Jennifer Klich, PE is one of the many skilled GAI professionals who help clients create better communities, transportation infrastructure, power generation and delivery, and more from our office locations throughout the United States. Today we will find out a little about Jennifer—the background, motivation, and methods that she brings to the table every day for GAI and GAI’s clients.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your area of specialization and what drew you to it.
Jennifer Klich: With over 17 years of experience designing and analyzing infrastructure projects, I am still a drainage engineer at heart. My expertise spans standard stormwater design for new developments, floodplain modeling and mapping for FEMA, large-scale wetland restoration projects, and even coastal modeling and development. Florida’s unique environment presents both challenges and opportunities, and I love using my skills to work with its water systems in sustainable and innovative ways.
I was drawn to this field because of my passion for problem-solving and creating tangible, lasting solutions that benefit communities. The blend of technical challenges, environmental stewardship, and the chance to serve clients and the public made it a perfect fit for me. Every project allows me to make a meaningful impact, whether it’s reducing flood risks, restoring natural habitats, or designing systems that harmonize with Florida’s special ecosystem.
Q: What sorts of projects do you typically contribute to at GAI and what role do you play?
Jennifer: At GAI, I frequently work on public projects for the City of Jacksonville. These include parks, roadways, and critical infrastructure for the fire and police departments. Some are small, neighborhood-focused improvements, while others are large, high-profile developments. Both ends of the scale are interesting and are personally rewarding because I know that I am leaving my fingerprints on my hometown.
Currently, we are working with the City of Jacksonville and Perkins&Will Architects to create a riverfront plaza park area in the downtown core that will serve as a destination for families from across the city. This project includes the relocation of dozens of utilities as our work is taking place on top of more than 100 years of previous development. When finished, this park will be a crown jewel for the citizens of Jacksonville to use. We are also working within Jacksonville’s historic Riverside Park to present a design that will improve the performance of the city’s iconic Duck Pond. This is another part of town that has a long history, and our work now will make sure that everyone is able to use this area long into the future.
Q: What does your typical day at work look like?
Jennifer: My typical day is a dynamic mix of problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. I enjoy that GAI offers ‘end-to-end’ services, so my role varies widely. Some days, I’m deep in design and permitting, working on drainage systems or helping clients solve logistical design challenges to comply with permit regulations. On other days, I’m on-site seeing projects come to life, or meeting with clients to help them evaluate their next steps. I never know exactly what the day will bring, but I love the variety and the chance to make a real impact.
Q: How do you measure your success?
Jennifer: When people ask me what I do, I usually joke that if my job is done correctly, I can bury my work, and everyone forgets that it’s there. As a civil engineer specializing in drainage design, the best outcomes are often the ones that go unnoticed: systems that function seamlessly, help protect communities from flooding, and quietly support the infrastructure we rely on every day.
Q: Why do you feel that GAI is a good place to put your skills to work?
Jennifer: One of the things my colleagues and I often say is, “We have the coolest projects”—and it’s true! GAI stands out as a great place to work because of the incredible variety and impact of the projects we get to work on. From designing innovative drainage systems that can help protect communities to tackling large-scale infrastructure challenges, every project feels meaningful and exciting. The opportunity to work on such diverse initiatives makes me proud to be part of the GAI team.
GAI stands out as a great place to work because of the incredible variety and impact of the projects we get to work on.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Jennifer: The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that my designs play a critical role in helping to create safer, more sustainable environments for people to live, work, and thrive. GAI empowers me to take on meaningful projects that align with my passion for community development. They provide the tools, training, and support needed to tackle complex challenges, while also encouraging innovation and creativity in problem-solving. What I appreciate most is the company’s emphasis on collaboration—working alongside talented colleagues who share a commitment to excellence and a vision for building a better future. Together, we’re not just designing systems; we’re creating lasting solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Contact Jennifer Klich, PE, 904.903.2851, for more information about GAI’s civil engineering services—message GAI and start the conversation about how our multidiscipline professionals can meet your unique project needs.
Jennifer Klich, PE is a Senior Project Manager supporting GAI’s Florida Community Infrastructure Group. Her more than 17 years of experience includes a wide range of capacities within waterfront/coastal design, wetland restoration, general civil, and land development. With a focus on client service and partner coordination, Jennifer has completed large-scale drainage and flood study analyses for federal and municipal partners in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee.
