Our Story

Solution Blue was established to provide reliable expertise and ongoing innovation in the fields of sustainable site design, site development and water management. Our collaborative team members provide up to 26 years of valuable experience in the public and private sectors. We utilize a variety of proven and cutting-edge technologies, which allows us to create cost-effective solutions and implement multi-functional outdoor spaces that are environmentally, socially and economically beneficial.

Our team is focused on improving water quality, conveying water most efficiently and increasing water conservation. We work continuously to best protect and proficiently manage the Earth’s most precious natural resource, Water.

Our Core Values

Dependability
Solution Blue is built on a philosophy of amazing consistency. We pride ourselves on delivering work done right and on time. We provide trustworthy service, reliable expertise, and are accountable for our work.
Collaboration
We work with our clients from concept design to project completion, giving updates and asking for feedback along the way to ensure you receive the best project possible.
Innovation + Creativity
Solution Blue is a civil engineering and landscape architecture innovation lab. We use out-of-the-box thinking to design the most economically, sociologically, and ecologically beneficial solutions.

Sustainability
What’s your blue footprint? We believe that low impact design principles are the key to a more sustainable future. Truly great design achieves form and function, while protecting earth’s natural resources for generations to come.
Superior Client Service
We differentiate ourselves by providing exceptional client service. Clear communication, attentiveness, responsiveness, and honesty are at the heart of every project.
Education + Learning
Education is a rope that can carry us to greatness. We believe educational and interpretive outreach like public art, signage, and exhibits are key instruments for teaching people about the earth’s growing ecological concerns, specifically water.

OUR CERTIFICATIONS

Solution Blue is proudly certified by the Central Certification (CERT) Program as a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE). The CERT Program recognizes small businesses in the Twin Cities metropolitan area with a dedication to sustainability, diversity, and equality.

Our Team

Maria Kuriyan

CEO

Maria brought the founding vision to the company at it’s inception in 2009, “Water Matter”(TM).Growing up in India and working for several Top 20 Multi-national companies she consistently saw the growing human need to water conservation and reuse. Bringing together a team of multi-talented engineers and designers she has led her team on numerous. LEED, B3 and WELL certified projects. Her project accomplishments also include the first public facility to harvest water for both indoor and outdoor reuse, this CHS field project in St. Paul is the recipient of over 15 local and national awards for excellence and sustainable design.

John Hink

President

John is an innovative and passionate environmental engineer who provides over 25 years of experience in Brownfield re-development, sustainable site design, project management and integrated construction administration. Mr. Hink has successfully managed several housing, athletic complex, commercial centers, church campus and public facility projects from conception, through design and concluding with construction. John works continually to help clients achieve their project goals while accommodating the regulatory guidelines and keeping each project on schedule.

Benjamin Lucas

Project Engineer, PE, Senior Engineer / Director of Water Resources

Benjamin is a diligent and reliable Civil Engineer who provides over nine years of professional experience in water resources, site development, environmental, transportation and civil engineering. His work on site design projects ranges from private parking lots and new hotels to large commercial and residential master planning. Mr. Lucas has significant experience with commercial stormwater modeling, design, construction support and inspections. He continues to perform hydrologic runoff modeling, hydraulic analysis and design, site grading design, regulatory coordination and the preparation of civil construction plans, specifications and permitting applications. Mr. Lucas also provides experience innovation in parks and trails.

Kathy Melody

Senior Project Engineer, PE

Kathy is a trustworthy and widely knowledgeable civil engineer who provides over 25 years of experience in civil engineering, site planning, water resources engineering and site development. Kathy has successfully collaborated on many projects including numerous renewable energy facilities, commercial buildings, large residential developments, senior housing, public plazas, and other site development projects. Kathy provides nationally recognized expertise in solar facilities.

Jay Koester

Senior Project Engineer, PE (CO, FL, HI, IL, IA, KS, MN, NE, NC, ND, TX, WA and WI)

Jay is a trustworthy and widely knowledgeable civil engineer who provides over 27 years of experience in civil engineering, site planning, water resources engineering and site development. Mr. Koster has successfully collaborated on many projects including shopping centers, commercial buildings, hospitals, large residential developments, senior housing, public plazas and other site development projects. Jay provides particular expertise in providing efficient solutions while working on challenging sites with poor soils, complex utilities, steep slopes and other environmental issues.

Strategic Partners

Richard Voigt

Project Hydrologist, PE

Richard (Rick) is a professional engineer who provides over 30 years of experience in the areas of hydrology, applied hydraulics and hydropower. Mr. Voigt’s expertise includes complex hydrologic analysis and modeling, flood assessment studies, discharge measurement, dam and outlet structure design, river engineering and design of stream bank protection systems. Prior to becoming a private consultant, Rick worked at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory for 17 years, the last seven years as the Associate Director of Applied Research. Rick continues to excel in projects with complex hydrologic challenges with regard to streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and other water resources.