Carrie Henderson is a vice president based in Arlington, Virginia, where she serves as our East Region Environmental Health and Safety + Air (EHS+Air) Sales Director and Program Manager. As of October 2025, she is also the East Region Environment Federal Market Sector Lead. For over 25 years, she has combined her passion for science and policy with hands-on problem solving to help federal clients meet environmental goals. Known for her collaborative approach and clear communication, Carrie guides programs that facilitate compliance, protect people and strengthen communities.

What inspired you to join the industry?

My fascination with environmental science started young, sparked by Saturday mornings spent watching an environment-themed TV show called “Captain Planet” and a high school recycling project that led me to the National 4-H Congress.

As a chemistry major and one of the first environmental studies minors at Wake Forest University, I was fascinated with how science drives environmental policy and compliance. I realized environmental consulting would allow me to help a range of organizations reduce emissions and meet their environmental responsibilities.

This discovery led to my 25-year journey supporting clients across the U.S. on everything from regulatory compliance to sustainability planning. Throughout that time, my motivation has remained the same: to facilitate science and policy working together to protect people and places.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most rewarding projects was developing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) PFAS management program, which regulates a group of persistent chemicals found in firefighting foams and industrial products. Over three years, our team built the program from the ground up to help the agency address one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

We analyzed regulatory actions across all 50 states, developed policies that standardize PFAS management enterprise-wide and created an environmental management information system (EMIS) to collect and report data. We also designed and delivered training to help hundreds of environmental professionals across the agency use the system effectively.

The program we built helps DHS protect people and the environment while setting a foundation for continuous improvement. Helping clients protect communities and the environment is the kind of impact that makes this career so fulfilling.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

As a military spouse, projects that improve the lives of service members and their families mean a lot to me.

I’ve supported the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Environmental Management Program for nearly a decade, leading initiatives that enhance environmental compliance, conservation and communication across installations.

One of the most impactful efforts has been supporting outreach for veterans and families affected by historic drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Our team manages information distribution and operates a help desk staffed by veterans who can connect with callers through shared experience and empathy. It’s a reminder that environmental programs are ultimately about protecting people.

Beyond Camp Lejeune, our work with HQMC includes advancing PFAS management, air and water quality initiatives, and sustainability programs that directly improve the environments where Marines live and work. Knowing our work contributes to that mission is incredibly meaningful.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to always deliver your best work and say yes to new opportunities, even when they push you outside your comfort zone. Early in my career, a major reorganization changed my trajectory overnight. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I treated it as an opportunity to redefine my path, which led me to larger program leadership roles. Whether I’m leading complex environmental programs that bring together multiple agencies or mentoring early-career professionals, I focus on accountability and communication. Those qualities build trust with clients, teammates and regulators — and that trust is the foundation for delivering lasting environmental solutions.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Carrie Henderson appeared first on Blog.

Based on his NAVFAC Atlantic expertise, Mark was asked to support NAVFAC Pacific in Honolulu in early 2022. After a 6-month period of helping to establish technical leaders and processes, Mark returned to the U.S. East Coast to help advance NAVFAC Atlantic programs. He was appointed NAVFAC Atlantic CLEAN Program Manager in 2023. Mark is a registered Professional Engineer, a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)-certified Small Business Liaison Officer, and a trained facilitator in formal partnering and consensus-building techniques.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, I was exploring potential career paths before pursuing a more-specific master’s degree. I learned the environmental restoration field was largely staffed by civil engineers but had a growing need for chemical engineers. This demand stemmed from advancements in technology, a shift towards more complex treatment systems, challenging site conditions, and high-tech restoration methods. The opportunity to apply my background to these specialized challenges was compelling, and I’m glad I pursued it.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects was when I was asked to manage a high-profile expedited environmental response action for an energy company at their New York headquarters. The company discovered that a Little League baseball field on their property contained mercury exceeding residential and child-based regulatory standards. They needed a prompt and comprehensive response to avoid delaying opening day!

