The Mid-Atlantic construction scene is thriving, with general contractors (GCs) demonstrating greatness in innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. From transformative infrastructure projects to community-focused improvements, here are the top 10 GCs that have caught our eye in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.
Buildings Construction Leaders
1. Doyle Construction Company
Doyle Construction stands out to us at MKH Search for more than just their projects – they are a company that dedicates themselves to their employees. Their aim is to create a company where kids out of college can plant their roots for the next 30 years, and Doyle believes that comes hand in hand with fulfilled colleagues supported by a strong community. This has successfully created a company where people don’t want to leave, with turnover rates far below the industry standard. The future is looking very bright for Doyle.
From sponsoring the 40th Catholic Charities Gala 2025 to regularly spotlighting employees, introducing interns, and celebrating the hard-working women in construction, this type of behavior really cements the belief that Doyle is a great company to work for.
2. L.F. Jennings
L.F. Jennings has long been a standout general contractor in the Mid-Atlantic. Their recent wins at the 2025 GRACRE Awards — including projects like Sauer Office Building and NOON Hioaks — are a testament to the firm’s collaborative spirit and diverse project portfolio across office, affordable housing, and mixed-use developments. But what truly sets L.F. Jennings apart is their people-first culture. From jobsite Lunch n’ Learns (like the one at New Manchester Flats exploring Helical Piles) to celebrating stories of resilience at the Northern Virginia Champions Luncheon hosted by Fear 2 Freedom, the company actively creates learning opportunities and supports meaningful causes.
3. MCN Build
MCN has built an impressive portfolio in K-12 education and public buildings across the Mid-Atlantic, leading the charge in sustainable building practices. Recent projects like Raymond Elementary School – which received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Local Market Leadership Award in Decarbonization – and a PHIUS CORE 2021-certified multifamily project in Washington, D.C., show their dedication to raising the bar. Through the MCN Build Foundation, they provide support to both local and international K-12 projects – making it clear they’re serious about building better futures.
4. Harkins Builders
Harkins is a trusted name in residential construction, consistently ranking as one of the top multifamily builders in the country and continues to grow – unlike many competitors in the market. Their people-first approach gives them the edge in community-focused development. It shows up in everything from their sponsorship of the Bisnow DMV Affordable Housing Summit to their longstanding partnerships with nonprofit housing developers. Their commitment to building affordable housing to support communities is something we admire.
5. The Christman Company
The Christman Company brings a national reputation of integrity and innovation to their work in the Mid-Atlantic. While they’ve faced growing pains in the region, they’re now succeeding with a strong local team and a tight-knit core of employees. Their commitment to CSR is a pillar of Christman’s culture. Their 2024 Community Impact Report shows over 3,200 volunteer hours across more than 225 organizations, supporting veterans, the unhoused, and vulnerable groups. Their dedication to purpose-driven work is clearly built into their foundation.
Civil Construction Leaders
1. S&B USA
S&B has not only demonstrated instrumental capability in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across the Mid-Atlantic, such as the MD85 at I-270 Interchange Reconstruction in Frederick, MD and the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project in Perryville and Havre de Grace, MD, but also sets great examples for safety standards, sustainability, and training of the next generation of construction workers. Recent highlights include S&B’s VP of External Affairs & Sustainability, Grant Ervin, hosting The Green Voice – a newsletter that provides sustainable business insights – as well as the company welcoming their new 28 interns in March.
2. CIANBRO
Cianbro continues to make impressive moves, growing its presence in Southern Virginia with a newly opened office in Suffolk – reflecting their commitment to provide the best services across the region. They pride themselves on a significant focus on safety, quality, sustainability, and a people-first approach. Cianbro’s socials are full of employee devotion, from welcoming new graduates to celebrating seasoned workers for their hard work. Their employee-owned business model combined with strategic growth in the civil construction space sets them apart from others in the industry.
3. Kiewit
Kiewit, currently ranking 2nd in the ENR top contractors for 2024, is known for working some of the country’s most complex infrastructure projects. Recent involvement in the Francis Key Scott Bridge rehabilitation project demonstrates their technical expertise and ability to adapt under pressure. But beyond construction, Kiewit has a significant reputation in safety – performing nearly 10 times better than industry average. They regularly publish through their magazine, Kieways, releasing comprehensive safety news that is often adopted as benchmarks across the industry.
4. Skanska
Skanska is rising to be one of the most impactful civil contractors in the Mid-Atlantic. A standout achievement is their role in the North Package of the Long Bridge Project, which demands not only strategic precision but also collaboration with public and environmental stakeholders. But what really stuck out to us at MKH is their sustainability philosophy. Skanska’s global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 proves their dedication to the planet. They also pride themselves on a culture of care, with mental health resources to really support their people.
5. Wagman
Wagman’s contributions to the Long Bridge Project underscore their position as a trusted partner in transportation work. But what makes them shine is their deep-rooted commitment to the local community. A key campaign Wagman has supported is Give Local York, a fundraising event dedicated to supporting nonprofits in Pennsylvania. In April this year, Wagman raised over $3,000 in a water bucket fundraiser for five nonprofits, as a part of Give Local York. This type of behavior proves Wagman upholds incredibly strong corporate social responsibility principles.
We’ve published salary & talent insights guides for the civil and buildings sides of the Mid-Atlantic. Inside, you’ll find compensation trends, market data, and real insight into what’s driving hiring in the region. Download today from our MKH Insights page.
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