Dear Readers,

In this interview series where we ask few questions to people who are making a difference, it can be big, it can be small it doesn’t matter what matters is their contribution to our society. It can be anyone from any walks of life and from any country. Please, do send us suggestions of people whom you think we should interview for this series.

Rusty was born in Florida and raised around the United States. He is married with kids and grand kids. Engineer by degree and passion, he has a curious and agile mind. He wants to sail around the world. Following are his thoughts on some of our questions.

1. Tell us something about yourself?

I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in electrical engineering. Early in my career, I was in the United States Air Force as a Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer. After my service, I became a practicing consulting electrical engineer. Now, I design electrical systems for a wide range of facilities such as hospitals, commercial office buildings, U.S government buildings, banks, and schools.

For leisure I enjoy sailings, mountain bike riding, and running.

2. When it comes to design, construction or maintenance of engineering projects, what has changed from previous years in terms of process, innovation and objectives? 

Indeed, the engineering world is changing.  Over the last ten years, I’ve seen a tremendous push to deliver projects on shorter timelines.  Where in the past, I would have had months to do a design, I now have weeks or days. The shorter delivery times are a direct result of new design products for Building Information Modeling (BIM).  These products aid the entire team with production and coordination. Like all tools, in the hands of a master, they can be great instruments of service.  Unfortunately, BIM like most tools doesn’t make a poor design better. It just makes a poor design faster.

3. What’s your approach towards designing a new project?

I’m a top-down type of guy.  I think the big picture, spending more time defining the problem and constraints than most.  I find the design process much more efficient when I know what I have to solve.

4. How does design factor into the utility costs of a building or construction project?

Utility costs are very much dependent on design.  Unfortunately, an energy efficiency design comes at a cost.  Higher performance components of a building cost more upfront, but usually deliver a reasonable payback over time.  The problem is the upfront costs.  Budgets are usually tight to begin with.  Trying to convince an owner to spend a little more up front to save a lot more on the back end is a tough sale.

5. What’s the future of renewable energy sources like solar or wind in the construction industry?

I think renewable energy projects at the building (local) scale are a novelty.  Like above, they are a rather large upfront cost. Most owners just don’t want to spend the funds now to reap benefits later. I see renewable energy viable only at a utility provider scale.

6. As an instructor, what are some of the key lessons about engineering discipline that you want your students to learn?

Engineering is as much about people as it is about problem solving.  Good engineers solve technical problems. Great engineers solve people problems.

7. Your message for our readers?

Failure is temporary, giving up is forever.