Executive Team

The Principals Who Move Projects Forward

Allen & Major Associates, Inc. (A&M)'s leadership is grounded in experience, accountability, and a clear understanding of what it takes to move projects from concept to construction. In 2025, ownership of the firm transitioned to long-time senior leaders Carlton Quinn, PE, Nicholas Dellacava, PE, and Phil Cordeiro, PE, marking a strategic evolution built on decades of hands-on project delivery.

Together, Carlton, Nick, and Phil bring more than 60 years of combined experience navigating the complexities of site development throughout New England. Their tenure at A&M- Quinn since 2003, Cordeiro since 2001, and Dellacava since 2015 means they have been directly responsible for many of the firm's most successful projects, working closely with developers, municipalities, and regulatory agencies to move projects forward efficiently and tackle unique challenges.

Because of this long-standing involvement, the transition in ownership was seamless. Clients continued working with the same principles they rely on for day-to-day decision-making, permitting strategy, and construction coordination. There was no disruption in service, just continued progress.

This leadership team understands that successful development is not just about design; it's about managing risk, anticipating challenges, and maintaining momentum. From early due diligence and feasibility through permitting and construction, they take a proactive approach to identifying constraints, coordinating with stakeholders, and keeping projects on track.

Under their direction, A&M remains focused on delivering practical, buildable solutions across its core services of civil engineering, land surveying, and landscape architecture, while continuing to invest in technology and processes that improve efficiency and communication. Their approach is straightforward: be available, be decisive, and provide the level of technical insight and project awareness that clients need to make informed decisions.

With a shared, hands-on leadership style, the principals remain actively involved in projects, ensuring continuity, accountability, and a clear line of communication from start to finish. The result is a team that not only understands the technical aspects of development but also the business realities behind it.

Continuity Without Disruption: The same principals who have been leading your projects for years are now leading the firm.
Faster, More Informed Decision-Making: With ownership actively involved in day-to-day work, decisions are made quickly and with full project context, helping to avoid delays and keep approvals moving.
Accountability at the Top: Every project benefits from direct principal involvement, ensuring a high level of oversight, coordination, and responsiveness from start to finish.

Leadership Team

Carlton Quinn, PE – Principal

Carlton Quinn leads some of A&M's most complex development projects, serving as the primary point of accountability from due diligence through construction. With more than 20 years of experience and over two decades at A&M, he has guided residential, commercial, life sciences, and mixed-use developments through the technical, regulatory, and coordination challenges that can stall project momentum.

Carlton's greatest strength is his ability to align project teams around solutions. Whether navigating municipal review, resolving design conflicts, coordinating consultants, or supporting construction teams in the field, he focuses on maintaining progress and eliminating obstacles before they affect schedule or budget. Clients rely on him not only for engineering expertise but for leadership that keeps projects moving when conditions become complicated.

As Principal, Carlton oversees project delivery, quality assurance, and client service across the firm. His hands-on involvement ensures that decisions are made quickly, communication remains clear, and projects continue advancing toward approval and construction without unnecessary delays.

What this means for your project

A single point of accountability from project inception through completion.
Faster decision-making and direct principal involvement throughout the development process.
Early resolution of coordination, permitting, and stakeholder issues before they impact schedule, budget, or construction sequencing.

Nicholas Dellacava, PE – Principal

Nick Dellacava brings a practical, full-cycle understanding of development that spans site evaluation, engineering design, permitting, and construction. With his 13+ years at A&M, he has become a trusted advisor to developers seeking to understand project feasibility, identify constraints early, and create solutions that work both on paper and in the field.

With expertise in stormwater management, utility infrastructure, and site design, Nick excels at translating complex site conditions into practical development strategies. His background in surveying and hands-on construction experience allows him to evaluate projects from multiple perspectives, helping clients understand risks, opportunities, and permitting challenges before significant time and capital are committed.

Known for his responsiveness and proactive approach, Nick works closely with clients, municipal boards, and project teams throughout the development process to maintain momentum and reduce uncertainty. His focus is always on creating solutions that can be implemented efficiently, constructed successfully, and supported through every phase of implementation.

What this means for your project

Site constraints, permitting hurdles, and development risks are identified early in the process.
Practical engineering solutions designed for both regulatory approval and construction efficiency.
Reduced field conflicts, redesigns, and unforeseen costs through stronger coordination between permitting and construction.

Phil Cordeiro, PE – Principal

With more than 25 years of experience in land development and infrastructure design, Phil Cordeiro is recognized for his ability to navigate complex permitting environments and develop strategies that move projects efficiently through regulatory review. He has successfully guided residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and mixed-use developments across New England, helping clients manage risk while maintaining project schedules.

Phil approaches development with a strategic perspective, focusing on the regulatory, technical, and operational factors that influence project success. His extensive experience working with local boards, state agencies, and permitting authorities allows him to anticipate challenges early, establish realistic approval pathways, and position projects for smoother review processes.

Developers rely on Phil for more than technical design. They rely on his ability to identify where projects are most vulnerable, understand how agencies are likely to respond, and develop permitting strategies that stand up to scrutiny while supporting project objectives. His leadership helps clients move forward with greater confidence, fewer surprises, and a clearer path to approvals.

What this means for your project

Permitting strategies built around realistic agency expectations, review timelines, and approval requirements.
Early identification and management of regulatory risks before they become costly project issues.
Technical solutions that satisfy permitting agencies, support construction, and reduce redesign during later project phases.

Discover a team that understands the technical aspects of development.
Discover the experience with Allen & Major.

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