Our team investigated the source and determined it was caused by an anti-fouling coating on commercially purchased grass seed, which was intended to prevent mold but contained substantial levels of mercury. We quickly selected and mobilized a remediation team to excavate the entire field and replace it with clean material. The replacement was unique in that it not only had to meet residential environmental standards, but also conform to the official soil and grass specifications required by Major League Baseball for Little League fields.

Working under a tight deadline and in close coordination with numerous stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, we completed the project two weeks ahead of the Little League opening day parade. The successful delivery met environmental, safety, and performance standards, while also earning strong appreciation from the local community.

What do you enjoy most about working with the Navy’s CLEAN Program?

What I value most about working with the Navy is the strength of the relationships and the shared sense of purpose. The CLEAN program combines discipline, structure, and organization with a high level of collaboration, which makes it both challenging and rewarding. I appreciate the process of aligning teams toward the same goal – advancing the regulatory process despite constraints from differing regulatory objectives or complex site conditions. This often requires regrouping, troubleshooting, and applying sound engineering structure to develop creative solutions rather than being limited by obstacles. I am proud to contribute to such a forward-thinking, solution-oriented environment.

The scale and diversity of the CLEAN program is also unique. The portfolio is large and multi-dimensional with more than 200 simultaneous projects across more than 25 states, which provides opportunities to apply best practices and integrate lessons learned across multiple projects. We implement consistent processes, streamline documentation, and maintain strong technical leadership with a fantastic array of diverse technical disciplines and leaders. This depth and breadth allows us to deliver work more efficiently and effectively.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I am really proud of our team’s work supporting a variety of clients as their upfront interface with local communities. When water supplies are found to exceed regulatory drinking water thresholds, our teams work closely with our clients to prioritize areas at greatest risk and take immediate action. This includes coordinating public meetings and information sessions, as well as engaging government officials such as senators, congressmen, and local leaders, so they can respond accurately to community questions.

The whole process – from public outreach to providing alternative or protected water supplies – is executed rapidly so that residents have safe drinking water without delay. Our team’s multi-disciplinary capabilities are critical in this effort. Experts within our Water business line have long-term relationships with the local water purveyors, which allow us to quickly navigate permitting, design requirements, and technical solutions. Being part of a collaborative effort that combines regulatory compliance, engineering expertise, and community engagement is extremely rewarding. The successful outcome for each community demonstrates the tangible benefits of integrating large-scale program resources and expertise to support public health.

Share a piece of career advice for those interested in program management.

Focus on consistent behaviors and accountability. It’s important to follow through on commitments, ask questions as the process evolves, and take a proactive approach to achieve effective solutions. Strong communication attributes are critical for professional growth and advancement, as well as building high-performing and collaborative program teams.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Mark Kauffman appeared first on Blog.

Working in a region known for its “Very High Hazard” seismic zone and marked by extreme tropical weather — including typhoons — Pete is highly skilled in effectively addressing the complexities of remote Pacific projects. From managing long lead times for materials and equipment to overcoming labor shortages driven by the ongoing military construction program to relocate U.S. Marines to Guam, Pete’s expertise continues to drive impactful projects in the Pacific region and his award-winning leadership is a cornerstone of ArchTam’s operations in Guam.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up in Guam, the beaches and reefs were an integral part of my life. I have vivid memories of swimming and playing in areas full of coral and sea life, and in other areas that were impacted by pollution, yet we continued to visit and swim because being in the water was such a fundamental aspect of island life. Those experiences left a lasting impression on me. I often thought about the impact of pollution and how it could be addressed to preserve our environment for future generations. This reflection sparked my interest in finding ways to improve environmental conditions, particularly through engineering.

My focus naturally gravitated toward water and wastewater treatment — areas where I saw an opportunity to make a tangible difference. My father, a civil engineer specializing in roadway and stormwater management, also influenced my path. While I initially thought our interests diverged — his were in infrastructure and mine were in environmental preservation — I later realized how interconnected these fields are. Civil engineering, in all its facets, plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing our environment.

This realization solidified my commitment to the engineering field, where I could combine my passion for environmental stewardship with technical expertise to create meaningful change. It’s a journey that continues to inspire me every day.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects has been working with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps on their drinking water compliance programs in light of legally enforceable drinking water standards in various locations, including Japan, Singapore, and Diego Garcia. These projects have been particularly rewarding because they combine technical challenges with the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures. Each location presents unique requirements for compliance, as these bases operate outside the U.S. and must comply with the Navy’s Overseas Drinking Water Program, modeled after USEPA national policy and state regulatory programs.

