ENR California's 2015 Top 20 Under 40

Beck

Richard Beck
Safely navigates projects through complex environmental regulations
38, Vice President
RBF Consulting, a Company of Michael Baker International
Irvine

As RBF Consulting's youngest vice president, Richard Beck oversees 72 projects, providing natural-resources and regulatory services to a variety of clients. Beck applies his experience in wetland science, environmental studies and erosion control to contend with complex state and federal environmental regulations. But rather than just provide environmental compliance, he strives to help clients achieve their objectives, whether that involves water supply, flood control or ecosystem restoration. He is a trained practitioner and instructor of the California Rapid Assessment Method, developed to assist design professionals in evaluating the health of wetlands.

Beck serves as president of the Western chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists. He mentors students interested in pursuing a career in the industry and peer reviews their resumes through the UC Santa Cruz Career Advice Network.

Boro

Noah Boro
Meticulous jobsite planner mentors the next generation of builders
33, Superintendent
Turner Construction Co.
Los Angeles

Since joining Turner Construction in 2003, Noah Boro has championed the early adoption of construction technology. In 2006, his successful coordination of building information modeling for building systems on the $112-million Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach helped establish BIM protocols for the company throughout the U.S. Boro's strong desire to be out in the field led him to switch career paths to become a site superintendent. Currently, he applies lean-construction methodology, location-based scheduling and pull planning via Flowline software to shorten schedules and help deliver complex health care projects early.

The son of a schoolteacher, Boro regularly volunteers his time to tutor students through groups such as the ACE Mentor Program and Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2013, the Los Angeles affiliate of ACE awarded Boro the national program's first mentor-of-the-year award. He is entering his second year as an ACE board member.

Chartrand

Brian Chartrand
Used industry know-how to launch fast-growing contractor
39, President
Driver URBAN
Irvine

During an internship with a general contractor while he was a civil engineering student at Northeastern University, Brian Chartrand found his calling. Describing his first jobsite experience as "exciting and buzzing with energy," Chartrand was immediately sold on construction's fast-paced and collaborative environment. In 2011, after working his way up from estimator to project manager to executive vice president of C.W. Driver, Chartrand became president of Driver URBAN, a new affiliate at that time. He developed the strategic plan for the start-up and assembled the leadership team. In three years, the general contractor has grown to 75 employees and approximately $170 million in annual revenue.

In 2014, the Orange County Business Journal ranked Driver URBAN as the fastest-growing large firm in Orange County. Chartrand values communication and candid feedback to support project teams.

Divelbiss

Joshua J. Divelbiss
Designer advocates for sustainable ways to improve his community
33, Associate
The HR Group Architects
Sacramento

Architect Joshua Divelbiss applies his design sensibilities toward sustainable, transit-oriented urban architecture in an effort to improve his community. With former employer Stantec, he recently aided in the design of the net-zero energy use and LEED Platinum rated East Campus Operations Center of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Divelbiss often gives building tours and lectures to help inform colleagues, clients and other industry professionals on net-zero energy design and implementation strategies. He is a member of Green Globes and a LEED-accredited professional. An early adopter of sustainable design, Divelbiss was a finalist in the U.S. Green Building Council's design competition in 2004.

As one of three members of Sacramento County's design review advisory committee, Divelbiss makes recommendations on project conformance with county design guidelines. Divelbiss says the guidelines will make the state capital a more livable community.

Evans

Christopher Evans
Math expert embraces advanced modeling to improve procurement
38, Chief Estimator
Swinerton Builders
Honolulu

Christopher Evans earned his contractor's license so he could make enough to pay for tuition while attending the University of Oregon. After earning a degree in mathematics, he started a residential construction company in Portland. In 2008, Swinerton offered him a job as a senior project engineer in Hawaii. But he found he could best use his math skills by working in the estimating department. After guiding several projects from preconstruction through completion, Evans became one of Swinerton's youngest chief estimators.

He is currently developing a best practices system to incorporate 5D building information modeling—which combines time and cost factors into traditional 3D digital models—to achieve efficiency throughout construction procurement. He will soon finish his master's degree in construction management from the University of Florida.

