pictured from left to right:
“Jimmy” M. Raguckas, Gordon Onderdonk, and James Catalano

FROM

THE LOUNGE

How long have you been doing this?
JAMES: I’ve been a civil and structural engineer for over 15 years. I founded Catalano Engineering, Inc. (CEI) a little over 10 years ago, and that’s when we started focusing on our unique process. We’re civil, structural, and marine engineers, but what we really do is give our clients the confidence to take on a complicated project. The client knows that they have the right team in place. Delivering confidence, that’s what we do.

What brought you to CEI, and what do you bring to the firm?
JIMMY: The unique opportunity to practice civil and structural engineering in one place. A broad scope environment that’s hand’s-on from concept through construction. I thrive in the big picture that’s presented here. I also enjoy interacting with a wide range of clientele.

Outside of engineering, what are you passionate about?
GORDON: My family, sports, and I play some mean foosball.

Foosball? So, can you beat everyone you know?
GORDON: No, but I can beat everyone you know.

How would you describe your relationship with your clients?
GORDON: We focus on staying within budget and meeting or exceeding their expectations. Our client relationships are built on responsiveness and prompt turn-around.

What are some of your most sought-after engineering services?
JAMES: Historically, it’s the civil/structural combination. It translates into one less contract for our clients, and one fewer point of contact and responsibility. Also, because we’re surrounded by water, there is a demand for specialized marine engineering, so we’ve become very proficient at marine structures.

Is it common to see diverse materials used in the engineering and building industry?
GORDON: Our use of diverse materials has caught many people’s attention, and you’re going to see a lot more of it—in even more creative and cost effective ways.

Where is technology taking engineering?
JIMMY: Future materials will be far more efficient, you can expect to see many recycled and reprocessed materials, and marginal elements of existing materials will be reformatted and used to meet demand. Like finger-joined studs—entire apartment complexes can be framed from the very components that until recently were thrown out or used as pulp.

How do you see CEI evolving in the coming years?
GORDON: We’ll focus on the delivery process by adding the staff and resources necessary to meet client expectations and deadlines. Staying on the leading edge of technology, extraordinary customer service, community involvement, and teamwork are all fundamental around here. Those things are in our mission statement, they’re components of us. While maintaining our core values, going forward we’ll focus on the process of delivering confidence to our clients.

Some final thoughts.
JAMES: On the job site, I can only nod when a foremen looks at a large structural component that we have designed and say’s to me “that ain’t goin’ nowhere”—as if anything less would be acceptable. But truly, that’s what our best work comes down to. It may have been designed using 3-D finite element models, CAD drafted, peer reviewed, and cross checked, but that foreman can easily recognize the design intent, and can express confidence in what we’ve done.