Detroit, MI – Giffels Webster announces the upcoming retirement of Partner Michael Darga, PE, celebrating a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the civil engineering industry, including more than 18 years with Giffels Webster. Darga will officially retire in July 2026.
Darga joined Giffels Webster in 2008, following a notable tenure with the Wayne County Department of Public Services, bringing with him a wealth of public-sector experience and a passion for civil design. Over the years, he became a cornerstone of the firm’s Detroit operations, contributing leadership and technical expertise to a wide range of transformative projects across the city.
Among his many contributions, Darga played a key role in projects such as Beacon Park, the Wayne County Justice Complex, the Midtown Viaducts, and early non-motorized plans that helped lay the groundwork for Detroit’s evolving bike infrastructure. His work with the Downtown Detroit Partnership and numerous public and private clients has left a lasting imprint on the city’s built environment.
“Mike’s impact on both our firm and the City of Detroit cannot be overstated,” said Mike Kozak, PE, President and Partner at Giffels Webster. “His leadership, technical excellence, and commitment to mentorship have shaped not only major projects, but also the careers of many young engineers who have had the privilege to learn from him.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Darga is widely recognized for his dedication to mentoring emerging talent. Known for his approachable nature and willingness to guide others through complex design challenges, he has been an invaluable resource to colleagues at all stages of their careers.
Darga’s commitment to community service has also been a defining aspect of his career. He has generously volunteered his time and expertise with organizations such as Friends of the Rouge, Hatch Detroit, and Tour de Troit. Through his involvement, he has supported event planning and permitting efforts, including coordinating traffic closures and routes for multiple Tour de Troit rides each year, braving even the coldest Michigan weather for the organization’s annual MLK Day ride.
“Mike has been a valued leader and colleague throughout his time at Giffels Webster,” added Kozak. “We wish him all the best in retirement and in the years ahead.”
About Giffels Webster
Giffels Webster is a collection of people — civil engineers, landscape architects, planners, GIS specialists and surveyors — who choose every day to make communities better. The Michigan-based firm serves public, private, and institutional clients with their community planning, infrastructure, and land development needs.
Since its inception in 1952, Giffels Webster has evolved to offer a broad scope of services centered on helping clients achieve their project or programming goals, including civil engineering, municipal consulting, planning, land development consulting, landscape architecture, traffic engineering, and GIS data creation and management.
