Wightman to Celebrate 80th Anniversary Throughout 2026

Wightman is preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026. Beginning in January, the firm will celebrate this significant milestone by launching a year-long celebration recognizing eight decades of partnership, innovation, and community impact across the Great Lakes region.

Founded in November 1946, Wightman has grown from a small, local practice into an award-winning, multidisciplinary consulting firm known for its commitment to excellence in architecture, civil engineering, and surveying, along with expanded services in interior design, GIS, and reality capture.

Throughout its history, Wightman has remained guided by a singular mission: to create lasting, positive impact for the clients and communities it serves.

The company’s story began when G.L. Wightman, a young engineer and surveyor, opened a one-room office in the Commercial Bank building in downtown St. Joseph, Mich. In a post-World War II era marked by optimism, growth, and new beginnings, his vision set the foundation for what would become a trusted, award-winning architecture, engineering, and surveying firm. From that modest start, Wightman has grown into a multidisciplinary team serving clients across commercial, education, energy, and government sectors, delivering successful projects through industry expertise, clear and comprehensive scope, and a passion for listening.

Over the decades, Wightman has expanded its reach and capabilities through strategic leadership transitions, office openings across Michigan and Indiana, and a series of acquisitions and consolidations that strengthened the firm’s service offerings. Each chapter has been guided by the same principles G.L. Wightman championed: professional integrity, quality service, and an unwavering commitment to clients and community.

“Our 80th anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of the clients, partners, employees, and communities who have trusted us for generations,” said Steve Carlisle, president of Wightman. “As we celebrate our past, we’re equally energized by the future and our continued commitment to creating lasting solutions that enhance the places where we live, learn, work, and play.”

As part of the year-long celebration, Wightman will share key project highlights from its work over the last 80 years; spotlight employees who have helped shape the firm’s legacy; and engage with partners through events and initiatives that reflect the firm’s longstanding commitment to service and community.

With deep roots and a forward-thinking vision, Wightman looks ahead to the next chapter and is excited to continue to be part of the fabric of the communities it proudly serves.