AECOM’s cultural resources and heritage specialists work closely with our clients to protect resources while expediting projects and maintaining sensitivity to the needs and concerns of clients and stakeholders.
Cultural resources and heritage tell the story of a people, over time, throughout the world. These stories capture the “soul” of our communities. Cultural resources are fragile and easily damaged or destroyed, often to the dismay of those who created or used them. Most communities protect their cultural heritage through regulations that require cultural resources (e.g., archaeological sites, historic buildings, landscapes) be identified, evaluated for significance, and, if possible, protected or documented before they are impacted by proposed development.
Projects may be delayed if effects on cultural resources are not recognized and managed early on in project planning. Project proponents can acquire substantial good will and respect if they willingly and honestly address cultural resources/cultural heritage issues before projects begin and incorporate effective measures to minimize or mitigate potentially adverse project effects.
AECOM is a recognized international leader in cultural resources management (CRM) and cultural heritage practice. We have undertaken thousands of CRM and cultural heritage projects throughout the U.S., Canada, and across the globe on behalf of public and private clients. Our interdisciplinary teams of archaeologists, architectural historians, historians, ethnographers, planners, architects, and social scientists deliver fully integrated services throughout the research, planning, design, and implementation processes of varying-sized projects.
We recognize and understand the complexity of governmental regulations, industry standards, and our clients’ missions, which allows us to complete projects efficiently and cost effectively. We use the most appropriate technologies and methodologies for each project to achieve accepted results in a timely and cost-effective manner. We solve problems with creative solutions.
Key AECOM Attributes
- AECOM employs hundreds of cultural resources and cultural heritage specialists in North America and around the globe, which provides a breadth and depth of experience unmatched by other firms.
- Our North American cultural resources staff are strategically located across the U.S. and Canada, such that individuals and teams can respond promptly and efficiently to client requests.
- A wide range of AECOM’s cultural resources staff meet the U. S. Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology, Architectural History, History, Historic Architecture, and Cultural Landscapes, and many hold certifications such as Registered Professional Archaeologist and Certified Planner.
- AECOM’s cultural resources teams can be mobilized with relatively short notice.
- Our staff provides professional results in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Areas of Expertise
AECOM cultural resources and cultural heritage specialists have experience in:
- CRM PLANNING – SHPO/THPO consultation, agency coordination, Due Diligence/Fatal Flaw analysis, Section 106 and other regulatory guidance.
- TERRESTRIAL AND UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY – United States: Phase I Survey, Phase II Evaluation, Phase III Data Recovery / Canada: Stage 1 Background Assessment, Stage 2 Property Survey, Stage 3 Site-Specific Assessment, Stage 4 Mitigation.
- ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY AND PRESERVATION PLANNING – Architectural survey and evaluation, Determinations of Eligibility, HABS/HAER/HALS documentation, Cultural Heritage Evaluation and Impact Assessment.
- CEMETERY SERVICES – Burial site investigations, cemetery delineations, relocation/reburial, marker repair and restoration.
- AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS AND PLANS – Memoranda of Agreement, Programmatic Agreements, Historic Resource and Archaeological Management Plans, Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plans, Heritage Conservation District Plans, Work Plans.
- INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT – Encourage and support tribal consultation and coordination for federal agencies and per international standards.
- PUBLIC OUTREACH – Museum installations, interpretive displays, popular publications, tours, archaeological workdays, lectures.