diff --git a/flake8/engine.py b/flake8/engine.py
index 129c338..885f9c6 100644
--- a/flake8/engine.py
+++ b/flake8/engine.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ _flake8_noqa = re.compile(r'\s*# flake8[:=]\s*noqa', re.I).search
 
 EXTRA_EXCLUDE = ['.tox', '.eggs', '*.egg']
 
-pep8.PROJECT_CONFIG += ('.flake8',)
+pep8.PROJECT_CONFIG = ('.flake8',) + pep8.PROJECT_CONFIG
 
 
 def _load_entry_point(entry_point, verify_requirements):