Eli Shuford
Eli is a Senior Land Development Engineer in our Bozeman office, where he leads a team of engineers and surveyors focused on complex land development projects throughout Big Sky and the greater Gallatin Valley. Much of his work centers on the unique challenges of mountain resort development, including steep terrain, sensitive environments, and ambitious design goals, which have helped our group become one of the region’s go‑to teams for engineering solutions in this field.
“I’m proud of the collaborative, problem‑solving culture we’ve built and the meaningful projects we’ve delivered for these growing mountain communities. It’s given me the chance to help shape mountain communities in ways that respect the landscape and make life better for the folks who live and recreate there,” he says.
For Eli, the most rewarding part of being a civil engineer is seeing an idea become a real place people can enjoy.
“I love the challenge of working in steep, complex terrain—it forces you to think creatively and collaborate closely with your team. And honestly, one of the best parts of my job is mentoring the engineers I work with. Watching them grow, solve tough problems, and gain confidence reminds me of why I chose this profession in the first place,” he says.
“There’s something incredibly satisfying about looking at a finished project with the team and knowing, ‘We built this. And it works because we cared enough to get the details right.’”
Outside of work, Eli stays closely involved in his community through his kids’ sports programs and the outdoor lifestyle that makes this place special. Over the years, he’s coached his daughters’ teams and supported their involvement in local sports. When not involved with local sports programs, he is often hunting in the backcountry, going on multi‑day rafting trips, or skiing with his wife and daughters.
“These experiences keep me grounded and remind me daily of why thoughtful, responsible development matters in mountain towns like ours. Spending time in the places where so many of our projects take shape gives me an even deeper appreciation for the community and the landscape we’re working to support,” he says.