Heritage

Arcadis has a long history of working with clients – from city leaders and local authorities to investors, asset owners and developers – to improve quality of life by creating spaces where people want to live, work and play, improving mobility and making best use of natural resources. Today, we are one of the largest design, engineering, and consulting organizations in the world.

 

As a leading design, engineering and consultancy business, Arcadis brings together the world’s brightest architects, analysts, designers, engineers, project planners and sustainability experts to solve complex infrastructure and environmental challenges.
 
For over 135 years, since our early origins in the Netherlands, we’ve combined imaginative thinking with technical expertise to find new ways to improve quality of life. From reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding to designing net‑zero data centres that power the digital world, Arcadis has grown into a global leader through continuous innovation, growth and by evolving to meet the changing needs of our clients. communities and the world at large. 
 

2022-Today

In 2022, we expanded our expertise and welcomed imaginative thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers through the acquisitions of IBI Group, DPS Group, and Giftge Consulting. These strategic investments enhanced our digital capabilities, deepened our specialization in architecture and urbanism, strengthened our presence in North America, and extended our services into high-growth markets such as life sciences, energy, and industrial manufacturing.

 

2010-2019

In 2011, Arcadis acquires EC Harris to build a stronger position in the UK, and growth in Middle East and Asia. A year later, in 2012, Langdon & Seah is acquired to achieve a leading position in cost and project management in Asia. In 2014, the acquisition of Hyder Consulting and Callison brings further strength to engineering and architecture. In 2015, the Arcadis brand is rolled out globally, with all legacy brands being gradually phased out.

 

2000-2009

In 2007, we announced the decision to voluntarily delist from NASDAQ and continue trading as Arcadis on Euronext. We also acquired RTKL, to bring high-quality architectural design to our clients in US, UK and Asia. In 2009, we acquired Malcolm Pirnie to achieve a leading global position in water.

 

1990-1999

The nineties mark the start of Arcadis’ European expansion strategy. In 1993, the merger with Geraghty & Miller brings US expansion and grants an initial listing on the NASDAQ index. In 1995, Heidemij became a listed company on the Next 150 index in Amsterdam. In 1997, the Arcadis name and brand as we know it today is introduced.

 

1950-1979

In 1959, Arcadis began the export of water and infrastructure services to emerging economies. In 1960, Arcadis branched out into urban development. In the early seventies (1974), the Heidemaatschappij is split into two separate entities; the Association (or KNHM foundation; since 2023: Katalys) and Heidemij.

 

1888

Arcadis was founded as the Nederlandsche Heidemaatschappij (English: Association for Wasteland Redevelopment) a land reclamation business promoting agricultural productivity of Dutch heather lands.