ACEC New York presents leadership awards: Honors commissioner LiMandri

On June 12th at the Union League Club, the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York) presented its Chairman's Award to New York City Department of Buildings commissioner Robert LiMandri for his role in streamlining the construction process, updating building codes, implementing mayor Michael Bloomberg's PlaNYC initiative to improve the overall energy performance of New York as well as reducing New York's carbon footprint, and for taking a leadership role during superstorm Sandy. Two consulting engineers, Augustine DiGiacomo, P.E., a partner with Jaros, Baum & Bolles, and Erich Arcement, P.E., PTOE, a principal with Sam Schwartz Engineering, also will be recognized for their contributions to the profession. Chairman's Award: commissioner Robert LiMandri The ACEC New York Chairman's Award is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding leadership, creativity and vision related to New York's engineering community including infrastructure, development and the business of design. As commissioner of the Department of Buildings, LiMandri leads an agency of nearly 1,100 architects, engineers, inspectors and attorneys whose mission is to ensure public safety and facilitate construction at more than 975,000 properties throughout New York City. Appointed to the position in October 2008, Commissioner LiMandri has 20 years of experience in the real estate and construction industry. Under his direction, the New York City Department of Buildings has become a worldwide leader in construction safety and digital development. Commissioner LiMandri joined the New York City Department of Buildings in 2002. He received his master's degree in Real Estate from New York University and his bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam. Engineer of the Year: Augustine DiGiacomo The Engineer of the Year Award is given to an active or retired member of ACEC New York who has made significant contributions to the consulting engineering profession, the council and to his or her community. A partner with Jaros, Baum & Bolles, DiGiacomo has been committed to the engineering profession for more than 45 years. He has made important contributions to the advancement of HVAC design and was instrumental in achieving unanimity across all city agencies to accept the new Gold Standard for Life Safety and Fire/Smoke Management, which is being used at the World Trade Center. His innovative application of new technology resulted in the design of Bank of America at One Bryant Park, the first LEED Platinum high-rise certified building in New York City. DiGiacomo was president of the New York Association of Consulting Engineers when it merged with ACEC New York and served as chair of the New York City Mechanical Code Committee. An active volunteer, DiGiacomo was honored by the Capuchin Food Pantries, and gives freely of his time to his church, community and other charities. New Principal of the Year Award: Erich Arcement, P.E., PTOE The New Principal Award is given to the ACEC New York member who has been a principal less than five years and who has made significant contributions in the form of ideas and service to the consulting engineering community. As senior VP and general manager for Sam Schwartz Engineering (SSE), Arcement is responsible for all projects in the firm's New York office. During his tenure at SSE, he has overseen almost five straight years of profits, with revenues doubling under his leadership. As principal, he provides critical input to both daily activities as well as the firm's strategic and long term planning. Within the firm, Arcement has implemented a number of initiatives, such as an intern program for high school and college students and training programs for current employees. An active member of ACEC New York, Arcement is a graduate of the leadership program, is the current chair of the Engineering Excellence Awards Committee, and is serving on the state board for the 2012-14 term. He also is involved in the New York State Society of Professional Engineers.