Leigh Harrison, PE, LEED AP, is Vice President and Principal of Electrical Engineering at HGA, where he specializes in integrated power distribution systems. He is 2021 President of the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI), which provides global resources for the design and construction of integrated buildings. In the following, Harrison discusses the challenges and opportunities for the engineering profession.
What inspired you to become an electrical engineer?
I knew I wanted to go into engineering in high school. My father was a masonry contractor doing residential bricklaying, and I would work with him during my summer and winter breaks. It was hard work and I knew I didn’t want to do that the rest of my life, but I also knew I wanted to do something related to the building industry. A school counselor told me about architectural engineering, and that became my goal. I researched different programs and eventually chose the University of Colorado at Boulder. A professor there convinced me that lighting and electrical engineering would be a great specialty, so that’s what I went into.
How has the pandemic changed the industry approach to engineering?
The pandemic has reinforced the importance of mechanical and electrical engineering systems. We have been called to respond to issues related to air quality, air cleanliness, air changes, UV lighting to reduce airborne bacteria—all essential to maintaining the health and wellbeing of occupants.
What are new developments you see for AEI in 2021?
AEI continues to promote the engineer’s role in the built environment and the resources we have in the AEI Manual of Practice. The design industry is always in a state of change—from advancing new materials and technologies, to streamlining processes, or addressing sustainability and resiliency issues—and we know we need to be leading in these areas.
We also know that we must focus on the next generation of engineers. The high school graduation rate will drop in the next seven years, so generating interest in our field is important.
How will AEI generate that interest among the next generation?
By reaching out to high schools and middle schools through STEM programs. We found that middle school is a great target age because in many cases, students already have decided their direction by their junior or senior year in high school.
We want to create more local AEI chapters and encourage members to serve as ambassadors to schools by developing relationships with science and math teachers, speaking as guest lecturers, and introducing students to engineering and different specialties within the profession.
How is AEI helping to diversify the field?
The engineering profession has a broad draw, but the building industry in general has been male-centered. STEM programs are helping to expand diversity; the percentage of women in engineering has been steady for more than 20 years, but we have seen advancement of women in leadership roles. Two of AEI’s newest board members are women, and two past presidents are women. Our goal is to grow our influence throughout the architecture and engineering industry and help all people understand the opportunities available—the sky is the limit.
Do you have a favorite example of engineering achievement globally?
There are many amazing engineering achievements throughout history—the pyramid at Giza, the Colosseum, the Roman aqueducts. It’s hard to dispute the engineering creativity that goes into these structures. I always have been fascinated by architecture around the world and have been fortunate to have visited much of it. Engineering is integral to the success of the architecture and continues to inspire me.
So engineering is part of the creative process of architecture?
There is always a challenge that needs to be resolved, and that is the creative aspect of our industry. I think that makes it attractive. Truth be told, when I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be an architect. But I realized that the science and math side of my brain was the stronger side. The ability to combine architecture and engineering is really what brought me into this industry.
Two things you keep on your desk?
My Bible, the most important book out there. Also, I have a little stress ball. I like to talk with my hands, and it keeps the creative juices flowing.
If not an engineer, what would you be?
I have always said that if I wasn’t doing this, I would be a water skiing and scuba diving instructor in the Caribbean. I love to do both of those things. That would have been a great career strategy, although it probably wouldn’t have lasted very long.
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