Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering Solutions Since 1964
Since 1964, J.V. Burkes & Associates has provided comprehensive civil engineering, traffic engineering, land surveying, and environmental consulting services to clients across Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our firm was founded on the principle of delivering tailored solutions that balance technical precision with environmental stewardship. With over 50 years of continuous service, we have built a reputation for addressing complex challenges in commercial, residential, and public infrastructure projects.Our expertise spans drainage design, sewer and water systems, traffic impact studies, and elevation certification, supported by a proprietary database of historical land records unavailable elsewhere. Under the leadership of Sean Burkes and Barbara Zelenka, we maintain our commitment to client partnerships through strategic planning from project conception to construction completion.
Services
Civil Engineering
Traffic Engineering
Environmental Services
Land Surveying
Elevation Certificates
Drainage Design
Sewer Design
Traffic Impact Studies
Wetland Permitting
Construction Inspection
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of civil engineering expertise in coastal environments
- Deep local knowledge of Southeast Louisiana development challenges
- Full-service firm handling projects from conception to completion
- Proprietary historical land records database for accurate surveys
- Specialized elevation certification services for flood risk assessment
What people say
Exceeded our expectations
Fantastic facility
Designed right
Built right
Ready for the future
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering team delivers comprehensive solutions for drainage systems, sewer infrastructure, and water distribution networks. We specialize in commercial and residential development projects requiring precise engineering calculations and regulatory compliance. Services include hydrologic studies, construction documentation, and LED Site Certification packages that ensure projects meet all technical requirements while maintaining budget constraints.
Traffic Engineering
We provide traffic impact analyses and roadway design solutions that balance safety with practical implementation. Our services include roundabout design, traffic signal optimization, and access management studies that help communities improve transportation efficiency. We focus on cost-effective solutions that consider available funding sources while meeting federal and state transportation standards.
Land Surveying
With over 40,000 completed surveys, our team offers precise boundary determination and topographic mapping services. We maintain historical land records that enable accurate property research and retracement. Our surveyors handle projects ranging from single-lot subdivisions to large-scale commercial developments requiring detailed elevation data and boundary documentation.
Environmental Services
We specialize in wetland delineation and permitting for developments in sensitive coastal environments. Our team guides clients through federal and state regulatory requirements while developing mitigation strategies that balance environmental protection with project needs. Services include wetland impact assessments and compliance documentation for both public and private sector projects.
Elevation Certificates
We provide certified elevation surveys that determine flood risk for residential and commercial properties. Our elevation certificates help property owners understand their flood insurance requirements and implement mitigation measures. The service includes detailed elevation measurements and documentation required for FEMA floodplain management compliance.
People
Sean Burkes
Company Leader
Continuing the family legacy established in 1964, Sean Burkes leads the firm's engineering operations while maintaining client relationships developed over decades of service in Southeast Louisiana.
Barbara Zelenka
Company Leader
As co-leader with Sean Burkes, Barbara Zelenka oversees business operations and strategic direction while maintaining the firm's commitment to comprehensive engineering solutions for regional clients.
Questions
What engineering services do you offer?
We provide civil engineering, traffic engineering, environmental consulting, land surveying, and elevation certification services for commercial, residential, and public sector clients.
How do elevation certificates help property owners?
Elevation certificates determine flood risk by measuring property elevation relative to floodplain levels, helping owners understand insurance requirements and mitigation needs.
Do you work outside Southeast Louisiana?
While our expertise focuses on Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast challenges, we apply our technical capabilities to projects requiring specialized coastal engineering solutions.
What makes your firm different from others?
Our 50+ year history provides unmatched local knowledge, including proprietary historical land records that improve survey accuracy and project planning efficiency.
Can you handle large-scale development projects?
Yes, we've completed over 40,000 surveys and supported major developments including million-square-foot facilities requiring comprehensive engineering and permitting solutions.
Reviews (5)
Are You Are You Luis
May 10, 2021
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The lady that answered the phone is extremely rude when I told her that I've put in a spot request on a house a week ago she laughed and said they are three weeks behind first of all they should never engage in surveying for new construction if they can't provide a service on a timely manner no one could sit there and wait for three weeks to get a spot check pathetic
Rachel Massey
May 06, 2021
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Every interaction with this firm has been a hassle. Each time we turn around it's ordering another form that they "already have measurements for", another grossly underestimated wait time, and another few hundred dollars for additional services. The blatant lack of professionalism and general indifference to client needs and time frames has made moving to the area a deeply unpleasant experience. JVB has dragged the process out to the point that building permits we applied for in 2019 are about to expire. At this point, I would never recommend using this firm for any kind of services.
Amber T.
Dec 12, 2020
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness I have gotten nothing but the run around. Tried having a spot check done. Was told there is already a house on the property. When I can't build until spot check is done You can never get a call back! Very unprofessional. Have been paid in full for months while I am still waiting for the work to be finished.
Eric Delaughter
Nov 23, 2019
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Had their team come out and mark some property lines for me and they were quick and efficient! Very pleased with the service!
Lauren Renwick
Apr 18, 2017
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Consistent expertise from a well-established local civil engineering firm. They are true solution providers.
