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At Larson Design Group, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. This spotlight is on Lititz-based, Ryan Stauffer, Designer in our transportation group.
What is your position here at Larson Design Group and when did you join LDG?
My current position is Designer in our Transportation Group’s Bridge Department. My career at LDG started in July of 2010 after I graduated from Temple University with a degree in civil engineering.
Describe a typical day in your role:
My typical day varies, but it includes everything from designing bridges to reviewing designs, proposal writing and offering advice to contractors for solutions to unexpected design challenges. My role in addition to designing bridges in the bridge department is to provide construction service engineering, including alternate design, design-build, temporary support excavations, and temporary formwork/falsework designs.
What attracted you to join Larson Design Group originally?
After graduation, I wanted to return to Lancaster County to be near my family. The exceptional reputation of what is now the Lititz office is what attracted me to apply at LDG. The culture of the office and support of my co-workers has provided me with a high level of job satisfaction over the years.
How has Larson Design Group helped you in your career development?
Construction service engineering is not a one-size-fits-all design solution. The complexity of projects with time sensitive schedules require clear communication, both externally and internally, and learning how to effectively communicate has been key in my career development. In addition, my supervisor and mentor, Quentin Rissler, has played an integral role in my career development. He helped me gain clarity on my goals, values, and next steps, both personally and professionally. He taught me about networking and how to maintain and develop current and future clients. His desire to promote creativity within our team has allowed me to work on projects that are unique and require innovative solutions.
What is your proudest moment at Larson Design Group?
My proudest moment at LDG is watching the techniques of accelerated bridge construction put in motion – literally! Bridge NB-355 is along the Northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lehigh County. My role included leading the team with the evaluation of multiple lateral slide systems and a design solution that focused on incorporating contingencies and streamlined processes in order to avoid liquidated damages. The excitement of being on site during the construction of the bridge, alongside the project team from LDG and Road-Con to see your hard work set into motion brings feelings of enthusiasm and interest for future projects at LDG that involve innovative methods for design.
If you could switch places with anyone else at Larson Design Group for a day, who would it be and why?
When I think about switching places with another person, I don’t think about anyone in particular, but rather the attributes that I would like to possess to accomplish my goals. With infinite patience, tolerance, and compassion being top of my list.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have an identical twin brother, Rob. Maybe he comes to work in my place a few times a week, who would know?
What advice do you have for a prospective candidate considering Larson Design Group?
My advice would be to learn how to innovate, how to change and how to ask questions. Only being receptive to learning is not sufficient; adapting to and leading change requires action. The purpose of learning is to take action and achieve the goal.