Shefali Patel
Structural Engineer
I am a structural designer at Hatch Mott MacDonald’s Millburn, New Jersey office. I have worked for the firm since I graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, primarily managing, designing, and modeling the structural components of various projects ranging from water/wastewater treatment facilities to buried structures. In addition, I’m part of Hatch Mott MacDonald’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology group, which helps develop and implement the technology throughout the company.
My coworkers in the local structural engineering group include a small but diverse group of ten people, including six engineers, two drafters, one field engineer, and a BIM specialist, who have become a second family to me. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the group that has become one of the firm’s core resources for knowledge and innovation.
Engineering is about developing creative, efficient solutions to both common and unusual problems, and the wide range of projects and resources at HMM is one of the things about my job that interests me the most. No two projects are the same; each requires a different approach and therefore a different solution. More importantly, as a part of the BIM technology group, I am on the cutting edge, constantly discovering new approaches to develop solutions for our clients.
Recently, I worked on a team to design an upgrade to the Crum Creek Water Treatment Plant, a fast-tracked project that solved prior inefficiency and operational limitations at the plant. With the help of BIM technology, my team was able to achieve an aggressive schedule to complete the project, and the facility began operations less than one year after project inception. This project was a huge success for my team and achieved recognition in WaterWorld magazine.
As a structural engineer, one of my responsibilities is the safety of the building design. The projects in which I’m involved not only allow me to have an impact on the safety of a structure, but also allow for the housing of process equipment that provide clean drinking water – both of which are direct benefits to the surrounding community. I also participate in community outreach efforts set up by HMM such as the annual blood drive and 5k run which benefit local causes. It’s gratifying to know that both my individual efforts and the company as a whole are making a positive impact in the community.
My coworkers in the local structural engineering group include a small but diverse group of ten people, including six engineers, two drafters, one field engineer, and a BIM specialist, who have become a second family to me. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the group that has become one of the firm’s core resources for knowledge and innovation.
Engineering is about developing creative, efficient solutions to both common and unusual problems, and the wide range of projects and resources at HMM is one of the things about my job that interests me the most. No two projects are the same; each requires a different approach and therefore a different solution. More importantly, as a part of the BIM technology group, I am on the cutting edge, constantly discovering new approaches to develop solutions for our clients.
Recently, I worked on a team to design an upgrade to the Crum Creek Water Treatment Plant, a fast-tracked project that solved prior inefficiency and operational limitations at the plant. With the help of BIM technology, my team was able to achieve an aggressive schedule to complete the project, and the facility began operations less than one year after project inception. This project was a huge success for my team and achieved recognition in WaterWorld magazine.
As a structural engineer, one of my responsibilities is the safety of the building design. The projects in which I’m involved not only allow me to have an impact on the safety of a structure, but also allow for the housing of process equipment that provide clean drinking water – both of which are direct benefits to the surrounding community. I also participate in community outreach efforts set up by HMM such as the annual blood drive and 5k run which benefit local causes. It’s gratifying to know that both my individual efforts and the company as a whole are making a positive impact in the community.