About Allen & Hoshall: Our History

Since 1915

In early 1915, Major Thomas H. Allen, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, opened the consulting engineering firm, Thomas H. Allen, Consulting Engineer, in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Robert H. Hoshall joined this firm in 1920 and became a partner in 1924.

Much of the firm’s early work was the design of mechanical and electrical systems for buildings in Memphis. However, the 1920’s saw the engineering practice move into the public works arena, and the firm became a regional engineering firm.

1930s era

In 1935, the establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration and its mission to bring electricity to rural areas further expanded the company's field of service. During this period, Thomas H. Allen, Consulting Engineer became engineer for numerous municipal electric systems and rural electric cooperatives in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi.

By 1930, although the firm continued to operate under his name, Major Allen no longer had an active part in its operation. In 1940, he turned over his interest in the firm to his son Lorin B. Allen and Robert Hoshall, and the company name was changed to Allen & Hoshall Consulting Engineers.

During and Post World War II

During World War II, public works engineering projects were few as the nation’s resources were dedicated to the war effort. For its part in this great struggle, Allen & Hoshall designed numerous aviation facilities in the Mid-South. The firm’s wartime designs also involved major military bases such as Fort Campbell Flying Field, Kentucky, and Smyrna Flying Field, Tennessee.

Following World War II, engineering work literally boomed as private facilities and public works systems were improved and expanded. The post-war era (1946-1960) brought steady growth to Allen & Hoshall.

In the early 1960’s, the firm’s diverse experience led to its design of the airfield and terminal at Memphis International Airport.

From 1970s-1990s

Allen & Hoshall grew throughout the 70’s and 80’s and offered expanded capabilities. Structural engineering was added in 1970. Offices in Knoxville and Nashville, TN and Jaskson, MS were opened in the 1980's.

During the 1990’s, Allen & Hoshall’s practice expanded internationally including projects in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Program management became the latest specialty addition providing design oversight and construction management services.

Allen & Hoshall Today

The new millennium brought resurgence in energy awareness. Allen & Hoshall’s thirty years of experience in energy analysis and engineering is utilized by the nations leading energy service contractors and utility systems. Challenges to the aviation industry are being met by Allen & Hoshall’s extensive experience in aviation engineering and design.

In an effort to better assist current clients and expand into new geographic markets, Allen & Hoshall has added offices in Hernando and Tunica, MS; Jackson and Chattanooga, TN; and Birmingham, AL.