Our Story
Good engineering starts with good relationships.
Westra Consultants was created by engineers who believe in doing things differently. After meeting in graduate school, Sol Stigall and Ragu Rao became friends through a shared curiosity and a deep respect for what good engineering can do for people. Years later they purseued a dream and decided to build something of their own — a company where relationships, trust, and clear communication mattered just as much as technical expertise.
From day one, Westra set out to make the process easier for clients by listening first, solving problems thoughtfully, and staying hands-on through every stage of a project. That personal, collaborative approach continues to define Westra today.
Westera is a trusted team serving communities across North Texas.
“At Westra, engineering is about connection. It’s about the roads we travel, the water we share, and the communities we build together.”
Principal Team
SOL STIGALL, PE, CFM
Principal/Project Manager
Working alongside his longtime friend and co-founder, Ragu, Sol continues to shape Westra into a place where collaboration, respect, and passion for engineering come together every day.
About Sol
For Sol Stigall, engineering has always been about people. With more than 25 years of experience, Sol brings a rare blend of technical expertise, curiosity, and connection to every project he touches. As a founding Principal of Westra Consultants, he helped build the firm onwith a simple belief: that great work starts with good relationships. Sol holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Arkansas, as well as a Certified Floodplain Manager and Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control. Sol began his career in construction management and still enjoys the process of bringing designs to life. He has a strong interest in creating sustainable designs that will endure for generations.
Approachable, quick to laugh, and effortlessly personable, Sol has a way of making everyone feel at ease. Whether he’s collaborating with a client or mentoring a young engineer, Sol makes everyone feel part of the process. His genuine care for people and commitment to collaboration shape every interaction and every design.
Energetic and optimistic, Sol believes that when engineers love what they do, it shows. As he puts it, “Happy engineers really do create happy designs.”
RAGU RAO, PE, CFM
Principal/Project Manager
Together with his co-founder and friend, Sol, Ragu continues to build Westra around the same values that started it all — collaboration, trust, and a genuine love for what they do.
About Ragu
For Ragu Rao, engineering is about creating solutions that last — and relationships that do, too. With more than 25 years of experience, Ragu brings steady leadership, technical insight, and a down-to-earth approach to every project he leads. As a founding Principal of Westra Consultants, he helped shape the firm’s philosophy: listen carefully, solve problems thoughtfully, and always put people first. Ragu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from MSRIT in India and earned his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2003. He is a licensed professional engineer in Texas and a certified floodplain manager. Ragu launched his career as a Floodplain Engineer with the City of Grand Prairie and has consistently delivered exceptional engineering solutions to numerous municipalities ever since.
Ragu’s journey into civil engineering began with a natural talent for math and a fascination with how things work. But what truly drew him to this field was the chance to build something real — roads, water systems, and infrastructure that make everyday life possible. Over the years, that passion has turned into a deep commitment to helping communities thrive.
Whether he’s guiding a young engineer or collaborating with a city team, Ragu brings calm focus and quiet determination to every challenge.
He believes success comes from reflection and growth — learning from mistakes, adapting, and moving forward. As Ragu often says, “When something doesn’t go the way you hoped, take a step back, make adjustments, and approach it differently.” It’s a philosophy that has guided both his work and Westra’s success.