Feldhaus

Matthew Feldhaus
Architect morphs into construction management guru
36, President
RWBID Construction Management
Pasadena

In 2010, during the nationwide economic recession, Matthew Feldhaus opted to venture out on his own, founding RWBID Construction Management. Since then, the company has grown quickly, guiding jobs such as the $366-million Rancho Los Amigos Hospital project and two Los Angeles County projects valued at $230 million and $150 million.

Feldhaus' national reputation as an innovative construction manager has helped fuel the firm's rise. In 2014, the Construction Management Association of America honored Feldhaus with its national Distinguished Young Professional award for providing significant contributions to the next generation. Feldhaus—who holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Southern California—has served as a director of the Southern California CMAA chapter since 2010. The group has awarded scholarships and internships valued at more than $150,000.

Fortmeyer

Russell Fortmeyer
Global project experience inspires sustainability practice leader
39, Associate/Sustainable Design Leader
Arup
Los Angeles

Russell Fortmeyer joined Arup's Los Angeles office in 1999 as an electrical engineer. But he shifted his focus to the sustainability practice after working in the firm's Sydney office, beginning in 2008. Over that time, Fortmeyer has helped lead Arup projects across the globe, from the Central Library of the Seattle Public Library to projects in Sydney, Beijing and, most recently, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum. Since 2011, Fortmeyer has led the sustainable design practice in Arup's Los Angeles office. He has served on the applied studies faculty at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, where he teaches environmental systems.

Fortmeyer also lectures for such groups as the American Institute of Architects and New York City's Urban Green Council. From 2006-2008, Fortmeyer worked as the technology editor for Architectural Record. He is a co-author of "Kinetic Architecture: Designs for Active Envelopes," published by Images Publishing in 2014.

Geaman

Matthew Geaman
Architect sets high standards for himself and others
35, Associate Principal
Joseph Wong Design Associates
San Diego

Matthew Geaman's leadership traits were noticed almost immediately upon joining Joseph Wong Design Associates as an intern in 2008. Even before that, Geaman distinguished himself as a student at the University of Illinois, where he was invited to join an elite honor society. While he was still an intern, the design firm entrusted him with oversight of the design of the San Diego Community College District's North City Campus. Completed in 2013, the project stands as one of the 37-year-old firm's most successful efforts, says founder Joseph Wong. In 2014, JWDA named Geaman an associate principal—making him the firm's youngest associate principal by nearly two decades.

Geaman is also the immediate past president of the American Institute of Architects' San Diego chapter. During his tenure, he helped organize the 2012 AIA San Diego mayoral debate, which focused on land use planning and sustainability.

Huang

Alvin Huang
Designed a unique solar-powered car-charging station
39, Principal
Synthesis Design + Architecture
Los Angeles

Alvin Huang, an award-winning architect, designer and educator, specializes in the integrated application of material performance, emergent design technologies and digital fabrication. His innovative projects challenge traditional understanding of the built environment, and he champions innovative design research in his architectural practice. His Pure Tension Pavilion and the [C]Space Pavilion, for example, are solar-powered, rapidly deployable, tensile-membrane charging stations for the new Volvo V60 plug-in electric car. The pavilion flat-packs to fit inside a trunk, assembles in less than an hour and charges the car in less than 12 hours.

Widely published and a frequent lecturer, Huang teaches at the University of Southern California School of Architecture, where his design studios and research seminars have helped students win numerous awards and succeed in some of the top design offices and graduate programs worldwide.

Janoch

Ryan Janoch
Innovator 'maps' software career
32, President
Mapistry
Oakland

At mapping software firm Mapistry, founder Ryan Janoch leads the development of an integrated platform for civil engineers and contractors. In his previous role as a project engineer for Terraphase Engineering, he landed and managed an environmental engineering contract for the $1-billion Doyle Drive Reconstruction Project in San Francisco—the firm's largest-ever project. He also designed and implemented an innovative treatment system for wastewater generated during in-water hull cleaning of large vessels, a system now the basis of California Best Management Practice.

When not chairing committees, offering webinars and speaking at industry conferences, Janoch is a youth soccer coach for the Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club.

