Meet the engineers: BD+C 40 Under 40 class of 2025

These 11 engineers are being recognized for their career achievements and passion for the AEC profession in BD+C's 20th Annual 40 Under 40 competition.
Oct. 20, 2025
22 min read

This month, the editors of Building Design+Construction named the winners of the 20th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating the next generation of leaders in architecture, engineering, and construction. Among the standout professionals in the Class of 2025, 11 exceptional engineers are redefining how buildings are designed, delivered, and perform.

Meet this year’s top emerging engineering innovators, whose work is advancing sustainability, resilience, and efficiency across sectors including transportation, healthcare, higher education, and the built environment at large.

Here is the entire 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. And while you're at it, check out the 40 Under 40 class of 2024 and 40 Under 40 class of 2023.

Interested in submitting a candidate for the 2026 40 Under 40 awards? The entry materials will be posted online here in Q1 2026. Reminders will be posted regularly in the BD+C Daily 5 newsletter. Sign up for our free BD+C Daily 5 daily newsletter.

Kevin Aswegan, PE, SE
Principal, Structural Engineer
Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Seattle, Wash.

AGE: 35

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Civil Engineering - Structures, Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Promoted four times in just six years, from Senior Engineer in 2018 to Principal in 2024; the youngest Principal at MKA and one of the firm’s key project managers.

Specializes in managing highly complex performance-based design (PBD) projects, including the world’s first application of performance-based wind design, for the 56-story ATX Tower in Austin, Texas. The PBD approach resulted in significant cost and schedule savings while reducing embodied carbon.

Led several in-house MKA groups, including the Earthquake and PBD Technical Specialist Teams and the Design Engineers Forum.

Working to advance PBD within professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI). He was recently honored as a Fellow of SEI.

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Chair, Dynamic Analysis Task Committee of the ASCE 7 Seismic Subcommittee, where he is developing seismic design provisions for the 2028 building code. 

Co-leading the development of the next generation of seismic PBD requirements for the 2026 version of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program Provisions.

Member, ASCE/SEI Tall Buildings Committee, where he co-authored the recent book, "Design and Performance of Tall Buildings for Wind."

Led research initiatives related to wind PBD and experimental tests at UCLA as part of his efforts for the MKA Foundation, a private non-profit organization.

Vice-Chair and upcoming Chair, SEI PBD Committee.

OFF THE CLOCK             
Hobbies: sports, reading, history

Helped design and build a free popup public art installation for the Seattle Design Festival

SECRET LIFE             
He and his wife, Toni, attended Kindergarten together and went on their first date in high school.

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"'Focus.' One of my mentors, John Hooper, once pulled me aside after a meeting and told me that in my career I could have “one PhD and maybe two master’s degrees,” but I couldn’t be an expert on everything. I had to think carefully and choose how I wanted to focus my career. It’s a piece of advice with which I still wrestle."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Helping push performance-based wind design forward has been a huge accomplishment for me, not only leading new research in the field related to coupling beam performance, but also managing MKA’s design of ATX Tower, the world’s first-ever project engineered using ASCE’s new Prestandard for Performance-Based Wind Design."

 


 

Mallory Buckley, PE, RRO, BECxP, CxA+BE
Senior Associate, Project Manager - Diagnostics Group
Walter P Moore
Dallas, Texas

AGE: 31

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Civil Engineering - Structures, Columbia University

Bachelor of Science, Architectural Engineering, Oklahoma State University 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Specializes in building enclosure diagnostics, with experience in façade assessments, repair, recladding, waterproofing system repair, and roofing system replacement.

Led façade access and maintenance design strategies for major landmarks like EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., San Diego International Airport, and NRG Stadium in Houston.

Serves as a Higher Education Market Sector Leader at Walter P Moore

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Presented at technical conferences, including the IIBEC International Convention and the 2026 ASTM Masonry Symposium.

Co-launched IIBEC's national mentorship program and a networking event for young professionals. Both have impacted more than 100 emerging leaders. 

Volunteer (100+ hours in 2025), Junior League of Dallas. Taught 20-plus art classes to dementia patients at Juliet Fowler Communities and supported family programming at the Dallas Arboretum.

Member, Women’s Advisory Board, Oklahoma State University College of Engineering  

OFF THE CLOCK             
Fave hobby: cooking, especially experimenting with new ingredients

Outdoor adventures with Murphy and Cricket, her two dogs

SECRET LIFE             
Won first place at the Texas State Fair art show as a kid for a multimedia painting of foxes. "Not exactly buildings, but I’ve always loved capturing details and character through art."

