Welcome to our series, Getting to Know the Team! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a structural engineer or simply wanted to learn more about the people behind Engineering Solutions, this series is for you. We’ll feature a new team member every month, so be sure to check back regularly and enjoy our third installment below!
Name – Troy Rudolph
Location – Harrisonburg
Title – Director of Structural Engineering, Partner
Years with Engineering Solutions – 6 years
When did you know you wanted to be a structural engineer?
I was always fascinated by large structures. Skyscrapers and bridges drew me in and I wanted to know how they could possibly stay standing. My background in building gave me the basis for a career in engineering.
What is your typical day at work?
As partner and director, my day-to-day activities range from scheduling and planning to reviewing the work of others. Occasionally I even get to do engineering work. I love math and applying it to real world problems.
What is the best part about your job?
Helping a client solve a problem.
What are some of the challenges in your job?
Time crunch – everybody is on a timeline and it’s important to stay on schedule but also a balancing act.
What is one of the coolest projects you’ve worked on for Engineering Solutions?
I have many projects that I am happy to have been a part of, but the one that stands out is the Brookefield Place Holiday display in Manhattan. It was a temporary light display installation in a mall near the 9/11 Museum in New York City. I worked with the display designer to make the supporting structure as light as possible yet strong enough to support the loads. I made a visit to the mall while the lights were on display and I still have a picture of it as my wallpaper on my office computer.
What is your favorite Core Value and how do you live it out?
Integrity – I want people to be able trust me as an engineer and as a member of this community.
If you had to give one piece of advice for working with a structural engineer, what would it be?
Bear with us while we try to understand your project. We see a lot of projects and most of them are unique. We want to give your project the best attention we can and to do that we need to understand your project and the end goal.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy doing outdoor stuff or reading a good book, or even combining the two by reading a book under a shade tree.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to the most wonderful girl ever. We have four children – three girls and a boy.
Fun fact about yourself?
I have been to the Arctic Circle and have the pictures to prove it.
What is your favorite food?
Can’t beat Mexican food!