Kirsch

Bradlee Kirsch
Specializes in risk mitigation
37, Preconstruction Project Manager
Sundt Construction Inc.
San Diego

A 13-year employee with Sundt Construction Inc. who began as an intern, Bradlee Kirsch has developed balanced experience in preconstruction and operations. He manages the company's preconstruction department for Southern California and is completing preconstruction planning for San Diego International Airport's $232-million Rental Car Center.

Identified as a future leader at Sundt, Kirsch provides collaboration expertise, such as for three joint ventures valued at more than $160 million. Kirsch engineers risk out of projects, has implemented a six-week look-ahead schedule and adopted "2 Second Lean" procedures from Paul Akers' book on lean construction practices. He is also a member of the Sundt Foundation, which focuses on the needs of disadvantaged children and adults, and works with WatchDOGS, a group that helps fathers engage in their children's education.

Marquardt

Virginia Marquardt
Leads K-12 school projects and inspires future architects
38, Senior Associate Architect
DLR Group
Santa Monica

A licensed architect in Arizona and California, Virginia Marquardt specializes in project management. Recent work includes the modernization of Beverly Hills High School and the renovation and expansion of the historic Jordan High School for the Los Angeles Unified School District. During the last 10 years, she has been a volunteer for the American Institute of Architects, inspiring a new generation of professionals. Marquardt received both the 2009 AIA Arizona Young Architects Citation Award and the 2013 AIA National Young Architect Award.

She currently chairs the Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee for AIA National. In 2013, she delivered the keynote address for her alma mater, Louisiana Tech University, at its academic excellence luncheon.

McNamara

Terrence McNamara
Diverse skills fuel team leadership
38, Equipment Superintendent
A. Teichert & Son Inc.
Sacramento

In 10 years, Terrence McNamara has progressed from an entry-level employee to a division-level manager. Now at A. Teichert & Son, he is taking on corporate leadership responsibilities. In a previous role as a corporate recruiter, McNamara implemented a university recruiting program. As his company searched for new technology to improve business processes, he led a team to determine the best selection. Then, he spearheaded the program's implementation. In a prior position, McNamara also incorporated technology and improved processes in the firm's heavy equipment division, leading to a 20% cost reduction and an improvement in service.

An accomplished public speaker at many industry association events, McNamara is chair of the Associated General Contractors of California Delta-Sierra Construction Leadership Council.

Mrozek

Jason P. Mrozek
Helped earn company's first LEED Platinum building certification
39, Project Director
McCarthy Building Cos.
San Diego

Since starting out in 2003 as a McCarthy Building Cos. project engineer, Jason Mrozek has become integral to the San Diego business unit. Three of his projects, including the Rady Children's Hospital Acute Care Pavilion, received McCarthy's internal Project of the Year Award. Mrozek is now leading three large health care projects, including two Sharp Grossmont Healthcare sites. There, he has helped the owner implement contractor-led design-assist services on hard-bid projects to improve coordination among the teams. He also managed the Miramar College Police Station & Parking Structure, which became McCarthy's first LEED Platinum certified project.

Outside the company, he is an ACE Mentor Program mentor at Patrick Henry High School. Mrozek also led a project with the San Diego Boys & Girls Club to build a STEM lab

Richane

Amber Richane
Strives to create projects that are both sustainable and beautiful
38, Director
Callison
Santa Monica

Amber Richane has 16 years of experience integrating her skills in interior design, historic preservation and urban and environmental planning. Callison's first employee to be certified as a Green Globes Professional, Richane oversees all sustainable projects and strategy for the company's Los Angeles, Dallas, New York City and Scottsdale, Ariz., offices. Richane provides insight to help colleagues get projects entitled, apply for CALGreen or determine whether a project should be considered applicable for LEED certification. For the LEED Platinum AT&T Michigan Avenue renovation in Chicago, her design leadership helped reduce water consumption by 35% and energy use by 40%. The store has received awards for aesthetics, demonstrating Richane's belief that sustainable design can be cost-efficient, practical and beautiful.

She also coordinates community initiatives as well as charity and give-back events, such as cleanups with Heal the Bay and Ballona Wetlands, and participates in Project Mercy.

Roth

Greg Roth
Unites training and interests into preconstruction expertise
35, Project Manager/Senior Estimator
Skanska
Oakland

Demonstrating confidence, a fearless approach and can-do attitude when taking on new or difficult assignments, 11-year industry veteran Greg Roth specializes in preconstruction services for biotechnology, corporate campus, transportation, office, energy and health care projects. He combines a biomedical engineering degree, high school teaching experience and a master's degree in civil and environmental engineering into a palette of skills.

