IN THE NEWS

Celebrating 250 Years of America
and the Surveyors Who Help Shape Its Future

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary this July, we're reminded that before George Washington became the first President of the United States, he was a surveyor. His early work mapping the Virginia frontier required precision, integrity, and a deep understanding of the land, qualities that continue to define the surveying profession today.

At MHG, we're proud to carry on that legacy through our dedicated Land Survey team. Their expertise provides the foundation for successful projects, ensuring accuracy from the very first stake in the ground to the final completed development.

This past spring, our own Wayne Aubertin and Robert “Bob” Banzhoff, Jr. represented the profession at the Daughters of the American Revolution, America 250 Celebration in Frederick, Maryland. Their exhibit, "Surveying Through the Years," showcased the evolution of surveying technology. Wayne displayed today's advanced equipment while Bob shared the tools and attire from the past. Together, they demonstrated how the profession has evolved while remaining rooted in the same principles of precision, dedication, and service.

Walking the Line: The Survey That Helped Shape America

Summer Reading Recommendation: Walking the Line by William Ecenbarger

As we celebrate Independence Day and begin reflecting on America's 250th anniversary, it's worth remembering that before a nation could be built, its boundaries first had to be measured.

One book our survey team recommends is Walking the Line by William Ecenbarger. More than a history of the Mason-Dixon Line, it's the remarkable story of two surveyors who, using little more than astronomical observations, chains, and determination, established one of the most accurate boundary lines of the eighteenth century.

The Mason-Dixon Line became far more than a property boundary. It influenced commerce, settlement, governance, and ultimately the history of the United States. Today, it stands as a reminder that careful measurement, thoughtful planning, and technical precision have always been the foundation of thriving communities.

For MHG, the story carries special meaning. Surveying remains the first step in transforming ideas into places. Every successful engineering, planning, and landscape architecture project begins with understanding the lands history, boundaries, and opportunities.

That connection is especially meaningful to our own Wayne, who, along with several colleagues, answered the call to help inventory the remaining original Mason-Dixon boundary stones located along the Pennsylvania–Maryland border on behalf of the State of Maryland. Contributing to the preservation of these historic markers reflects the same commitment to accuracy, stewardship, and respect for the profession that continues to guide our work today.

While the tools of surveying have evolved dramatically over the centuries, the principles remain unchanged. Precision, integrity, and a deep understanding of the land continue to lay the foundation for strong communities and successful projects.

As we celebrate our nation's birthday, we're grateful for the surveyors, engineers, planners, and designers—past and present—whose work continues to shape the places we call home.

Our team attended a recent historical reenactment at Mount Vernon

MHG Named One of Greater Washington’s Best Places to Work 🎉

We are proud to share that MHG has been recognized by the Washington Business

Journal as one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Greater Washington.

This recognition reflects something we care deeply about: the culture our team has intentionally built together over decades.

At MHG, we cultivate a work environment where colleagues are empowered to pursue their passions and achieve their fullest potential; growing with purpose so our clients, team members, and communities can thrive.

As a multidisciplinary firm rooted in thoughtful, sustainable design and collaboration, we believe investing in our people directly strengthens the work we deliver to our clients and communities.

As we continue advancing toward our 50-year milestone, our vision remains focused on sustaining and extending the legacy of trust built over generations while continually evolving our craft. We believe that strong relationships, collaboration, and creativity are the foundation of both a thriving workplace and successful project outcomes.

What does this recognition mean for our clients and partners?

It means you are working with a team that values consistency, communication, and long-term relationships. Many of our team members have built lasting careers at MHG because this is a place where people feel supported, challenged, and connected. That stability translates directly into reliable project leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and teams fully committed to delivering exceptional work.

What truly sets MHG apart is our culture of accessibility and collaboration. We operate as a collective rather than a hierarchy, empowering team members across disciplines to contribute ideas, shape outcomes, and grow professionally.

As one team member shared:

“I truly admire the exceptional talent within our senior leadership team. What stands out most is their accessibility; they are always available to answer questions or assist with any challenge that arises on a project. Beyond their technical expertise, they are genuinely great people who are fun to work with, which makes the office environment both productive and enjoyable.”

Another team member reflected on the lasting culture of MHG:

“MHG has a long-standing history of making its people feel welcome and at home while providing clients with expert knowledge and plans. As we move toward the milestone of a 50-year anniversary, MHG has been able to evolve with changing atmospheres and keep MHG relevant and somewhere you want to be long-term.”