The complexity of addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to ensure that service members and their families have access to high quality drinking water, whether it’s produced locally or sourced from a host nation, is both challenging and fulfilling. It’s about bridging the gap between local practices and U.S. standards to protect human health. These projects have allowed me to apply my expertise in water systems while also gaining insight into diverse operational environments.

Traveling for these projects has been an incredible experience, taking me to places like Guam, Hawaii, Japan, and Diego Garcia. It’s inspiring to see how our work positively impacts communities and supports the well-being of those serving abroad. The blend of technical problem solving and cultural exploration makes these projects some of the most meaningful of my career.

Share a piece of career advice.

My favorite piece of career advice came from my dad. While some parents push their kids to strive for a doctorate, my dad would often say, “Be P.H.D.” He meant, Be Poor, Hungry, and Driven. Not to be poor financially, but to always remember to be humble and remember where we came from. Not to be hungry in terms of food, but to have a strong desire for improvement and success. And to always be driven, to accomplish new goals and strive for bigger and better things.

The post Across the Indo-Pacific, from Alaska to Japan: Meet Agapito (Pete) Diaz appeared first on Blog.

Jessika Schoplick is a program manager in our Business Development team for National Governments in Europe, leading proposal efforts to win major framework contracts and expand our service offerings for U.S. Federal clients in Europe. She holds a master’s degree in Geography and has managed projects and programs for U.S. Department of Defense clients in Europe for 24 years. Jessika has a wealth of experience in environmental planning and architecture and engineering projects throughout Europe and is committed to maintaining and continuously improving client satisfaction. 

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.  

With a background in geography and environmental sciences, I chose to pursue a broader, holistic approach in my career, focusing on understanding the bigger picture and integrating multiple disciplines rather than limiting myself to deep technical specialization. After completing my master’s thesis and postgraduate research on fire ecology and forest regeneration at the Arctic tree line in Canada, I started my early career as a project manager for natural resources-related planning at military sites in Germany.  

Through these projects, I was inspired by both my colleagues and clients, who showed me that successful project completion depends on a true partnership with the client, where everyone works together toward a shared goal. 

As I gained a deeper understanding of client needs and requirements, my role evolved into one where I now mentor staff to understand and comply with these client requirements, spanning the full range of services ArchTam delivers to the U.S. Federal government in Europe. What still inspires me every day is the ability to leverage ArchTam’s vast global resources to find a solution for almost any specialty question that’s out there. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects involves leading the proposal for a master planning contract in Europe. The contract involved planning and design work at military installations in Germany, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Italy. Collaborating closely with our U.S.-based planning team, we combined local knowledge and global experience to win our first large Europe-based master planning contract for the U.S. Army in Europe. This success demonstrated the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing within ArchTam. 

Another memorable project that I managed was a survey for the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research facilities in Kenya. Despite the straightforward scope, the project presented numerous challenges, including locating and accessing remote facilities, coordinating travel and understanding local requirements. By collaborating with our architects and engineers local to the region who performed the on-site surveys and infrastructure assessments and a U.S.-based digital solutions team who developed custom-made software, we successfully delivered a project that was not exactly in our backyard. At the same time, working with our global colleagues resulted in a great relationship for future opportunities. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I have a deep sense of pride, knowing that our work directly strengthens the security and stability of the countries we serve. Our projects positively impact local communities by improving infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for service personnel stationed or rotating through Europe and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. I’m proud to contribute to winning critical projects such as designing military Army family housing, dining facilities, headquarters, training facilities and upgrading rail and airfields. These efforts bolster national security during times of political unrest, natural disasters, climate change and economic challenges. 

Share a piece of career advice.

My primary piece of advice is that sharing knowledge with colleagues, collaborating and listening to the client is more valuable than hoarding knowledge to feel irreplaceable. Collaboration and open communication propel you and your team further than working in isolation ever could.   

