History
The Lumsden Associates, P.C. firm of today began as a vision of Buford T. Lumsden in the late 1960’s. His knowledge of drafting and surveying first started during high school. As a teen, Buford stated that the only reason he took mechanical drafting was because it was a sure “A” on his report card. Luckily for the Lumsden family and hundreds of future employees, Buford developed a passion for the surveying and drafting field, and in 1968 he founded a staple of the Roanoke Valley, the Buford T. Lumsden and Associates, P.C. firm.
The creation of his own firm did not come with ease though. With only one other employee at the origin of the company, Buford would survey properties during the day and stay late into the night to finish the required drafting and office work. The hard work began to pay off, and he was able to expand his staff and available services. By the mid 1970’s the company had grown to 10 employees, and during the early 1980’s the growth of the engineering department boomed. While the personnel growth and additional services provided extra opportunities to serve the community, it also spawned a new challenge as the company quickly outgrew its original location in the Mays homeplace on Merriman Road in Southwest Roanoke County. In 1971, the firm moved to its current location along Brambleton Avenue, and by 1986 the company moved into an adjacent new office building on the same property providing room for future growth.
As the company has grown and evolved over the years, the name of the company has followed with the current name of Lumsden Associates, P.C. While changing times have brought about new technological advances and methods of practice, the company remains rooted in its humble beginnings and Buford’s lasting legacy of professional, quality work.
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Leadership Team
President
Tom Dale, P.E.
Tom graduated from Virginia Tech in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Go Hokies! He began working at Lumsden Associates in 1997 and took on the role of President in 2015. His entire professional career has been spent designing projects in the land development field, and he still enjoys seeing the completed project after construction. He stays up to date on current regulations through membership in local associations and serving on committees.
When he is not at work, he tries to spend as much time as possible with his wife and two college aged daughters. He also spends his time serving with several local ministries and is known to try and get on the golf course as much as he can.
Education
Virginia Tech, Civil Engineering, 1994
Associations & Affiliations
- Professional Engineer / (VA #033002)
- Envision Sustainability Professional
- Member, American Society of Civil Engineer
VICE PRESIDENT & Director of Surveying
Larry Ogle, Jr., L.S.
Larry is a third generation Land surveyor. He began surveying while still in high school and before attending Roanoke College and Virginia Western Community College to study Civil Engineering Technology. He began working at Lumsden Associates in 1996 as a survey party chief and soon thereafter, a project manager. In 2016, Larry became the Vice-President and Director of Surveying. He specializes in Land Title, flood plain and construction surveys.
In his free time, Larry enjoys spending time with his wife, his three children and his church family doing youth group activities. He has a servant’s heart, which led him to become a volunteer firefighter in 2008 to help protect the citizens in his local community.
Education
Virginia Western Community College, Civil Engineering Technology, 1994
Roanoke College, General Studies, 1996
Associations & Affiliations
Land Surveyor / (VA #002459)
Vice President & Director of Engineering
Andrew Lumsden
Andrew began working for Lumsden Associates in high school as a survey field crew member and continued to do so during college breaks. He completed a dual degree program in 2008, earning both a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Roanoke College and a Civil Engineering degree from Virginia Tech. This educational background paved the way for his extensive experience in planning, designing, and managing of Civil Engineering projects. His areas of technical knowledge include design of stormwater management, water and sanitary sewer, erosion and sediment control, residential, and commercial projects. Andrew earned his P.E. in 2013 and became Director of Engineering in 2016.
Outside of work, Andrew has a passion for all things fitness related and a love of sports, especially Hokie sports. However, his favorite activity is being a devoted husband and father. His two young girls constantly keep him and his wife on the move and on their toes.
Education
Roanoke College, B.S. Physics, 2007
Virginia Tech, B.S. Civil Engineering, 2008
Associations & Affiliations
Professional Engineer / (VA #052216)