Her family runs a third-generation financial advisory business. "I’m the outlier who ventured into the AEC world."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
“'Focus on people, and the projects will follow.' Early in my career, I was eager to prove myself technically, but a mentor reminded me that long-term success in this industry comes from relationships with clients, colleagues, contractors, and communities. That perspective has shaped how I lead. I prioritize listening, collaboration, and people-first solutions, which in turn has opened doors to incredible projects and leadership opportunities."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Becoming a licensed professional engineer, as part of the 7% of women who hold that credential, stands as my proudest achievement. Even more meaningful, however, has been using that milestone to mentor younger engineers on their own path to licensure."

 


 

Taylor Gawthorp-Cruse, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate
Project Executive
IMEG
Madison, Wis.

AGE: 31

EDUCATION            
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Bradley University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS            
Instrumental in relaunching an updated version of IMEG's internal sustainability plan in 2024, which had a greater focus on new initiatives for carbon reduction

The main point of contact for IMEG's Midwest- and East Coast-based teams working on sustainability-related projects around the country

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Teaches sustainability and energy consumption at universities and elementary schools, participating in the Advancement Via Individual Determination program for low-income communities

Speaks at the IMEG internal bi-annual Consultancy 101 program, a week of training and learning for recent graduates joining the company

Chair, Community Involvement Committee and IMEG, spearheading fundraising events for local organizations like Kids Building Wisconsin, Second Harvest Foodbank, and United Ways

OFF THE CLOCK             
Enjoys weekly water aerobics and being in a local bowling league (bowling even contributed a small amount in scholarships for her first year of college through the USBC Youth organization)

With her husband, on a mission to hike as many national parks as they can. The journey started at Glacier National Park, and they have since gone to Rock Mountain National Park, Mt Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades

Exploring new foods whenever possible "is really important to me."

SECRET LIFE             
Frequent guest on her husband's movie review podcast

Her maternal grandfather came to America from Lebanon through Ellis Island in 1911. Though he didn’t teach his family any of the language, he did give them some of the "tastiest Lebanese recipes which we eat on Holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to treat empathy as my superpower. When I first stepped into leadership roles... I worried that showing too much personality or focusing too much on building a connection would make me seem less credible, especially as a younger woman in the industry. Thankfully, my mentor helped me flip that thinking around. They told me that empathy wasn’t something to hide—it was something to lean into. And they were right."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"My biggest professional achievement has been stepping into my role as Project Executive for IMEG’s Sustainability and Energy team, while also serving as our operations manager. It represents the career I dreamed of as early as high school, when I decided I wanted to dedicate my work to helping people and the planet. Today I have the privilege of driving meaningful change in the built environment, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and guiding clients toward sustainable solutions to mentoring colleagues and advancing a culture of environmental responsibility."

 


 

Brent Hooks, MBA, PMP, PMI-CP, CDT
Vice President
Cornerstone Engineering
Memphis, Tenn.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION             
Master of Business Administration, Vanderbilt University Owens Graduate School of Management

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Leading the firm’s expansion across the Southeastern U.S., focusing on key growth markets such as Memphis, Birmingham, and Atlanta

From 2013–2024, was Chief Administrative Officer with Allworld Project Management, a construction management firm

Has been recognized by Forbes Next 1000, Top Young Memphian by the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and Top 40 under 40 by Memphis Business Journal

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Member, PMI and AIA

Has served on the board of Urban Land Institute

Active participant in the ACEC Tennessee PE Leadership Cohort, a statewide mentoring and support organization

Former board member of the Blight Authority of Memphis, where he supported efforts to combat vacancy, stabilize neighborhoods, and create opportunities for equitable redevelopment

OFF THE CLOCK             

Serves on the board of New Ballet Ensemble and School, helping to promote inclusive arts education and leading strategic planning related to the redevelopment of the historic Humes School

Serves on the City of Memphis Film and Television Commission, helping to advance economic development through creative infrastructure

Member, Brooks Museum in Memphis

Lifelong basketball fan and nature lover

Avid reader of biographies and histories

SECRET LIFE             
A native Memphian, Brent says he comes from a line of pioneers who used education, culture, and justice to break barriers and open doors for others (his great-great-grandmother, Julia Britton Hooks, was the first Black woman to attend Berea College; and his great-uncle, Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, was Tennessee’s first Black criminal court judge)

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"'Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating space for others to rise.' [This advice] reminds me that the real measure of leadership is not just what you accomplish personally, but what you enable others to accomplish alongside you."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"My single biggest professional achievement has been receiving two national recognitions, with this honor being the third, that speak to what is possible for my city, my state, and the next generation of leaders."