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George Robbins, PMP, CFCM, DBIA, MBA, is a project manager in our Chicago, Illinois office. He has a wide range of experience in complex project delivery across the transportation, transit, and IT sectors. 

What inspired you to join the industry? 

I started my career in construction and after a decade, I pursued advanced degrees to broaden my opportunities. I joined a national architecture, engineering, and planning firm where I supported the team on a foundation client project in Richmond, Virginia. Over time, I rose to become the client service leader, overseeing design, bid document preparation, procurement, maintenance, reporting, inspection, and construction work. The role exposed me to various aspects of project management, including budgeting, cost estimating, takeoffs, portfolio planning, risk management, change management, and stakeholder engagement. This experience confirmed for me that a professional engineering career path was the right fit for my continued growth.  

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why? 

My favorite ArchTam project is the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s West Lake Corridor project. This exciting design-build endeavor involves building an eight-mile extension of a commuter rail line running parallel to the Illinois-Indiana state line. The route, which stretches from the new Hammond Gateway station to a fresh terminus at Munster/Dyer Main Street, will provide a vital transportation link connecting high-growth neighborhoods to the Chicago metropolitan area. The expansion of the line will improve mobility, stimulate local economic growth, and reduce vehicular traffic and emissions, while incorporating best practices for environmental sustainability and wetland mitigation.   

This project is particularly energizing for me because it challenges me to apply a wide range of my expertise in procurement, contracts, information systems, IT systems (including open road tolling and video enforcement), back-office operations, intrusion protection systems, and constructability reviews. I am proud to contribute to the success of this project that will positively impact local communities. 

My favorite project from earlier in my career was when I managed the Powhite Parkway Improvement Program in Richmond, Virginia, which was the largest capital improvement project the client had undertaken since their inception in the 1960s. Key elements of the program included relocating Powhite Creek, widening the parkway, adding express lanes with open road tolling and video enforcement, constructing a new toll plaza administration building, and establishing an IT back office linked to the Virginia Department of Transportation database. As the client service leader, I handled planning, budgeting, design, bid administration, contract award, and construction management. This project highlighted the importance of sustainable alternatives in noise reduction and air quality improvements for surrounding communities. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

I’m proud that my projects bring significant benefits to communities across various dimensions: economic, cultural, environmental and transportation.  

• Economically, our projects create new employment opportunities in local areas and spur development, including jobs and housing along new rail corridors.  
• Culturally, we prioritize preserving historical areas, Indigenous sites, fossil beds, and graveyards by redesigning proposed railroad alignments.  
• Environmentally, we’ve implemented wildlife crossings, optimized stream routing to minimize flooding risks, and rerouted existing surface streams.  
• From a transportation perspective, our efforts result in improved travel times and streamlined modes of commuting, minimizing unnecessary transfers for travelers and reducing vehicular emissions.  

These contributions underscore the positive impact of infrastructure projects on our communities. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

Proactive listening and effective collaboration are essential tools for success. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks: exercise patience and work through challenges. Establish a long-term plan and assemble a competent team. A well-functioning, collaborative team provides vital support throughout the project life cycle. Leverage the depth and breadth of resources available to you to make sure each project is delivered to the client’s satisfaction.  

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Jamie Rivera has been with ArchTam for 22 years. Her educational background is in structural engineering, but through deployments on several FEMA disaster assignments she has transitioned to managing FEMA relationships and contracts including two critical ones: FEMA Consolidated Resource Center (CRC) Support and FEMA Public Assistance Technical Assistance Program (PA-TAC). 

These contracts involve providing technical resources, like engineers and architects, to assess public infrastructure damages and prepare scopes of work and cost estimates for restoration. The contracts are significant, often valued at $500 million for five years. 

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry. 

I was drawn to study engineering because I love math and science and figuring out how things work. After college, one of my professors who knew about my strong process management and Excel skills helped me land an interview at URS Corporation, an ArchTam legacy company that held Public Assistance (PA) contracts with FEMA. Once I learned about URS’s global reach and their incredible work, the opportunity was too exciting to pass up. I ran with it and fell in love with the company and the work. Shortly after, I was deployed to Guam for my first FEMA PA assignment as a project specialist where I assessed typhoon damages to Guam’s schools. I was three months out of college, learning something new every day and helping communities recover by assisting them with navigating FEMA’s PA process. It was an amazing and rewarding experience and I’ve been doing it ever since. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why? 

