Regional Lead for Water Resources, Adam Brown, is showcased this month on I AM BKF.

I Am a Father.

I Am a Musician.

I Am a Sports Fan.

I Am a Snowboarder.

I Am a Hiker.

I Am a Gardener.

I Am a Regional Lead for Water Resources.

For Adam Brown, engineering has always been about creating something lasting, for clients and for the communities that depend on the work. As Regional Lead for BKF’s Water Resources team, he brings nearly two decades of experience spanning land development, government service, and public water and wastewater infrastructure. He approaches every project with the same blend of technical expertise, responsiveness, and mentorship that has guided his career since the beginning.

Adam’s interest in engineering started early. Growing up, he loved building with Legos™, designing wooden train tracks, and imagining how small structures could fit into a bigger picture.

“I’ve always loved figuring out how things work and how to make them better,” says Adam.

When a family member, an architect, noticed his creativity and suggested he consider engineering, the idea stuck. His curiosity grew alongside his love for math and computer games like SimCity™, which helped him understand how complex systems come together to serve a community. By the time he entered college, Adam was determined to make that fascination his career path.

He pursued internships every summer while earning his degree, eager to learn from as many professionals as possible. That persistence paid off when, after passing his Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, his extensive internship experience caught the eye of a hiring manager who created an interview slot just for him. Once in the field, Adam absorbed everything he could from seasoned engineers and drafters, developing a sharp eye for quality, thoroughness, and detail. “I always said yes,” he recalls. “Every assignment was a chance to learn something new.”

He passed his PE exam at the first opportunity, viewing it as both a milestone and a launching point for growth. Over the years, his career evolved through roles in land development, government service, and water engineering, each one shaping the well-rounded perspective he brings to BKF today.

Now, as a Regional Lead for BKF’s Water team, Adam wears many hats. He manages projects and pursuits, mentors staff, connects with clients, and supports strategic planning across the firm.

“I’m inspired every day by the people I get to work with, the clients I get to work for, the challenges that we get to navigate, and the solutions that we’re able to provide.”

For Adam, mentorship and teamwork are at the core of leadership. He takes pride in helping younger engineers gain confidence, refine their technical skills, and find their professional footing, just as his mentors once did for him. He’s learned that sharing knowledge and encouraging others to grow is one of the most rewarding parts of his career.

Experience has also taught Adam the importance of balance. “Early in my career, I was afraid of making a mistake and had a hard time saying no,” he shares. Now, he recognizes that a career isn’t a sprint but a distance run — one that requires pacing, patience, and perspective. With a hybrid work schedule that allows him to be present for his daughter, Adam prioritizes family, self-care, and steady progress over perfection. That perspective keeps him grounded and sustains his passion for engineering.

Outside of work, Adam’s creativity and love of the outdoors shine through. Music has been a true passion for him ever since he learned to play piano at the age of five, and he still enjoys writing songs and playing whenever he can. He finds peace in nature, whether hiking, biking, or snowboarding, and keeps his hands busy gardening when he’s home. A lifelong San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan, he enjoys watching games at home and occasionally attending them in person when he can. Whether at home, on the mountain, or at the piano, Adam brings the same curiosity, energy, and care that define his approach to engineering and leadership.