2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Joseph Donato, DeSimone Consulting Engineering

“Hard-working and detail-oriented, Joseph P. Donato, PE, has consistently shown his aptitude as a structural engineer over his 10 years at DeSimone. In addition to impressive technical know-how, Joe brings a practical, management-oriented approach to running projects. He readily identifies project challenges and steps up to help solve them — endearing Joe to clients who value his teamwork, leadership, and ability to translate complex structural challenges into logical, efficient solutions.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

Growing up in New York, I always had a love for the Twin Towers — something so simple but of such an impressively large scale — you could see them from almost anywhere. As a kid, I spent hours building with Tinkertoys, constantly drawn to the challenge of how things come together. My uncle is an architect, and I thought I’d follow that path. But I realized what truly excited me wasn’t just the design — it was the problem-solving and technical complexity behind it. That realization drew me to engineering, where I’ve combined my passion for the built environment with the analytical rigor I crave.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

Lumen LIC — the tallest building in Queens when completed in 2025 — a 66-story, 754-ft. residential skyscraper with an extreme slenderness ratio — stands out as a high point. But I’m most proud of the dual-tower Residences at Mandarin Oriental Miami on Brickell Key. Slated for completion in 2030, the South Tower rises 850 ft. to 66 stories — one of the tallest residential structures in Florida — and the North Tower to 426 ft. — connected by a 100,000 s/f amenity podium. Their structurally complex, sinuous, sail-like forms require innovative solutions to achieve the sweeping curves and slender profiles.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?

My uncle has been the most influential figure in my career. An architect, he has left an indelible mark on the NYC skyline, having designed some of the city’s most prestigious projects. Growing up, I idolized him. His passion for the built environment was contagious, and he let me tag along as I developed my own love for the industry. While his path led him to architecture and mine to structural engineering, it was his influence that sparked the fire. Watching him approach his craft with such dedication and pride taught me what it truly means to be invested in the work you do.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

I see three trends shaping our industry: First, historically high commercial vacancy rates in urban markets are creating compelling opportunities for office-to-residential conversions and adaptive reuse—while presenting fascinating structural challenges. Second, carbon reduction is now a core requirement, with growing demand for sustainable structural solutions like mass timber, more efficient material use, and carbon tracking. Third, transformative AI tools like clash detection, generative design, and project management workflows are enabling structural engineers to work smarter and faster.