Most of my projects are related to supporting FEMA’s PA Program on different disasters and helping applicants recover. Each disaster is unique, but one was truly different for me: the 2013 Colorado floods impacting Rocky Mountain National Park and several mountainous corridors, which we were tasked to support by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).  

I got to be on the flip side — still doing disaster recovery, but this time for a stage agency, CDOT. I was assigned as the FEMA subject matter expert to lead their FEMA projects, manage the debris removal program and help guide them through the process of procuring a debris removal contractor.  

It was eye-opening to be directly exposed to everything an applicant was doing to maintain normal operations, respond to and recover from the event, while still working within FEMA’s complex processes and programs. The disaster itself was memorable because of the interesting geography and coordination required with other Federal agencies, but the new angle of understanding of FEMA’s PA Program was pivotal for my career. This shaped how I work with applicants and communicate with our staff who are working with applicants.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Working on FEMA projects is both complex and rewarding. The PA Program itself is intricate, but I find it incredibly fulfilling to sit down with community officials and guide them through the process. While I can’t simplify the complexity, I can meet people where they are and help them navigate the channels specific to their situations. 

If there’s something I can’t assist them with, I guide them to the right resources, which is usually very helpful.  We make sure our team understands that community officials may also be disaster victims and it’s our job to make the process as easy and consistent as possible for them. This applies to working with higher-level community officials, but also with those doing hands-on work like public works directors and financial managers. These individuals are crucial in getting the work done and disasters are often a once-in-a-career event for them.  

Major disasters like Sandy, Harvey, Ike, and Katrina impact different metro areas uniquely, making each experience new and requiring constant support for the affected communities. After these large disasters, my team and I are responsible for setting up extensive training events for technical specialists deployed to support disaster recovery. We organize and mobilize up to 1,000 people, training them in staggered sessions, and then forward deploy them out to disaster sites. Coordinating and orchestrating these logistics is a significant task. 

My role is to coordinate with the client and contractor companies, figure out logistics, determine the duration and costs, and set up schedules. I also work with these companies to identify the individuals for deployment, then supervise as everything comes together. The rapid logistics turnaround and deployment are always interesting and quite satisfying when everything works out. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

Raise your hand to sign up for things. You never know where a road will lead, and in our line of work flexibility is an amazing thing. Opportunities will always come up, so say yes and see where your career takes you.  

The post People Spotlight: Meet Jamie Rivera appeared first on Blog.

From an early age, Robin had an ardent desire to both serve his country and to become an engineer. Influences in his family included his father, who served in World War II, and his uncles that worked in the engineering field. Robin’s acceptance into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, meant that he didn’t have to choose – it gave him a path to follow both dreams.

Since then, Robin’s remarkable 54-year career has taken him all over the world. During three decades of leadership as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officer, he served in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and various Pacific Islands. Back in the United States, Robin went on to command the USACE Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi, which earned accolades as the U.S. Army Research & Development Laboratory of the Year in 1998. When USACE’s seven research laboratories and 2,300 professionals were integrated to form the U.S. Army Engineering and Research Development Center (ERDC) later that year, Robin was the natural choice to become its first Commander. ERDC’s mission is to “help solve our Nation’s most challenging problems in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences.”

After retiring from the Army, Robin spent the next five years as vice president of the nonprofit Oceanic Institute. Then in 2005, he joined ArchTam where he’s led large teams working on highly complex environmental programs, including the U.S. Navy’s Pacific CLEAN program.

Based in the Honolulu office, Robin says he hadn’t planned on working this long, but “treasures” his team as well as the opportunities ArchTam has given him. When asked what project has been the most rewarding, he hesitates to pick just one and focuses instead on the bigger picture.

“I’ve been blessed with many great projects and assignments,” he says, “but what motivates me most is developing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders. To be an engineer is to be a problem solver and there will always be problems to solve. No matter how well we plan, conditions will always change. While solving one problem or finishing one project might be individually rewarding, actively preparing future generations by problem-solving our challenges together is more important.”

