About Schnabel
Schnabel – Pioneering Earth Retention and Specialty Foundation Solutions Since 1959
Founded by Harry V. Schnabel Jr. in 1959, Schnabel has grown into one of the most trusted design-build contractors in the construction industry. With over 65 years of experience, we provide innovative, safe, and efficient solutions to our clients across the U.S., tackling the most complex construction challenges. Our expertise in earth retention systems, specialized foundations, and geotechnical engineering continues to be the cornerstone of our success.
History: Our Story – A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Schnabel was founded on April 6, 1959, by Harry V. Schnabel Jr., who was driven by a passion for creating the best foundation company in the industry. From the beginning, Harry stressed the importance of integrity, performance, competitiveness and innovation – all combined with excellent engineering and superior craftsmanship. With a keen understanding of what his clients valued most—getting out of the ground safely and efficiently—he made an impact in the industry by battling for the acceptance of more efficient design and construction methods, combined with important patents to produce further savings and quality.
As Schnabel grew, Harry surrounded himself with talented professionals who shared his commitment to excellence. From a single office in Washington D.C., the company expanded to regional offices nationwide, employing professional engineers and skilled craftsmen who design and manage construction projects across the country. Over the years, Schnabel has built a reputation for unmatched technical expertise, serving as a trusted partner on the most challenging projects and consistently delivering on its promises.
Company Timeline
Foundation for Innovation
Harry and Jim Schnabel start a test drilling company called Foundation Test Service Inc. in Washington, D.C.
1956
Building Strong Foundations
Schnabel Foundation Company is founded by Harry and Jim Schnabel in Washington, D.C.
1959
Splitting Paths, Building Futures
Harry and Jim Schnabel decided to split their companies, with Harry taking ownership of Schnabel Foundation Company and Jim Taking ownership of Foundation Test Services Inc., which would later become Schnabel Engineering Inc.
1964
Growing Across the Nation
Schnabel Foundation Company opens its first branch office in Philadelphia. Over the next ten years Schnabel opens offices in Atlanta (1974), Chicago (1978), Denver (1980), Boston (1981), Houston (1982), and San Francisco (1983).
1973
Honoring Geotechnical Excellence
The Geo-Institute of ASCE establishes the Harry Schnabel Jr. Award in recognition of Harry Schnabel Jr.’s accomplishments in the field of earth retaining structures.
2006
Reno ReTRAC Project Award
Schnabel’s Reno ReTRAC project is awarded the Outstanding Project Award by the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI)
2006
Company Rebrands as Schnabel
Schnabel Foundation Company becomes Schnabel to reflect the company’s modern-day capabilities and evolution into a proven design/build contractor.
2020
Red Rock Project Awarded
Schnabel’s Red Rock Hydroelectric Facility Project is again awarded the Outstanding Project Award by the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI)
2021
5,000+ Projects Completed
Today, Schnabel has successfully completed over 5,000 projects and is a major nationwide specialty Geotechnical Contractor in the construction industry.
Present
Proven Expertise: Experienced Professionals Who Lead the Industry
Schnabel’s strength lies in its people. Our team of experts brings decades of experience in geostructural design and construction. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering operational efficiency, ensuring that every project we undertake exceeds expectations. We have successfully tackled projects of all sizes, ranging from large infrastructure to specialized foundation systems.
Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we invest in their continued development through training, mentorship, and a culture that fosters safety and innovation. At Schnabel, you’re part of a team that delivers success and values collaboration and excellence.
Discover More About Schnabel
Markets We Serve: Serving a Wide Range of Industries Nationwide
Leveraging decades of experience and industry knowledge, Schnabel is able to meet the unique needs of our clients across various market sectors such as:
Advanced Technology
Commercial Buildings
Healthcare
Industrial & Power
Lodging & Entertainment
Non-commercial Buildings
Transportation
Tunnel Shafts
Wastewater Treatment
Waterfronts Dams & Levees
Advanced Technology
Commercial Buildings
Healthcare
Industrial & Power
Lodging & Entertainment
Non-commercial Buildings
Transportation
Tunnel Shafts
Wastewater Treatment
Waterfronts Dams & Levees
Schnabel’s unique blend of family pride, technological innovation, specialized equipment, extensive field experience, and engineering excellence enables us to deliver economical solutions and high-quality construction services—no matter the challenge, no matter the environment
Our Core Values: A Culture Built on Safety, Efficiency, Innovation, and Collaboration
At Schnabel, our core values are integral to how we approach every project:
Safety
Our commitment to a safety-first culture ensures the protection of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve.
Efficiency
One of our top priorities is helping clients achieve shorter, more predictable schedules. By leveraging our advanced equipment and extensive experience managing fast-paced projects, we ensure work stays on track—even under the most demanding timelines.
Innovation
We leverage cutting-edge technologies and design-build expertise to provide efficient, customized solutions.
Collaboration
We understand how important communication and responsiveness are, so we make it a priority to be proactive from the start. We work closely with our clients to resolve site issues quickly and ensure every project is executed seamlessly and to the highest standards.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in every aspect of our work, ensuring reliable and high-quality results.
Key Differentiators: Why Choose Schnabel?
Design-Build Capabilities:
We manage every aspect of the project, from design through construction, ensuring a smooth process and optimal outcomes.
Proven Innovation:
Through our R&D department, we continuously refine and innovate our construction methods, offering state-of-the-art solutions to complex challenges.
Nationwide Reach:
With offices across the U.S., Schnabel delivers comprehensive geotechnical services nationwide.
Safety-First Culture:
We lead the industry with an excellent safety record, minimizing risk at every stage of the project.
Equipment Capabilities:
Our large fleet of specialized equipment and tooling allows Schnabel to meet the unique demands of our clients’ complex projects.
Unmatched Technical Expertise:
We are well known in the construction industry for our strong technical expertise and deep industry knowledge.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how Schnabel can help with your next project, our team is ready to assist.
