Employee-owned engineering firm recognized for workplace culture built on collaboration, ownership, and shared success
OTTAWA, ON — J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR) has been named one of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work by the Ottawa Business Journal. The award, presented through OBJ’s annual Best Places to Work program, recognizes organizations that create exceptional workplace experiences and demonstrate strong employee engagement.
For JLR, a 100% employee-owned firm, the recognition reflects what has always been central to the company’s identity: its people.
“This recognition belongs to our people”, said Saverio Parrotta, President and CEO of JLR. “The culture at JLR isn’t created by a leadership team or a program, it’s built every day by employee-owners who care deeply about each other, our clients, and our communities. That’s what makes JLR a great place to work.”
A Culture Rooted in Ownership
At JLR, every team member has a stake in the firm’s success. Across seven Ontario offices, employees are empowered to shape their careers, share ideas, and make meaningful impacts on the projects and communities they serve.
The firm’s workplace culture emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and work-life balance. JLR invests in programs that support career growth, wellness, and collaboration, while also creating opportunities for employees to contribute beyond their day-to-day roles.
Seven Decades of Putting People First
Founded in Ottawa in 1955, JLR has grown into a multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, and planning firm with nearly 600 dedicated team members serving clients across Canada and around the world. Despite this growth, the company remains committed to the supportive, people-first culture that has defined the organization for more than 70 years, shaping how its people serve clients and communities.
The Top 20 list of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work will be published in the Ottawa Business Journal’s September issue and can be found online here.