Terrain, A Howell Company

06/09/2026

Summer is the perfect time to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Staff Engineer Edward Chang shares how engineering creates safe, accessible and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Summer is officially here, and many families are heading outdoors to enjoy some of the state’s beautiful campgrounds. Whether it’s a weekend at Assateague Island or a quiet stay at one of Maryland’s many private campgrounds, there’s something different about disconnecting from daily routines...

05/12/2026

From steamed blue crabs to Orioles baseball, Maryland is built around the Chesapeake Bay. Civil Designer Dave Barth explains how stormwater management plays an important part in taking care of the Bay.

During a Maryland summer, there are a few things us Marylanders can’t go without. Fresh steamed blue crabs with some ice cold Natty Bohs, pair that with cheering on the Baltimore Orioles, you've got yourself a triple threat. But if we want those delicious crabs to be sticking around in the picture...

04/07/2026

Surveying has come a long way, and Terrain stays up to date with the latest technology to keep crews working as efficiently as possible. Survey Technician Angelo Dhima explains how knowing when to use GPS versus total stations can save valuable time in the field.

Surveying has come a long way from relying solely on traditional methods, and today most crews use a mix of GPS and total stations. Both tools are highly accurate, but they serve different purposes depending on the job and site conditions. Knowing when to use each can save time in the field. GPS wor...

03/12/2026

The Anne Arundel County Health Department has announced the start of wet season percolation testing for septic systems. Testing began March 9 and will continue through April.

This testing is an important step for properties that need septic system approvals, as the wetter soil conditions allow the Health Department to properly evaluate drainage and system suitability.

If you’re planning to develop a property that will require a septic system, now is the time to schedule testing. Please contact our office if you have any questions or need help coordinating the process.

Learn more: https://www.aahealth.org/environmental-health/wells-and-septic-systems/perc-testing/anne-arundel-county-department-health-0

03/10/2026

Creative grading solutions helped transform two run-down properties into something entirely new in Laurel, Maryland. Hear the story behind the challenging redevelopment project from Senior Civil Designer Stacy Kimmett.

Drastic times call for drastic measures, and in the case of the redevelopment of two run-down homes on Brockbridge Road in Laurel, Maryland, the project required some drastic grading! As a rule, whether planning a subdivision or a residential home-site, it is almost always easiest, and most cost-eff...

02/12/2026

Terrain was honored to welcome the Buddhist monks participating in the “Walk for Peace” to Annapolis, Maryland this morning. Their visit reflects a shared commitment to fostering peace, respect, and positive engagement within the communities we serve. Terrain is proud to recognize and support initiatives that promote unity and understanding.

02/10/2026

Planning a spring project in Anne Arundel County or nearby? Permit Coordinator Trish Wood explains when permits are required and how understanding your property can help you avoid delays.

With warmer weather just around the corner, whether you’re planning a home improvement project, fencing in your backyard or preparing for new construction, understanding permit requirements in Anne Arundel and surrounding counties is essential. Why do I need a permit? Obtaining the proper permit f...

01/13/2026

Staff Engineer Edward Chang reflects on moving from Canada and starting fresh at Terrain, learning to navigate change and new ways of working.

When you grow up working in the Canadian engineering world, you get used to certain things: long winters, glacier-fed lakes and projects that demand resilience as much as technical skill. But nothing prepared me for the unique adventure of trading the peaks of British Columbia for the shoreline of M...

01/12/2026

Proud to share the successful completion of Mariners' Church in Annapolis, located along Route 450 just north of the Severn River near the U.S. Naval Academy. This 4-acre site presented unique civil engineering challenges—from stormwater management and grading to designing an outfall adjacent to a state roadway and sensitive receiving waters.

Terrain worked closely with the church and project team to create an efficient site layout and an innovative stormwater solution that safely conveys runoff to a stabilized outfall beneath Route 450 while meeting regulatory requirements and budget goals. With the project complete, we’re excited to continue working with Mariners' Church on a planned expansion to support their continued growth.

12/09/2025

Civil Designer Brian Roche shares how an unexpected internship led him from studying economics to discovering a passion for civil design and how that background continues to guide his work today.