Engineering firms often feel like faceless entities behind massive blueprints. You see their signs on construction fences, but you rarely know who’s actually making the calls. Honestly, if you live in the New York metropolitan area, you’ve likely walked through or over something designed by Cameron Engineering & Associates.
Founded in 1985 by John D. Cameron, Jr., this firm didn't just pop up overnight. It started as a specialized shop and ballooned into a multi-disciplined powerhouse. Most people think they just do "civil engineering"—basically moving dirt and paving roads. That’s a huge misconception. They actually handle everything from high-end landscape architecture to the complex mechanical systems inside hospitals.
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The Massive Shift: Why the Name Changed
If you’re looking for their office today, you might be confused by the logo on the door. In 2023, Cameron Engineering & Associates made a huge move by joining IMEG, one of the largest employee-owned engineering firms in the United States.
It wasn't just a corporate buyout for the sake of cash. John Cameron and partner Joseph Amato stayed on in leadership roles. By 2025, the firm was ranked as the #1 engineering firm on Long Island by Long Island Business News. This matters because it gave the local New York team access to a national bench of 650 Professional Engineers while keeping their "Long Island first" attitude.
Basically, they went from being a regional heavy-hitter to a national player with deep local roots. You’ve probably noticed their fingerprints on projects like the Roosevelt Island roadway rehabilitations or major municipal water systems.
What They Actually Do (Beyond the Blueprints)
It's kinda wild how many hats these guys wear. While a lot of firms outsource their "green" initiatives, Cameron (now IMEG) has dozens of LEED-accredited professionals on staff. They don't just talk about sustainability; they build it into the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems.
- Security Engineering: They design the CCTV and low-voltage systems for airports and sports arenas.
- Water and Wastewater: This is the unsexy stuff that keeps a city running. They handle the "guts" of municipal infrastructure.
- Landscape Architecture: Think about how a park feels—not just how it looks. They bridge the gap between "this looks nice" and "this won't flood when it rains."
The firm operates out of its primary hubs in Woodbury, NY and New York City. In Woodbury, they’re situated at 100 Sunnyside Boulevard. If you’ve ever dealt with Nassau County Public Works or the New York State Department of State, you've likely seen their technical reports.
Real-World Impact: The Roosevelt Island Project
A great example of their work is the $900,000+ contract they won for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). This wasn't just about fixing potholes.
They had to conduct island-wide traffic studies and figure out how to manage the "on-demand" delivery surge that's been clogging up Main Street. It required surveying underground utilities that most people don't even know exist. They beat out several other firms because they already knew the island’s quirks from previous work on the Sportspark renovation.
Navigating the Industry in 2026
The engineering landscape has changed. It's no longer just about who has the best CAD software. It's about data.
With the 2023 merger fully integrated, the team now utilizes massive digital twins and advanced simulation tools. However, they still face the same challenges every New York firm deals with: rising material costs, complex DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) regulations, and the constant pressure of Manhattan’s aging infrastructure.
People often ask if the "small firm" feel is gone now that they are part of IMEG. The reality is a bit more nuanced. While they have the resources of a billion-dollar entity, the leadership in the Woodbury office still consists of the same folks who built the firm over the last 40 years.
Actionable Steps for Partners and Clients
If you’re looking to work with or hire a firm of this caliber, keep these points in mind:
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- Verify the Entity: When filing permits or looking for records, remember they may be listed as "IMEG Consulting Corporation (formerly Cameron Engineering)."
- Focus on Multi-Discipline: Don't hire three different firms for civil, structural, and MEP. The "Cameron" approach is to keep these under one roof to avoid the "it's not my job" finger-pointing that happens on big job sites.
- Check the LEED Credentials: If you are working on a public project in NY, environmental compliance is everything. Ask for their specific history with NYSDEC tidal wetlands jurisdictions, as they have a deep track record there.
- Local Knowledge vs. National Scale: Use their Woodbury-based team for projects requiring deep ties with Long Island municipalities, but leverage their national IMEG experts for specialized things like "Life Sciences" or "Aviation" facilities.
The firm remains a benchmark for how local expertise can scale without losing its identity. Whether it's a 172-unit residential development or a complex airport security upgrade, their influence on New York's physical world is hard to overstate.