Back
At Larson Design Group, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. This spotlight is on Corning’s Amanda Ratchford, Senior Engineering Associate in our water/wastewater department.
What is your position here at Larson Design Group and when did you join LDG?
Senior Engineering Associate in the Corning Water/Wastewater group. My first day was March 23, 2020, the first day LDG went fully remote due to the pandemic.
Describe a typical day in your role:
A typical day varies depending on what phase the projects we are working on are in but could consist of developing engineering reports, environmental reviews, construction administration, communicating with funding agencies, writing grant applications, meeting with clients, and design work.
What attracted you to join Larson Design Group originally?
I was attracted to the work atmosphere and the location of the Corning office. When I first interviewed, LDG was careful not to oversell the company and I appreciated that because it felt genuine, and it allowed myself to imagine what it would be like working in the office. There is also a healthy work/life balance throughout the group, which I value greatly.
How has Larson Design Group helped you in your career development?
I have only been with LDG for about a year, yet I have gained quite a range of knowledge and tools in my short tenure. I am surrounded by several talented people from whom I have learned a great deal. They are great mentors I can turn to when I need guidance.
What is your proudest moment at Larson Design Group?
I can’t point to a singular event. I am very proud to be a part of the team and be an employee owner.
If you could switch places with anyone else at Larson Design Group for a day, who would it be and why?
I don’t have a person in mind. Being in the Corning office I work closely and interact daily to a range of positions/people. If I had to choose, I would switch places with someone from the Pittsburgh office. I love the City; my husband and I lived there for 5 years and really fell in love with Pittsburgh. I would love to be able to spend more time there.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am a big fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It wasn’t so abnormal when I lived in Pittsburgh, but hockey isn’t as big here in the Southern Tier.
What advice do you have for a prospective candidate considering Larson Design Group?
LDG is a great place to work. There is a great team attitude here where we genuinely work together well and want to see each other succeed.