Beyond the work itself, MHG prioritizes meaningful experiences that strengthen both professional development and team connection. From discipline-led retreats and mentorship opportunities to cross-disciplinary collaboration and hands-on project involvement, we strive to create an environment where people can grow personally and professionally.

While many know MHG as a civil engineering firm, at our core we are placemakers — shaping environments, experiences, and communities from concept through completion.

Established. Evolving. Creative.

Thank you to our incredible team for making MHG a truly exceptional place to work.

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS....

A Day at Ruppert: Retreat, Nursery

Tour & Team Connection

Our Landscape Architecture team recently spent the day at Ruppert Companies Headquarters for a team retreat, nursery tour, and happy hour focused on reconnecting, sharing ideas, and continuing to grow together as a team.

The day was especially meaningful given the long-standing relationship between Colleen Vacelet and Ruppert, built over more than 25 years of collaboration through projects, industry leadership, and shared commitment to the profession of Landscape Architecture. Over the years, Colleen has worked alongside members of the Ruppert team on numerous projects and through professional service, including time spent serving together on the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects executive board.

We are incredibly grateful to Ruppert for their generosity and hospitality, and especially to Paul Pestun for thoughtfully coordinating the day’s events. The experience gave our team the opportunity to step away from day-to-day project work, exchange knowledge, and strengthen the collaboration that drives our design process.

The visit also offered a closer look at the Ruppert Headquarters campus — a LEED-certified environment that thoughtfully preserves the character of the original farmhouse while integrating modern facilities and operations into the landscape in a seamless and intentional way.

From nursery insights and plant knowledge to team dialogue and relationship-building, the day left us energized, inspired, and excited to continue bringing that collaborative spirit into the work we do for our clients and communities.

MILESTONE

UPDATE...

WE CELEBRATE John Wysong’s 40

Years at MHG!

For four decades, John Wysong has been a cornerstone of MHG’s engineering department, bringing an unmatched level of technical expertise, precision, and reliability to every project he touches. John has consistently delivered thoughtful, high-quality solutions while navigating increasingly complex standards and requirements.

John’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned the respect of colleagues, clients, and reviewers alike. His work has set a benchmark within the firm, with many of his plans recognized for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Beyond his technical contributions, John has also played an important role in mentoring younger staff, sharing his knowledge and helping shape the next generation of engineers at MHG.

Dependable, thorough, and deeply service-oriented, John’s steady presence has had a lasting impact on the company, and the many projects and communities MHG has served over the past 40 years. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

New Year. New Beginnings.
Big Moves at MHG.

Colleen Vacelet and her Intreegue team joins MHG!

MHG welcomes new Principal, Colleen Vacelet, to Lead the Landscape Architecture & Planning Department in growth and strategic expansion!

MHG proudly announces the addition of Colleen Vacelet as a Principal, marking a pivotal milestone in the firm’s continued growth. Colleen brings more than two decades of experience in landscape architecture, planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and business entrepreneurship. She joins MHG with a mission to lead and expand the Landscape Architecture and Planning Studio, elevate design integration across service lines, and support the firm’s strategic evolution for years to come.

Colleen is the Founder and President of Intreegue Design, a nationally recognized landscape architecture firm celebrated for its creative, horticulturally rich design approach. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong business leadership — acquiring two additional companies, including Order Green Supply in 2023. Her portfolio of ventures has positioned her as a leader capable of pairing design excellence with business strategy, growth development, and team culture.

"I’m always energized by a good adventure — and often, a challenge right alongside it," shared Colleen. "This partnership is the beginning of something powerful. By combining our strengths in landscape architecture, planning, creativity, and technical capability, we will build strong foundations for growth and lead MHG into its next era — and the next 50 years — with vision and momentum."

MHG leadership shares this enthusiasm for what Colleen brings to the firm. "Colleen’s entrepreneurial spirit, strategic thinking, and deep design expertise are an exceptional fit for our firm," said Patrick La Vay, President, MHG. "Her leadership will play a critical role in expanding our Landscape Architecture and Planning practice and shaping the next chapter of MHG’s legacy."

While joining MHG as Principal, Colleen will continue to lead Intreegue Design, strengthening alignment between creative landscape architecture, planning, technical engineering, and survey. This collaboration opens the door for shared resources, new service offerings, and broader opportunities for clients across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

As the Landscape Architecture team grows under Colleen’s leadership, we’re excited to connect with clients and collaborators. Reach out to learn how MHG Landscape Architecture can be a soup-to-nuts partner on your projects — from navigating landscape requirements to designing standout amenities like disc golf courses and rooftop spaces.

Feel free to contact Colleen directly or via LinkedIn:

cvacelet@mhgpa.com