Throughout his career, Robin has demonstrated his dedication to developing and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. He oversaw development of an immersive two-year ArchTam onboarding program in the Pacific, resulting in enhanced staff development, higher retention, and higher client satisfaction. The program is now expanding to other ArchTam teams. Robin has also made significant contributions to numerous mentoring programs outside of ArchTam that are focused on helping military veterans.

Robin has received dozens of awards throughout his distinguished career, including a Purple Heart and Silver Star for valor.

Colleagues like Mark Handley can’t think of a more worthy recipient for this latest honor from SAME. “Robin has supported ArchTam’s most demanding projects in the Pacific. Drawing on his deep experience in technically complex and stressful situations, he’s led his team to provide world-class environmental engineering support to our clients. Robin is an impassioned leader, as well as a talented program manager and engineer. It’s rare that we find a true hero who has contributed so much to our profession both in and out of uniform,” says Mark.

The post Honoring a legend: Robin Cababa receives SAME’s Goethals Medal appeared first on Blog.

Joanna Redmond is based in Louisiana and has 16 years of experience in disaster recovery. Since joining ArchTam in 2018, Joanna has been involved in multiple federal-funded projects through which she’s supported communities impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. 

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Hurricane Katrina brought major devastation to South Louisiana in 2005. It was the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States. In response, the State started a housing program to help residents recover from the storm. This program was the first of its kind in terms of size and complexity — and it was also my introduction to the industry.  

In 2007, I was finishing graduate school and wasn’t sure of the next step in my career path. Through a friend in graduate school, I was hired by the consultant responsible for the Hurricane Katrina housing program. It was meant to be a temporary job until I could find something more permanent, however, I ended up staying on the housing program for seven years. I enjoyed the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the project. There was no precedent for this type of program, so the processes, policies and systems were designed and built from scratch. It was a fulfilling challenge.  

While my initial step into disaster recovery wasn’t intentional, the decision to continue this career path certainly was. It is rewarding to serve communities that have been impacted by disasters — to be a part of their recovery and help them to be better prepared for the next storm event.  

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favorite is the relocation assistance project I’m currently managing in Houston, Texas. It involves locating and contacting approximately 600 former tenants of flood-prone properties purchased by the City of Houston using federal funds. The State is obligated to make sure the displaced tenants find new, affordable accommodation and compensate them for any moving costs incurred. Our role is to ensure that this program complies with federal regulations by locating the former tenants and informing them of their rights and eligible benefits under the relocation assistance program. 

Some people are easy to locate and engage as they have remained locally and have heard about the program. Others are harder, especially if they’ve moved out of state. In this case, we get creative using social media, newspaper adverts and encouraging the community to spread the word. I am very proud of the team supporting this project, we have banded together to support the State and have represented ArchTam well to our client. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

The inherent nature of disaster recovery is to support communities. After Hurricane Harvey, I was involved in a large housing project in Texas that supported more than 1,600 families whose homes were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Most of the homes were in low-income communities where the cost of repairing or rebuilding the properties would have been unaffordable and impractical for most residents. In conjunction with the State and federal government, we implemented a program to help families repair and return to their homes and communities. We were responsible for designing the program policies and processes and provided program applicants with outreach, case management and construction management oversight. 

Share a piece of career advice

I heard this quote some time ago and it resonated strongly with me: “Your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.” Prior to working at ArchTam, I experienced line managers who didn’t value my input and this had a negative impact on my morale. It’s important to keep your integrity and always do your best, even if your work is not appreciated or is undervalued. I carry this quote with me because it’s helped me appreciate the importance ArchTam places in acknowledging the value of their people.  

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Jordanna Rubin has 25 years of experience implementing resilient disaster recovery programs to improve social outcomes and support vulnerable and underserved communities.