In New York City, Roth worked on preconstruction for a $1-billion-plus renovation of an intergovernmental organization's headquarters and the Santiago Calatrava-designed World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Returning to Oakland, he coordinated the structural steel work for the $189-million Transbay Terminal. A mentor to fellow employees, he has also worked with Habitat for Humanity in Wisconsin and volunteers for the ACE Mentor Program.

Shah

Manan Shah
A champion for sustainability and improving the community
37, Senior Project Manager/Associate
Gensler
San Francisco

A graduate of MIT, Manan Shah developed an award-winning portfolio at FXFowle and Cooper Joseph Studio, with noted work such as the renovation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower into a boutique hotel. Next, he built up his own practice as principal of Shah Kawasaki Architects, designing projects such as Oakland Fire Station 18. After joining Gensler in 2012, he completed the LEED Gold office of NVIDIA in Santa Clara. During his 15 years in the industry, his innovative approach to design, delivery and dialogue have led him to lower the traditional barriers between engineers, architects and contractors.

The son of two architects and the husband of another, Shah's passion for community has led him to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity's East Oakland Brookfield Court. He also supports nonprofit groups, including the Unity Council, which is developing a plan for a Latino Cultural Center.

Sloan

Daniel J. Sloan
Excels in new construction and renovation of schools
36, Labor Relations Manager
Parsons
Pasadena

Parsons recognized Daniel Sloan's leadership qualities early when he was chosen for the firm's high-potential employee and early-management acceleration programs. His 11 years of experience providing project management and labor relations services includes overseeing the Los Angeles Unified School District's $20-billion construction program. He has contributed to the successful completion of 130 new schools and more than 20,000 modernization projects. While working with L.A. Unified, Sloan helped achieve the Board of Education's 50% district-resident hiring target for local craftworkers. Since 2010, he has served as lead project manager for the San Diego Unified School District's $5.2-billion construction program.

Sloan has taught labor relations classes and is involved with Pasadena nonprofits that work to improve the lives of the disadvantaged. He also provided labor relations and labor compliance services for a housing project with the nonprofit Skid Row Housing Trust in Los Angeles.

Stuart

Robert C. Stuart
Award-winning mentor teaches the next generation of electricians
35, Superintendent
Stronghold Engineering Inc.
Riverside

Robert Stuart joined Stronghold Engineering as a part-time shop assistant while still in high school. Upon receiving his California Journeyman's Electrician license after completing the Associated Builders and Contractors' electrical apprenticeship program, he was promoted to electrical foreman at Stronghold. Soon after, he began instructing future electricians at the ABC program. Currently, Stuart collaborates with crews of journeymen and apprentices as well as subcontractors and other trades on projects, such as the installation of 4.2 MW of solar photovoltaic power systems for the County of Santa Clara.

An industry leader, Stuart was selected by his peers as the 2010 ABC National Instructor of the Year and the 2014 ABC National Craft Person—the only person to receive both awards. Community centered, he has also given high school students an opportunity to learn more about working in the construction industry as a volunteer for the Apprenticeship 411 program.

Taylor

Christopher K. Taylor
Leads company's design-build projects with a lean focus
37, Vice President/Division Leader
Southland Industries
Garden Grove

After earning his master's degree in architectural engineering from Pennsylvania State University, Christopher Taylor worked on numerous design-build government and health care projects for Southland Industries' mid-Atlantic division. Among these were the $195-million Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia, a $190-million renovation of Walter Reed Hospital and a $500-million project that upgraded building systems for four wedges of the Pentagon.

In 2012, Taylor was promoted to lead the strategic vision for the Southern California region, based on his ability to deliver projects under budget and ahead of schedule while still meeting clients' needs. A proponent of lean construction practices, Taylor has structured his management team to devise new lean methods and develop ways to deliver services to develop "customers for life." He is involved in the Partnership for Achieving Construction Excellence, where he promotes student-industry interaction. He also partnered with Penn State to provide guest lecturers, promote internships and support student competitions.