live the design.
The firm was started by Reco and Austin, two senior engineers working for a national firm — Reco out of Sacramento, Austin out of Chicago. Reco quickly relocated to Oakland, and Calichi began to grow roots. We followed our clients where they led — leading to projects in 42 states, China, and the Middle East. Then we realized we were spreading ourselves too thin and that being everywhere meant being nowhere. We tightened our practice around what we know best: the Western US. California and Arizona from Oakland. Oregon and Washington from our Hood River and Portland offices. Hawaii from our Maui office. Say yes when asked. Let our clients and their projects shape the company.
How we work
Three things we control, on every project.
Quality
We layer in quality at every step. Principals stay involved through design and delivery. AI tools help us review and refine the work. We maintain strict quality controls on every deliverable.
Responsiveness
Answer the phone. Respond to emails within 24 hours. Set a realistic schedule and work to beat it. Our clients know we're available and ready to act.
Technical Excellence
All projects modeled in 3D. Hydrology and hydraulic modeling, C.3 stormwater design, water system modeling, strict ADA compliance, BIM coordination. We focus on the technical work because that's how projects succeed.
Our leadership
Four offices. Each led by a local expert. The firm was built with principal involvement on every part of every project — no rotating teams. When you call, you talk to the person doing the work.
Reco Prianto
Dave Conner
Aaron Mack
Stephen Landes
NCEES Record holder — additional states available on request
Recognition & Client Feedback
ENR Best Project Award
Fremont High School District — recognized by Engineering News-Record for K-12 education construction.
You guys are the best civil engineers I have had the pleasure of working with. Really appreciate all the effort!
Associate, Gensler · Fletcher Jones Audi, Beverly Hills
Your team's understanding of the need to design fast, with high precision, and just get things done. Development is getting slower and harder to afford and developers need more Architects and Engineers to be like Calichi to push the process.
Architectural Director, oWow
SF Business Journal Fast 500
Named to the Innovation Consulting Fast 500 list for sustained growth in the A/E/C sector.
Reco and Calichi's presentation was directly on point. Very professional and concise! It is nice to see that there is hope out there.
Claremont, CA
The Due Diligence Report Calichi provided is extremely comprehensive. Very nice!
Broadway & 8th, Oakland
The quality of product exceeded expectations. We could not be more impressed with their ability to clearly and concisely communicate — and from start to finish.
Great job today! Thanks for directing and addressing the site/traffic questions. The city reps clearly loved the site plan design!
Goodwill Easter Seals, Dayton OH
I have worked with Calichi on many different projects as an integrated design and design build project team. Their collaborative and sustainable approach to projects provides innovative designs that are both budget and schedule conscious. The commitment and accessibility from their Principal, Reco Prianto, and his team's flexible design approach, is the reason I continue to reach out so we can work together on future projects.
McCarthy Building Companies
NMU Environmental Design — 1st Prize
First prize at the NMU World Environmental Research Consortium Environmental Design Contest.
I look at them not only as a consultant that we hired for a project, but as a valued partner that is a critical part of the team.
Let's discuss your project
Feasibility study, tentative map, or plan check response. Tell us where the project is and we'll scope it from there.