Before joining ArchTam, she served as the director of resilience and sustainability for APTIM, environmental manager for the City of Miami Beach, assistant director for the Columbia University Energy Policy Center, and as an analyst for NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Jordanna helped to relocate an indigenous community out of a high-risk zone in southern Louisiana, developed a COVID-19 food security program for vulnerable populations in Southern California and implemented residential resilience programs. She has also managed disaster recovery teams in California, New York, Florida, Texas and Guam, implementing programs that helped communities recover from disasters and enriched their futures.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry 

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 hurricane, hit the southeast coast of Florida. Having never experienced a hurricane, my family and I collected towels, buckets and some duct tape in case a window broke. As the wind and rain picked up, I rushed from my room and huddled under the kitchen table. I grabbed my cat and a few prized possessions – to which my parents looked at me with a confused look. We listened together to the noise that can only be described as a freight train roaring through the house and we waited, holding our breath until it was over.  

Our family was beyond lucky that day because at the last minute, the Hurricane “wobbled” and turned south. But many of our friends and family further south were not as lucky. We heard stories of friends losing their homes, friends huddled in their cars when the roof tore off, schools destroyed and infrastructure damaged. 

Looking back on that day, I remember the fear and helplessness we felt before mother nature. As I journeyed on my career path, I kept that memory in my mind as I worked not only to help survivors of other human-made or natural disasters but also to mitigate future impacts and build more resilient communities. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why? 

My favorite projects tend to be those where we bring together a multi-disciplinary team to work with a client. Our varying backgrounds and experiences shine a light on solutions that only a diverse team can create.  

Currently, we are supporting the Utah Department of Emergency Management to enhance their disaster mitigation programs. We have brought together a team of planners, mitigation experts and programmers to deliver a digital planning tool for the state. 

Our team started by analyzing available hazard mitigation plans at both the state and local levels to understand key mitigation objectives across the state.  We are currently reviewing available social vulnerability tools to compare the various indicators used to identify and support vulnerable populations in Utah. The final objective of this project will be to build the state their own tailored social vulnerability tool and incorporate community-tailored mitigation strategies within their mitigation portfolio.   

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.  

In 2021, ArchTam supported the establishment of an emergency intake site for unaccompanied children who had come across the U.S. border. ArchTam provided clothing, toiletries, and medical and other services, to support more than 2,500 children. This included rapidly mobilizing architects, planners, engineers and case managers to design and create a safe and enriching environment for the children. I spent the first couple of months of the program supporting an amazing team that came together for one purpose: to support the children.  

People are at the heart of the work we do in disaster response and recovery. It’s all about helping people get their lives back. The most meaningful moment of this project was when I met the cutest little boy, dressed in the soccer jersey we supplied. He gave me the biggest smile, waved at me and in his best broken English wished me a “good morning and to have a happy day”! And that makes it all worthwhile.  

Share a piece of career advice 

You don’t always need to have all the answers and you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. You just need to be skilled in knowing how to find the right answer when you need it.

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Jay Anable joined ArchTam in 2018 as a civil engineer. He is currently an associate project manager working in the defence sector in the North of England. 

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry 

My passion for engineering has deep roots within my family. Growing up, I was surrounded by individuals who not only excelled in their respective engineering fields but also demonstrated a genuine love for the profession. My father, a dedicated scientist specializing in water distribution and quality, instilled in me a profound appreciation for the impact that engineering can have on essential aspects of our daily lives. 

Additionally, my grandfather’s legacy as a mechanical engineer left an indelible mark on my understanding of the intricate workings of machinery and the importance of precision in design. His stories of overcoming engineering challenges and contributing to innovative solutions have been a constant source of inspiration for me. 

My uncle’s adventurous career as a nuclear turbine engineer further fueled my fascination with the global reach and diverse applications of engineering. His experiences, traveling the world and working on cutting-edge technologies, illuminated the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the field. 

These familial influences, coupled with my inherent curiosity and passion for problem-solving, naturally steered me towards pursuing a career in engineering. I am excited to carry forward this family legacy, applying the knowledge and values passed down through generations to contribute meaningfully to the field and make a positive impact on society. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

As the programme lead for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Overseas Estate planning since 2022, I have had the privilege of spearheading a project that not only allowed me to apply my engineering expertise but also provided a unique opportunity to contribute to the future infrastructure of His Majesty’s Government Armed Forces on a global scale. 

