2019 Women in Building Services: Sherry Yin, Thornton Tomasetti

Name: Sherry Yin, P.E., LEED AP BD+C

Title: Associate Principal

Company Name:  Thornton Tomasetti             

How many years have you been in your current field? More than 30 years

List up to three CRE organizations that you are currently a member of:

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 
• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 
• Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) 

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? 
My team and I provided structural design services for a new laboratory facility at Rockefeller University, in Manhattan. The three-story, 180,000 s/f building includes two levels of laboratory space and encompasses almost 3.5 city blocks. Two single-story glass pavilions top the laboratories, providing office and cafeteria space. The second level spans over the FDR Dr. with level one suspended below. Building over one of the city’s busiest roadways was challenging, with initial construction taking place in New Jersey, de-constructed into 19 modules and transported to the site via barge. The modules were then lifted into place at night during a five-hour period when the FDR was closed to traffic.  

What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019? 
Change is accelerating in the AEC industry. Consolidation and competition have ramped up, automation is surging, and a growing number of start-ups with innovative business models are entering the market. The use of augmented and virtual reality will continue to expand. In just the past two years, we’ve seen the sudden emergence of PropTech (technologically innovative products and new business models for real estate markets) and its cousin, ConTech (digitized construction technology). New players are coming from outside traditional AEC circles. The use of augmented and virtual reality will continue to expand as the industry remains on the forefront of applications of this technology.

What does it mean to you to be a team player? 
The building industry is made up of different types of firms all working together to achieve common goals. A project’s success depends on the ability of these separate entities architects, engineers, contractors and other consultants--to collaborate, share knowledge and work efficiently. This cooperation makes each member of the team stronger and fosters professional growth, not to mention deepens relationships and makes working on the project a much better experience. Being a good team player means bringing your A game to the table, giving each individual the attention and respect they deserve and listening carefully to concerns of all team members.