In the past 35 years, many changes have taken place in the civil engineering profession. Gone are the days of drafting tables and slide rules, like those used by Rick Moore’s father, a retired structural engineer. In today’s engineering office, the impact of technology and innovation is evident, allowing for a streamlined and efficient design process, where projects are designed as 3D models and cost estimates are displayed real-time across multiple screens and handheld devices. Amidst the industry changes, Rick has worked with a set of principles instilled from an early age. Success in any business venture takes more than technology or a skill set. It requires the recognizing that you must deliver value in everything you do. Delivering value has earned Moore Bass a reputation for positive outcomes with real estate developers, decision-makers, bankers and contractors, delivering high-quality design projects in extraordinary places throughout the southeast.
Since Moore Bass Consulting took on its first project almost 30 years ago, the firm has grown rapidly, responding to business expansion opportunities of the real estate run-up in the early to mid 2000’s. In 2006, the Moore Bass Consulting footprint included seven offices in three states, with more than 150 employees. After 2007, the real estate market stalled and the recession required two new skill sets: diversification and contraction. The firm rolled up seven offices into two physical locations, laying-off over 100 friends, co-workers and colleagues. The firm diversified its client list and began to offer engineering services to governmental agencies in addition to private sector clients. Since 2012, the firm has steadily grown from 35 to 55 employees, continuing to diversify its business and offerings to clients.
Today, Moore Bass operates out of two offices with one in Tallahassee and a second in Atlanta totaling 55 employees, including 12 licensed professionals. Services include civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture and construction management services. Moore Bass knows the land development and site construction processes, with their professionals seamlessly fitting into a project team and providing value. The team at Moore Bass prides themselves on providing clients with extensive experience and expertise, navigating complex regulations and permitting processes to achieve an on-time project completion.
Rick attributes the firm’s success to the commitment and dedication of his team of individuals who share collective goals and a set of values from which they operate. Rick fosters a work environment that centers on personal growth and professional advancement, encouraging colleagues to accept expanded roles in order to develop the skills to become effective leaders in both the organization and community. Moore Bass places a large emphasis on creating a positive organizational culture, where it is not uncommon to see employee work anniversary celebrations, employees competing in a chili cook-off with a lineup of “celebrity” judges, or engineering staff frequenting the company snack cart that is stocked with favorite refreshments for a mid-afternoon pick me up.
After the loss of his family’s home in the wake of the Hurricane Matthew in 2018, Rick has continued to remain involved in the recovery effort of the Forgotten Coast. Along with other community contributions, he prioritizes giving back to the communities where Moore Bass colleagues design and live. After years of leadership within organizations such as Chamber of Commerce, Urban Land Institute, and TMH Board of Directors, Rick continues to encourage civic leadership, philanthropy and community involvement for all Moore Bass team members as they strive to make a positive impact not only through their work, but through their service.