The primary focus of this undertaking has been to deliver comprehensive master planning for the Estate, strategically envisioning and shaping the infrastructure for the next 25 years. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the facilities and resources supporting the country’s Armed Forces align with the evolving needs and challenges they may face in the coming decades. 

One of the distinctive aspects of this role has been the extensive travel involved, taking me around the UK and to diverse locations such as the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Ascension Island and Oman. Working across such a broad spectrum of sites has provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by different geographic and geopolitical contexts. 

Facilitating this extensive project has required effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. We’ve seamlessly integrated various expertise, ensuring a holistic approach that encompasses not only the engineering aspects but also factors in environmental sustainability, security considerations, and the specific operational needs of the Armed Forces. 

We aim not just to create resilient and adaptable infrastructure but also to contribute to the broader strategic goals of His Majesty’s Government. It’s been a rewarding journey, aligning my passion for engineering with a commitment to enhancing the capabilities and preparedness of the Armed Forces across the globe. 

The deployment to remote locations, such as the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island, presented a unique set of challenges that extended beyond the professional realm, requiring a delicate balance between managing both my personal well-being and that of my team. Living, working and relaxing in close quarters with both my team and the client team added an extra layer of complexity to the already demanding environment. 

The proximity in which we operated intensified the need for effective communication, conflict resolution, and a shared commitment to the mission’s success. 

Personally, this experience became a crucible for my own mental resilience. The need to navigate the challenges of remote locations while simultaneously managing the dynamics within the team fostered a profound sense of adaptability and perseverance. It reinforced the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. 

Professionally, this deployment served as a catalyst for growth. The multifaceted challenges provided an invaluable opportunity to refine leadership skills, enhance interpersonal relationships, and develop strategies for fostering a cohesive team environment.  

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Embarking on a project in the remote Falkland Island community, our team was driven by a commitment to improving the lived experiences of the residents. Having spent an extended period on the island, we intimately understood the moral and morale issues faced by the community. This deep understanding fueled our determination to create meaningful change, addressing challenges such as resource management, environmental conservation, cultural sensitivity, as well as tackling issues like isolation and loneliness, limited opportunities, dependency on external support, susceptibility to extreme weather events, and lack of amenities. 

Recognizing the financial constraints, we set out to devise a master plan that would not only enhance the quality of life for the residents but also be economically sustainable for the funding organisation. A key insight we gained was that existing buildings could be remodeled rather than replaced. 

Given the challenges posed by the remote location, the logistics of getting materials to the island were inherently slow. Opting for demolition in the case of new constructions would have further exacerbated the logistical complexities, requiring the removal of old materials from the site back to the UK and incurring more shipping costs. Understanding these challenges, our approach aimed to provide a comprehensive solution.  

By opting for remodeling, we not only conserved resources but also streamlined the construction process, creating an economical and efficient estate. This approach ensured that the limited resources available could be maximized to support the Armed Forces servicemen and women effectively, addressing both immediate and long-term needs of the community. 

This approach helped us effectively redirect the cost savings toward crucial community initiatives, addressing a wider range of needs and concerns and supporting the sustainability requirements through reuses of existing resources. 

Share a piece of career advice

I firmly believe in being the master of one’s own destiny, understanding that the outcomes we achieve are a direct result of the effort and determination we invest. Throughout my career, I have embraced the philosophy that the potential for success lies in the proactive pursuit of opportunities and the willingness to fight for them. 

When encountering a project or sector that holds promise, I am driven to actively pursue it, recognizing that success often requires a combination of passion, perseverance and strategic effort. This proactive approach has allowed me to identify and capitalize on opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked. 

In my professional journey, I’ve learned that chasing down opportunities involves more than just identifying them. It requires a proactive stance, strategic planning and a willingness to navigate challenges. Whether it’s exploring new projects or venturing into sectors with untapped potential, the mindset of actively shaping one’s destiny has been a guiding principle. 

This proactive philosophy has not only opened doors to new and exciting challenges but has also contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. It’s a commitment to continuous improvement, seizing opportunities, and pushing boundaries to achieve meaningful and impactful results. 

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