I am a Girl Dad
I am a Husband
I am a Pet Dad
I am a Maine Cabin Master
I am a Boater
I am a Skier
Tom West has dedicated his entire career to the complex world of water. As BKF’s Business Sector Lead for Water Resources, Tom combines decades of technical expertise with a passion for solving some of today’s most pressing challenges in water management.
Tom’s journey to this role started with a strong foundation in technical work, including water treatment and water system planning. Early in his career, he gained an understanding of how water systems function, as well as the regulations that govern them. This knowledge became the cornerstone of his career, enabling him to transition into broader roles in water supply planning and management. Working with agencies to find innovative solutions and understanding the “big picture” of water infrastructure set the stage for Tom’s leadership in the business and strategic side of the industry. Today, Tom focuses on enhancing BKF’s capabilities, growing our water resources practice, and empowering his team to reach their full potential.
Tom’s inspiration for water stems from two key factors. First, water is a basic, essential need for both people and the environment, and managing it responsibly is critical. Second, water is incredibly complex—it touches nearly every aspect of life, from agriculture to urban development to ecosystems, and these connections make it endlessly fascinating.
When it comes to career achievements, Tom points to two standout moments. First, he takes pride in helping grow a water resources business in Southern California, where he built a strong foundation in integrated planning and agency collaboration. Second, he highlights the Legacy Park Project in Malibu. This was the largest public works project in the city’s history, and Tom worked closely with the community to ensure its success. These accomplishments reflect Tom’s ability to bridge technical expertise with a community-focused approach to deliver meaningful results.
Tom credits his wife as his number one supporter, always encouraging him—whether he asks for it or not! He also gives a heartfelt nod to his team at BKF. The people he works with are a huge part of his success. He couldn’t do his work without their support, talent, and dedication.
Our Water Resources team is growing! Click the link, below, to view the exciting opportunities at BKF Engineers!

I AM Dan Schaefer, a Business Sector Leader for Transportation