 


 

Michael Hopper, PE
Associate Partner
LERA Consulting Structural Engineers
New York, N.Y.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION            
Master of Science, Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Awarded Global Innovation Project of the Year by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat for his research and project work on Voided Post-Tensioned Slabs (2024)

His promotion to Associate Partner in 2021—an early milestone in his career—reflected his key contributions to the design of the firm’s most challenging and complex projects

Award-winning PT projects include the Vagelos Education Center at Columbia University Medical Center; the Novartis Radiation Oncology Research Office Building in East Hanover, N.J.; and the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Visiting Lecturer, "Design of Reinforced Concrete," Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University (2018–Present)

Associate Member, Post-Tensioning Institute, DC-20 Building Design Technical Committee

Member, American Concrete Institute

Member, Structural Engineers Association of New York

OFF THE CLOCK             
Has a rental property business where he's focused on fixing old properties with weird layouts by designing and building new framing systems to modernize the floor plans

Loves taking ski trips with his girls

SECRET LIFE             
His first job was a Zamboni driver

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"Always draw through the problem you are trying to solve first. You can’t design a solution to a problem you don’t understand. (No story, this is how we approach design at LERA)."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Our work on Voided Post-Tensioned slabs and the CTBUH Innovation Award are meaningful because—as a concrete designer—it was a moment where the industry acknowledged that concrete structures can be designed and built with comparable amounts of embodied carbon to other sustainable structural systems. Sustainable design discussions tend to focus on materials first, which is only part of the equation. Using materials efficiently is the rest, which is where designers can really make a big difference, especially when it comes to concrete construction."

 


 

Matthew Kiker, PE
Principal, Civil Department Manager
Thomas & Hutton
Charlotte, N.C.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering Technology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Associate of Science, Survey Technology, Central Piedmont Community College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Built his firm's Charlotte office Civil Department from a one-person team into an 18-member group, increasing the team size by more than 1,500% and revenue by more than 300% in just eight years. 

One of the youngest shareholders at Thomas & Hutton.

Led the design of more than 11 million sf of industrial facilities, in addition to multiple projects in the commercial, educational, governmental, and residential building sectors. 

Key project: Charlotte I-277 Rail Trail Bridge, a landmark project reconnecting two neighborhoods with a walkable, bike-friendly design. 

Named 2024 ACEC North Carolina Young Engineer of the Year. 

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Mentor, Advisory Board Member, UNC Charlotte’s Civil Engineering Technology Senior Capstone project.

Junior Board of Directors, ACEC North Carolina.

Volunteer, Unionville BBQ, a fundraiser supporting Unionville Elementary school. 

OFF THE CLOCK             
Turkey hunting and quail hunting.

Outdoor activities and spending time with family. 

SECRET LIFE             
"I used to write reading tests for my elementary school when I was a student. I was a vigorous reader to the point that the teachers decided to let me earn points by creating reading tests for books that other students could take."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"One of my mentors often said, ‘If the client wants red shingles, then you give them red shingles.’ As engineers, it’s easy to get locked into how we think something should be designed or presented. That line has always reminded me that the real measure of success is delivering solutions that align with our client’s goals. Refocusing on their perspective, even when it differs from our own instincts, is key to building trust and long-term partnerships."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"I am most proud of being a part of building and leading our Civil Department in the Charlotte office from the ground up. Over the past decade we have been able to grow into one of the largest departments in the firm while managing high-profile residential and industrial projects across the region. It is not just about the revenue or project wins for me, but about seeing a strong, cohesive team develop while also shaping the communities where families live and work for decades to come."

