Andrew Lonnie Sikes, PE, RPLS

Andy Sikes joined the engineering and surveying profession at a time of dramatically accelerating changes in technology. This suited him just fine. A lifelong learner and early adopter, Mr. Sikes has continually explored, embraced, and mastered new technology in surveying, drafting, aerial photography, GIS, GPS, and other aspects of civil engineering. His curiosity is balanced by a firm grasp of the historical fundamentals of engineering and surveying, which has enabled him to appreciate what technology truly can (and cannot) achieve in resolving complex legal challenges.

For more than 40 years, Mr. Sikes’ firm, Andrew Lonnie Sikes, Inc., has been a recognized leader in all aspects of surveying subject-matter expertise. With clients in state and local government, higher education, healthcare systems, and oil and gas, Mr. Sikes’ technical expertise is matched by his understanding of the logistics and business of surveying.

Mr. Sikes served on the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying—the state licensing board for the profession—for 12 years (under three different governors of Texas), including serving one year as Chairman. He was also elected to the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Board of Directors, where he served for two years as Southern Zone Vice President.

Education and National Service

Andrew Lonnie Sikes began his engineering career in 1969 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. Upon completing his degree, Mr. Sikes joined the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He served in NOAA for four years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant (03) in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. While there, Mr. Sikes gained his first professional experience in aerial mapping, immediately recognizing its versatility and potential to deliver efficient surveys with features that land-based surveys could not match.

After his service in NOAA, Mr. Sikes returned to Texas A&M to complete his Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Shortly after gaining design experience in a Houston firm, he earned his first Professional Engineer (PE) licence. After working on engineering projects for a few years, Mr. Sikes saw an opportunity to start his own private practice, drawing on his experience with and passion for new surveying technology.

ALS, Inc.

In 1977, Andy Sikes opened his private engineering practice. He incorporated the firm as Andrew Lonnie Sikes, Inc. (ALS, Inc.) in 1982. From the start, Mr. Sikes’ firm offered a broad range of engineering and surveying services, with an emphasis on newer technology including geographic information systems (GIS) projects, hydrographic surveys, global positioning systems (GPS) surveys, and aerial surveys. In 1992, the firm began offering aerial mapping, building a library of more than 8,000 square miles of orthometrically corrected color aerial photography and thousands of acres of aerial topographic maps with contours as close as six inches.

In 2002, ALS, Inc. began expanding its engineering offerings, providing civil engineering design for municipal, government, institutional, and private clients. Mr. Sikes’ son A. Lonnie Sikes II, also a Registered Professional Engineer, joined the practice during this period of growth. Their integrity and sensitivity to how institutions make decisions in light of the public trust helped make ALS, Inc. a valued partner to organizations such as Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University), M.D. Anderson, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Harris County Flood Control District, Dow Chemical, Exxon Mobil, and other companies serving the Houston Ship Channel.

Professional Leadership

His entire career, Andy Sikes has pursued professional excellence and encouraged others to do the same. Providing continuing education and service to engineering and surveying societies is woven into the fabric of Mr. Sikes’ professional life. He has delivered dozens of papers and presentations to peers over the years and taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of Houston.

From 1987 to 1999, Mr. Sikes served on the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying, including serving as Chair for one year. This was the licensing body for professional surveyors in the state of Texas, responsible for setting and enforcing standards of professional practice, including qualifications, conduct, and continuing education. Mr. Sikes was also chosen by the state board to provide representation to the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES), which sets national standards for education, practice, and testing. He served a two-year term on the NCEES as Southern Zone Vice President.

Mr. Sikes’ professional leadership, breadth of knowledge, and commitment to his discipline over the years have made him a valued expert witness and consultant for clients and legal teams.