Since the founding of our company more than 120 years ago, we've seen the world transition from discrete industrial societies to a technological culture on a global scale. As an integral part of this transition, the design of large-scale engineering works has proven to be an intensely human activity fueled by innovation and vision.

From its inception, Parsons Brinckerhoff has been at the forefront of this revolution. Our story is one of leadership, and our history continues to be characterized by the imprint of outstanding individuals—starting with the firm's founder, William Barclay Parsons.

An auspicious beginning with global reach

By the time Parsons opened a Manhattan office in 1885, he was already known as an ambitious and exceptional engineer. The first undertaking of his new venture was to design New York City's first subway, the IRT. Completed in 1904, this line—extending from lower Manhattan to Harlem—remains the world's most heavily used rapid transit system.

Even then, the firm had a global reach; Parsons' second major project was to chart a 1,000-mile railroad in China, from Hankow to Canton, a line that is also still in use today.

In 1906, Henry M. Brinckerhoff—a pioneering highway engineer—brought his expertise in electric railways to the firm. Known for his co-invention of the third rail, which revolutionized rapid transit, Brinckerhoff designed the network of roads at the 1939 World's Fair in New York.

Today's comprehensive infrastructure services

From then until now, PB has evolved and expanded. Long recognized as one of the world's leading transportation engineering firms, PB now provides comprehensive services for all types of infrastructure projects including power, buildings, environment and telecommunications.

The past years have seen PB play significant roles on thousands of projects, including some of the most notable infrastructure endeavors of the 20th century. It is these projects that tell the complete story of our heritage: The legacy of our impact around the world. It is a legacy we continue, as we help today's clients serve the public in nearly 80 countries around the world.