 


 

Colleen Marnell, PE
Principal, Midwest Regional Leader
Kimley-Horn
Chicago, Ill.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Notre Dame University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Spearheaded the growth of solar consulting and design services across 50+ Kimley-Horn offices. As a result, Kimley-Horn's solar business generated more than $100 million annually, serving over 400 clients and becoming the firm's second-most profitable industry

In five years, established and grew a natural gas business to $13 million in annual revenue, making it Kimley-Horn's Midwest region’s most profitable program

In 2024, became the youngest, third female regional leader in Kimley-Horn’s history

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Membership Committee Chair, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), (2018–2022)

Women’s Energy Network (WEN) (2018–2022)

Member Services Chair, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Chicago (2016–2019)

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Next Generation Leadership Network (2014–2018)

For the past 15 years, has volunteered speaking about engineering career paths at local high schools, including New Trier Township High School’s Society of Women in Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Science

OFF THE CLOCK             
Enjoys doing escape rooms with her husband, Joe, and has completed over 70 together so far

Loves playing strategy board games and is excited that her son, Dylan (7), is old enough to play now and loves them too

SECRET LIFE             
"My parents recognized my strength in math and science and encouraged me to sign up for Northwestern University’s Career Day for Girls when I was a junior in high school. I spent the day doing hands-on engineering activities and hearing from women in the field. After that day, I was hooked and decided that I wanted to become an engineer."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"Be yourself. While it sounds simple and is probably advice that we’ve all heard before, I’ve found it to hit different at different stages and transitions in my career. From my early days as a young engineer—overthinking the number of exclamation points in my emails—to building practices and assuming new roles with differing styles from my predecessors, I’ve needed to be reminded of this advice over and over. I’ve been fortunate to have truth tellers and cheerleaders express that the industry and Kimley-Horn values ME—not me trying to be someone who came before me."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"I’m extremely proud of the journey my partners and I went on to create a new practice at Kimley-Horn—solar—and grow it to a place of creating so many opportunities for others. Our core purpose at Kimley-Horn is to provide an environment for our people to flourish, and ever since I started my career and felt the benefits of that environment others had created for me, I’ve strived to pay it forward and add to that environment for others. I did an open mic session at a Kimley-Horn training back in 2024, and at the end of the session, two people came up to me to thank me for my role in starting solar at Kimley-Horn. They drew a through line to my efforts then to their career opportunities on the solar team now. It was a powerful moment that I’ll never forget."

 


 

Morgan Neal, PE
Senior Structural Engineer
SHEAR Structural
Atlanta, Ga.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Engineering, Princeton University

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Howard University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
At previous firm HOK, co-managed the firmwide research program and helped achieve a 14x return on investment, leading to more than 20 award-winning HOK projects

Advisory member and equity champion for HOK’s Designing for Equity initiative in 2023 and 2024, guiding design teams to incorporate equity principles into projects

Standout projects include: Dallas Fort-Worth Airport Terminal C Redevelopment (as the senior structural engineer for Phase 1) and the Emory University Health Sciences Research Building II (lead structural engineer)

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Member, GirlTrek Health Movement, which aims to increase Black women’s life expectancy (2024–Present)

At HOK, led the Diversity, Wellness and Culture committee within the Atlanta office

Member of both the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and received NSBE’s Member of the Year award in 2011

OFF THE CLOCK             
Loves all things outdoors: biking, yard work, festivals, and especially hiking.

Has a tradition with her mom of taking annual mother-daughter trips ("We’ve road-tripped across states and flown across oceans, always carving out time for at least one hike wherever we go.")

SECRET LIFE             
Inherited her grandmother's recipe collection (with over 80 recipes) and has made it her mission to cook everything at least once

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"I’ve received a lot of valuable advice over the years, but one that consistently guides me is from Barbara Stanny: 'Feel the fear, have the doubts, do it anyway.' I don’t know her personally, but when I read that line in her book, it struck a chord. Looking back, there have been countless moments where I’ve faced uncertainty—whether stepping into a new challenge or navigating the unknown. That quote has reminded me that fear and doubt aren’t signs to stop. Even when things don’t go as planned, there’s always something to learn."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Being the lead structural engineer for Emory’s Health Sciences Research Building II was a defining moment in my career and a labor of love. At the time, it was the largest and most complex project I’d worked on, and it stretched me in ways I hadn’t expected. I worked with a talented engineering and design team. Collectively, we delivered the largest academic sciences building in Georgia, home to over 1,200 researchers working on life-saving discoveries, including cancer treatment. The project has earned several awards and will always stand out as a personal and professional highlight."

 


 

Charles Starke, PE
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Department Manager for Electrical Engineering
H2M architects + engineers
Melville, N.Y.

