Michael Brandman Associates

Making an Impact with Clients without Impacting the Land

By Russ J. Stacey

Sure, adopting green building practices, drafting environmental impact reports (EIRs) and complying with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are all nearly standard business concepts today. But there was a time - and not that long ago - when such eco-friendly ways weren't so familiar. The founder of Michael Brandman Associates (MBA), an environmental consulting and planning company headquartered in Irvine, CA, knows this all too well. Although now in its 25th year, MBA received its share of head scratching in the beginning.

"Initially, when I founded the firm, a lot of our clientele, particularly home builders, thought we were environmentalists or 'tree huggers,' people who might be more opposed to their project," says CEO/ President Michael Brandman, Ph.D. "We're not environmentalists in that way, but we have environmental ethics."

Long before the phrase "green building" became vogue, MBA was grappling with the same kinds of issues that are common today. The services that the firm has continued to deliver to builders, architects and developers include regulatory compliance, natural and cultural resources management, air quality analysis and water resources management. The one constant throughout the company's history has been its ability to remain "flexible and nimble enough to work through different cycles," Michael says.

"What we bring to the table is environmental balance between land development and infrastructure development with what's going on in that environment. Our mission is to provide the best ideas, solutions and direction to our clients in creating a residential or mixed-use neighborhood that is as environmentally balanced as possible." That goal is reached in part by specializing in EIRs, negative declarations and other products related to complying with CEQA.

In the past decade, mitigated negative declarations have taken on a bigger role. "And it's the mitigation part that provides the solutions to get the land development or infrastructure ultimately to where it needs to be - get it built, but at the same time, mitigate the environmental effects or provide some other level of public benefit that will lessen some of the potential impacts the project might have." In other words, make it a better place to live - for people and for the environment.

Above and beyond the EIRs, other important commodities that MBA supplies are regulatory services and permitting. Particularly in Northern California, often a watershed, streams or watercourses will enter the picture. Both the federal and state Clean Water Acts require permits for projects that impact or fill water bodies, and permits require mitigation plans, which often go hand in hand with other broader environmental compliance issues. "So we take our clients through all those processes, assist them or get them those particular permits relating to water and water quality."

Michael and his son, Jason Brandman, Northern California Vice President, have positioned the firm as experts and partners for its clients, who are located throughout California. "Clients save money when they get us involved early on and make that initial investment," Jason says, reflecting the firm's belief in due diligence right up front. "And I think that leads to some of our other core services. That's where we can make some of our biggest impacts: the biological resources assessments, dealing with issues of cultural resources and historic resources, and other key areas of expertise that we offer."

According to Jason, that due diligence is what really sets MBA apart. "For instance, we were at the forefront of dealing with the whole issue of greenhouse gas emissions and AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) as passed by the governor. And with our specific CEQA documents, we've done a number of things in that area to address the current concerns of our clients." Michael calls it another example of them acting early. Right after AB 32 was approved, he says the firm was all over this issue as it related to EIRs.

In the last quarter century, MBA has seen "any and all aspects of what our clients deal with and the implications of the type of work we do on their success," Jason says. MBA was recently honored with inclusion on ZweigWhite's Hot Firm 200 List, which recognizes the fastest growing A/E/P and environmental consulting firms. ZweigWhite, a leading management consulting, information and education firm, cited MBA's 121% growth from 2003 to 2006.

As they encourage staff to do, Michael and Jason have been involved with professional builders' associations for a number of years. Michael was elected to the board of directors of BIA's Orange County chapter and is currently on the board of directors of BIA of Southern California. "I think it's important to get to know the builders at a professional level and that you really understand what their needs are. It's sort of like walking in their moccasins."

The Northern California office of MBA is located at Bishop Ranch 3, 2633 Camino Ramon, Suite 460, in San Ramon, CA 94583. Call (925) 830-2733 or visit brandman.com for more information or to learn about their other locations.

Testimonials

"As we continue to go through the ADEIR, I wanted you to know that we were impressed by how well written and well organized it is. We cannot say that for many ADEIRs." - David A. Gold, Morrison & Foerster LLP (City Center EIR Project in San Ramon) "The board of supervisors unanimously certified the referenced EIR yesterday and we filed the Notice of Determination with the board clerk this morning. The fish and game check and the NOD will be overnighted to the state OPR, so we can reduce the duration of the appeal period. Word may have already reached you of this milestone, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you [for] all your involvement and support through this process. A special thanks to Grant, who did the majority of the 'heavy lifting' to craft the document and produce the quality end product that was presented to the board. I wish you all great success as you pursue other endeavors and we switch gears to incorporate the appropriate mitigation measures into the design and front-end documents. Thanks again to each of you."

- Kanon R. Artiche, AIA, Solano County Architect, Division of Architectural Services

January 2008 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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