After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2015, Khelsey Lemon began her career at Timmons Group. Originally, Khelsey worked in our Richmond office before relocating to Raleigh to support our public land development team’s growth. During her time in Richmond, Khelsey played a crucial role in multiple projects, contributing to the shared success of partners and community members alike.
In 2021, she earned her Professional Engineer licensure, and in 2023, she became LEED certified, demonstrating her expertise in civil engineering and sustainable design practices. Her wide range of work includes feasibility studies, site programming, layout, grading and utility designs, stormwater management, construction document development, LEED credit coordination, and project coordination.
Khelsey is now a senior project engineer on our public land development team in our Raleigh office. She’s working with a variety of municipal clients to support regional projects, including the Northern Regional Park at Castle Hayne Expansion, the Yield North Master Plan, and the City of Raleigh Fire Station 3.
I recently caught up with Khelsey to learn more about her work, projects, and industry involvement!
What excites you about the work you do?
I love and appreciate that no one project is the same. Being in the public development industry, you get exposure to a little bit of everything project-wise, and it always feels extra special when you work on a project that you have a personal connection with, whether it’s working on a school you went to during your childhood or designing a park within your community. Each site and project is unique and paints its own picture of characteristics and challenges. It’s exciting to know that every project is an experience to learn something or meet and work with someone new.
What’s your favorite or most memorable project you’ve worked on and why?
My favorite project I’ve worked on is Henry L. Marsh Elementary School, previously known as George Mason, in the Church Hill area of Richmond, Virginia. We collaborated to transform a city block that housed the existing George Mason Elementary School into a brand new school facility for students and staff, as well as a renewed community component. The new development brought the surrounding community new fitness and recreation areas to help promote physical activity and togetherness.
What kinds of industry organizations are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA).
What advice would you give your younger self or someone interested in this field?
Work to broaden your experiences, and don’t limit yourself. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will help you build confidence, earn those new opportunities you’ve been hoping for, and make lasting relationships.
Interested in joining Khelsey’s team? Check out our current land development job openings in Raleigh.