AGE: 37

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, New York Institute of Technology

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Leads teams of staff in the execution of high-quality electrical designs

In 2018, his team won the Platinum Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies in New York

In 2025, Charles' team won a Long Island Business News Real Estate, Architecture & Engineering Award for the Top Public Project for the design of an addition and renovations to the Oceanside Library

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Participated in the Dale Carnegia and H2M Project Management training programs

Member, New York State American Water Works Association (2022–Present)

Member, Long Island Chapter of the New York Water Environment Association (2015–Present)

Coaches and mentors local youth through athletic programs since 2020

OFF THE CLOCK             
Enjoys camping and fishing with his sons ("We also just added twins who will be joining us in the future.")

SECRET LIFE             
Was an all-country lacrosse athlete at Farmingdale (N.Y.) High School, class of 2006

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"Remain honest, direct, and transparent when conversing with people, especially when having difficult conversations. This will result in more effective communication, help resolve any issues more efficiently and thoroughly, and, more often than not, will be appreciated by all involved."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Obtaining my Professional Engineering license in New York State, and mentoring more than five engineers who have obtained their Professional Engineering license. A lot of meaningful time and effort goes into obtaining a Professional Engineering license, and I consider it a great achievement to not only complete this for my own professional growth, but to also contribute to others making this achievement is an even great accomplishment."

 


 

Andreanna Tzortzis Owoc, PE, SE
Associate Structural Engineer
Arup
San Francisco, Calif.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials, University of California–Berkeley

Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California–Berkeley

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Specializing in resilience-based design, Andreanna was recently appointed Arup’s Seismic Skills Network Leader

Leading the efforts to update and publish the next version of the Resilience-based Design Initiative (REDi) Seismic Resilience-based Design Guidelines, and is developing an internal learning course on REDi and RBD for Arup’s structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering disciplines

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Engages with engineering associations, notably the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC)

Through the Engineers Alliance for the Arts, she has taught local high school students about structural engineering, fostering curiosity and innovation among future young learners

OFF THE CLOCK             
Retrofitted and remodeled her own home

Teaches Greek folk dancing to children

Enjoys reading (as of early September, she’d read 86 books in 2025), exploring nature trails, and spending time with family

Likes to hike, backpack, camp, and ski

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"Early in my career when I caught a mistake in one of my calculations and immediately panicked, my boss and mentor calmly told me, 'If it’s not getting built tomorrow, it can be changed today.' Most things in engineering are iterative, and there’s almost always time to improve, correct, and make things better. I carry that perspective with me now, and I try to pass it on when mentoring younger engineers. It’s a powerful mindset shift that encourages continuous improvement rather than fear of getting things wrong."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"I was fortunate to take on a lot of responsibility on a number of rewarding projects early in my career, which helped me rise quickly to a role on the leadership team."

 


 

Trevor Walker, PE, SE
Senior Project Manager
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)
Seattle, Wash.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Structural Engineering, Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Structural Engineer of Record on landmark projects including Amazon Headquarters, Park Tower at Transbay, Facebook’s Menlo Park Campus, and Mission Rock Parcels A and F

Pioneered the first use of large-scale BIM construction administration (Tekla software integration), reducing billable hours and improving construction productively up to 30%

Promoted to SPM, Data Center SME, and Structural Engineering Lead at JLL PDS within first two years

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Chairs executive positions and delivers responsible charge at various professional organizations focused on structural engineering, commercial real estate, and construction law

Founder of Woldhurst Advisors, which focuses on construction dispute strategies, and manages compliance/accounting for Running Wild Studio, an elopement photography company

OFF THE CLOCK             
Distance runner (averages 28 miles per week), backpacker, record collector, and guitar player in Seattle rock band "31 Nights"

Recently picked up coaching youth soccer and classroom volunteering

SECRET LIFE             
"At 14, police raided my construction site. A local developer accused me of stealing lumber for the 500-sf guesthouse I was building on my parents' property. I came home from school to find officers and a lumber supplier scanning barcodes and inspecting my work. My handwritten budget, stack of Lowe's receipts, and makeshift blueprints cleared me. It was a valuable lesson to document with anticipation."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"I've been fortunate to work alongside industry veterans who say a lot through their actions. Their advice is more of a framework of consistently being over-prepared, actively listening, and timely follow-through. I strive to be the client's first phone call from feasibility to closeout and any headwinds in between. And be kind."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Speaking multiple construction languages fluently. Fifteen years and $12B in ground-up construction have taught me that miscommunication and unmanaged expectations hamstring projects. I pick up the phone early and often, adapting my approach to each stakeholder while keeping them grounded in the broader context. It's strategic storytelling with targeted phrasing and appropriate details."

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