For Wade Edwards, the path to engineering started at home. “I grew up working on our home addition. I saw my parents draft their own plans and go through the city process to receive a building permit. This instilled my desire to design and build things,” he shares. That spark grew stronger after living in Benin and Togo in West Africa, where Wade saw firsthand the importance of infrastructure in supporting communities. Later in college, he discovered civil engineering was the perfect way to combine his interests and contribute to meaningful change.

Making an Impact Close to Home

One of the most memorable milestones in Wade’s career came when a family member moved into a townhome subdivision he had designed. “This experience really hit home that I can design a better place for my community and make an impact in people’s lives,” he explains. That realization continues to fuel Wade’s work, project after project.

Throughout his career, mentors have provided valuable guidance. The advice that stuck with Wade most was regarding the need for constant communication throughout the life of a project and life in general. It’s a lesson that’s carried him through the inevitable challenges of both small home projects and large-scale developments. He reflects, “There are always challenges that arise. I have found it is how you deal with these challenges that will set you apart from others.”

Beyond work, Wade is committed to strengthening the next generation. He volunteers as a leader for a small group of 8–10-year-old boys at his church. There, he often guides the children through STEM-focused activities. When the workday ends, family time takes center stage. Almost every evening, Wade and his 3-year-old son can be found riding scooters through their neighborhood. They also enjoy reading fantasy and sci-fi novels and playing strategy games with family and friends. Splendor is a current favorite in their home.

Favorite Structures & Looking Forward

As an engineer with an eye for innovation, Wade admires the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, the world’s first steel-framed skyscraper. “It helped usher in the age of skyscraper design,” he explains. Looking ahead, Wade aspires to complete a project in every town and city in Utah, leaving a broad and lasting impact on communities across the state. “Innovative ways to build and design will always continue,” he notes. “I want the projects I design to use innovative and economical design to build a better place in my community.”

At FOCUS, Wade values the way the work continually challenges him. Being challenged to constantly learn and grow is what makes his role fulfilling and exciting.

With his passion for community, innovation, and mentorship, Wade is building structures, teams, and communities to shape a stronger future for Utah.