Almenna Consulting Engineers (Almenna verkfræðistofan hf.) (AV) was founded in 1971, taking over the operations of the engineering firm Almenna Consulting Ltd. (Almenna byggingafélagsins hf.) (ABF). The latter company had been founded in 1941, and provided extensive contracting and advisory services for 30 years.
ABF played a major role in the development of infrastructure and industry that took place in Iceland during its years of operation.
The founders of AV had all worked for ABF, which ensured that Almenna Consulting Engineers had a long tradition on which to build. The company has always assimilated new technology as it develops, constantly expanding on the expertise that the company possessed at its founding. Today, AV is a modern, well-rounded, knowledge-based company, where client requirements, quality, and efficiency are the guiding principles.
In the beginning, AV Consulting activities were limited to civil engineering projects, planning, and appraisals.
The firm hired its first mechanical engineer in 1982, and the design of plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems along with the mechanical systems they entail, has been a growing part of the company's operations ever since, along with consulting in the area of wastewater treatment and environmental matters in general.
The company's activities in the environmental area were further strengthened in 1999, when it hired its first geologist. Since then, environmental impact assessments, all-around geological consulting, and mapmaking have been part of the company's range of services.
All of the shareholders in Almenna Consulting work for the enterprise, as it is company policy that the firm be owned by its personnel. The members of the Board of Directors are Þorlákur Jónsson (chairman), Gísli Karel Halldórsson and Bjarni Jónsson. Managing Director is Helgi Valdimarsson.
The Almenna Consulting head office is located in a company-owned building at Fellsmúli 26 in Reykjavik, and the firm also maintains office in Akranes. AV is a member of the Icelandic Association of Consulting Engineers (FRV), which belongs to the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).