ASCE has learned of the passing of Fellow John G. Shmerykowsky, P.E., F.ASCE, founding principal of Shmerykowsky Consulting Engineers in New York City, who died on April 2. He was 79. Shmerykowksy established the structural engineering firm in 1996 and was soon joined by his son, Marco J. Shmerykowsky, P.E., F.ASCE. Over the course of 20 years, father and son built a company serving clients
Vincent J. DeSimone, founder and chairman of DeSimone Consulting Engineers in New York City, died on November 16. He was 78. DeSimone, P.E., M.ASCE, established the firm in 1969 and had been senior principal-in-charge of design since its outset. The firm has designed projects in 40 states and 18 countries. DeSimone headed many projects, including the Four Seasons Miami (the tallest building in Miami when it
Yes, every civil engineer should learn about business development. That concludes this post… Just kidding. First of all, let me define business development for those civil engineers who are not familiar with the term. The general Wikipedia definition is: Business development comprises a number of tasks and processes generally aiming at developing and implementing growth opportunities within and between organizations. My definition: bringing in new
In some cases, right from wrong is not a matter of black and white. Rather the question of what is ethical can present unique answers on a case-by-case basis, creating gray areas. ASCE’s General Counsel Tara Hoke, in her online series A Question of Ethics, delves into cases of ethics and issues affecting the civil engineering profession as considered by the ASCE Committee on Professional
Here’s a question I get from civil engineers almost every day: Where can I find a mentor as a civil engineer? Excellent question, and before I even answer it, I want to say that, in my opinion, finding the right mentor in your civil engineering career is one of the most powerful things you can do. Why? Simple. A mentor can give you advice that
October marks the anniversary of the George Washington Bridge, which was officially opened to the public Oct. 25, 1931. At its opening, the bridge surpassed the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit for the title of longest main span in the world. Spanning the river to link New York City and New Jersey had challenged planners and engineers for decades. In 1888, Gustav Lindenthal proposed a suspension
Brent Darnell, Aff.M.ASCE, is president and owner of Atlanta-based Brent Darnell International. For more information, email [email protected] or visit brentdarnell.com. The long-standing issue of diversity and inclusion is reaching a tipping point. I have attended many industry events lately, and the demographics are a little frightening. As wonderful as our industry is, these events are filled with mostly middle-aged, white men. If I were a
I recently received this question from a civil engineer: I would like to return to the civil engineering field of wastewater (from my current civil engineering discipline) and move closer to a major city. However, since I haven’t practiced wastewater for a few years now, I am finding it very challenging to return to find a job in the field. Can you offer any advice
