Staff Spotlight: Austin White

Background and Career Journey

Austin White, an Engineer-in-Training and designer in the FOCUS Site Civil Residential department, discovered his passion for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry at 14. His initial interest in engineering and architecture has evolved since. He has a deep-seated passion for creating tangible, enduring structures that become integral to people’s daily lives. Austin’s work is not just a job but a calling that inspires him to create designs that serve the community.

Austin’s rich portfolio, which includes Hidden Oaks Master Development, Holbrook Master Development, Vivian Estates, and Copper Canyon, is a testament to his honed skills and expertise in the AEC industry. Austin vividly remembers visiting his first completed project, Hidden Oaks in Herriman. The joy of seeing people living in and enjoying what he’d helped plan and envision for months was a career highlight.

Work-Life Balance

Austin credits his team with helping him maintain a healthy work-life balance. He relies on them to share the workload equally so he can focus on completing more challenging tasks within deadlines. He leaves the office relaxed because the team has his back.

Austin spends his free time in the great outdoors with his wife. He enjoys going to dog parks and playing frisbee with their high-energy border collie mix. He loves the euphoria of driving through the mountains, the serenity of visiting lakes, and the warmth of spending time with friends. These activities help him unwind and recharge with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the work week.

Challenges and Achievements

Austin’s meticulous approach to design accuracy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to quality. He understands that this level of precision may take longer, but he has set a personal goal to deliver accurate and quality design work within a timeframe that ensures successful projects for his clients.

“I will work on this throughout my career to be the most effective and efficient engineer and consultant I can be,” he said. This commitment to excellence is a cornerstone of his professional standards.

Community Involvement

Austin serves as treasurer of the American Society of Engineers Younger Members Forum (ASCE YMF). They help support and link young professionals to foster a unified industry throughout the state. They assist newly graduated engineers by connecting them to resources as they obtain their Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineer (PE) certifications. Additionally, the ASCE supports improving infrastructure to be more sustainable and effective.

Future Goals and Vision

Austin’s vision for the future of the AEC field is guided by his desire to delve deeper into water resources and hydraulic modeling. He aims to bring FOCUS’s client-centric culture to the forefront. He is driven by a passion for client success and a commitment to excellence in customer service. His vision is promising for the industry’s future, inspiring optimism about its potential.