It drives my wife and kids crazy. We’ll be on vacation, and suddenly I’ll stop to take a picture of the ground—usually followed by an enthusiastic explanation about the survey corner or control point I just found and why it’s exactly where it should be. If you spend enough time in surveying, you start noticing…
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At Sain, we’re always looking for ways to improve how we collect data and support our clients’ projects. One of the most exciting recent additions to our surveying toolkit is a new drone equipped with LiDAR technology. What excites me the most about this technology is simply seeing the capabilities it brings to our work…
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We are excited to spotlight Michael Thomas, PLS, recently named an Associate Shareholder of the firm. Michael’s career path, leadership within the surveying profession, and commitment to teamwork make him a valued member of Sain’s ownership group. Michael’s journey with Sain Associates spans nearly two decades and reflects his deep connection to the firm. He…
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When you’re sick, you go to a doctor. When you have a legal issue, you call a lawyer. A toothache? Time for the dentist. A surveyor is no different—when you need one, you really need one. However, many people don’t know when that moment will come. The most common time you’ll hire a surveyor is…
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If you’ve driven near the Birmingham Zoo or Botanical Gardens lately, you’ve probably noticed something big taking shape at one of the metro’s busiest gateways. Two roundabouts are transforming the high-volume intersection cluster shared by Birmingham and Mountain Brook, and the story of how we got here goes back over a decade. In 2009, roundabouts…
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Sain Associates is honored to receive a Merit Award in the Civil Engineering category of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama’s Excellence in Construction Awards for our work on the Jefferson County Medical Examiner and Coroner’s Office project. This recognition highlights our innovative design approach, technical expertise, and commitment to supporting infrastructure in Alabama….
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When title attorneys review property records, they often piece together decades, or even centuries, of documentation. Deeds, plats, local zoning ordinances, and title abstracts provide critical information, but they don’t always capture the full story on the ground. That’s where modern land surveys come in. By bridging the gap between the legal description and the…
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As a senior project manager at Sain Associates, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that will make a difference in a community. One recent example is the Irondale Civic Center in Irondale, Alabama. The building itself has quite a backstory. Originally constructed in the mid-1980s by the Shriners as a meeting space, the…
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Our team is passionate about projects that connect people to nature, especially those in our community. One such opportunity arose in mid-2023 when we were asked to perform a topographic survey for the Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Our work supported the design and development of a reimagined Herb Terrace herb garden area that…
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Governor Kay Ivey recently announced $23.5 million in SEEDS grants to support economic development across Alabama. These grants, part of the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Program, provide funding to help communities prepare industrial sites for future business investment. By improving infrastructure, conducting site evaluations, and enhancing site readiness, the program ensures that…
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