Nicholas Piekarski, PE, CFM

Assistant Corporate Secretary

Nick is HLR's Design Engineering Manager, an Associate of the firm, and serves on the Board of Directors as Assistant Corporate Secretary. A licensed Professional Engineer with nearly two decades of experience in roadway design, construction engineering, and transportation project delivery, Nick leads multidisciplinary teams in delivering practical, high-quality solutions for municipalities and transportation agencies throughout Illinois.

Nick's career reflects HLR's commitment to developing talent. He began with the firm as an intern and has grown through the organization into a leadership role, gaining firsthand experience in every stage of project development along the way. Today, he oversees HLR's Design Engineering Department while continuing to manage complex transportation projects from planning and design through construction.

With experience in both design and construction engineering, Nick brings a practical perspective to every project. His understanding of how projects are built allows him to identify potential challenges early in the design process, improve constructability, and develop solutions that minimize complications during construction. His expertise includes roadway plans, specifications, and estimates; drainage studies; hydraulic reports; and storm sewer system design.

Nick is equally passionate about developing future engineers. He mentors early-career staff and HLR's summer interns while leading the firm's involvement in School District U-46's annual internship program, where he helps introduce local high school students to the many career paths within civil engineering through a week-long hands-on experience.

In recognition of his technical expertise, leadership, and contributions to the engineering profession, Nick was named the 2024 ACEC Illinois Emerging Professional of the Year. Whether he's leading a transportation project or mentoring future engineers, he is committed to delivering exceptional results for clients while helping build the next generation of engineering professionals.

"The thing I love most about HLR is, 100%, the people. People I love working with. People who have given me opportunities I never dreamed of having. People who care about me as a person, not just as an employee with a paycheck. I have experienced more than I ever thought I could at a job—not just in terms of my career, but as an individual. This company has been there for me through the good times and the bad, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you, HLR!"