MEET EMMA! 💡

Q. How long have you been at RTA? Give us a quick look into your time with the company.

A. I started with RTA in the summer of 2021 after graduating from the University of Kentucky. I have been working as an Engineer-in-Training since then and plan to have my Professional Engineering License next summer.

Q. What is your favorite part about your job or working at RTA?

A. My favorite part about working at RTA is the people. We work hard and play hard and do everything with a good attitude. I’ve met some of the sincerest and kindest people I know inside our office walls.

Q.  Can you describe a typical day in your role as a civil designer?

A. My typical day as a civil designer is all over the place. We like to call it “running like a chicken with your head cut off.” But in all seriousness, civil design encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including site design work in AutoCAD, doing hydraulic modeling, meeting and connecting with clients, training site designers, problem-solving any construction-related issues, and coordinating closely with every other discipline!

Q.  Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of and why?

A. My favorite project that I have been part of is Estill Springs Elementary School. This was the first time I got to see how closely Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering work together and gave me a deeper appreciation for the LA profession. It is a beautiful, tiered playground and I feel like it truly combines the spirit of the school with both aesthetically interesting landscape/playground spaces and all the engineering necessary to make sure it was sloping and draining correctly.

Q.  Beyond your professional life, what do you like to spend your time doing? 

A.  Outside of work, I mostly spend my time reading faerie fantasy books. BUT, I also do yoga, take care of my many houseplants, play poker, spend as much time outdoors as possible, and go to music festivals. My favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon is a long car ride through horse farms.

Q.  When you’re in charge of the music, what playlist are you putting on?

A.  Sabrina Carpenter x Brat summer!!! Or Zach Bryan radio depending on the vibe.

Q.  What’s your go-to karaoke song?

A.  Brandi – Looking Glass

Q.  What’s your favorite landmark or building in the world, and why?

A. My current favorite Engineering landmark is High Bridge near Shakertown. It was the first major cantilever bridge in the US and was the longest and highest for a long time. If you can get a Kayak under it while a train is passing over, it’s magical. (Don’t tell the STL Arch please)

CO-WORKERS DESCRIBE EMMA AS….

Positive • Enthusiastic • Accountable • Passionate

 It’s been a pleasure working with Emma since she has joined RTA. She is intelligent, dedicated and keeps a positive attitude.  I have enjoyed watching her grow as a designer and in her career. – Michael Mays

I enjoy working with Emma because she is extremely knowledgeable and is always willing to help others! –Sarah Siekkinen