How are changing conditions reshaping the services that clients need?
Global population is exploding. More than half of the world's population is living in cities today, and growth is expected to continue. This presents tremendous environmental challenges, including depleted and degraded resources, limited potable water and sanitation, as well as threats from climate change. As a result, clients are looking for integrated, sustainable infrastructure solutions, including advanced technology, innovative building designs, and efficient, renewable energy solutions. This is not an approach where green features are add ons. It's an integrated look at our clients' challenges from a comprehensive, holistic perspective and a way to identify solutions that incorporate social, economic, and environmental strategies that are synergistic. Equally important, with resources stretched to the limit, clients are looking for a partner who can deliver the entire process-design it, build it, and start it up-sooner and for less.
How is the increased focus on sustainability influencing the work and the workforce?
Sustainability is here to stay. It won't be long before clients, both government and private, mandate an integrated approach on all projects. But all three legs-social, economic, and environmental-have to be addressed to achieve sustainable strategies. This is a particularly exciting time at CDM because sustainability and all of its goals are so closely aligned with the firm's founding mission. And, the young men and women coming into the workforce are extremely passionate in their commitment to sustainability. It's just wonderful to work with them. Their energy is contagious.
What do you find most exciting about the future of the industry?
Technology. Technology breakthroughs in both water and energy are improving the efficiency and flexibility of the alternatives available to us, creating more solutions that can be implemented with fewer resources. The ability to truly leverage advancing technology is rapidly emerging as a competitive edge.
Internally, I see technology connecting the generations: our seasoned technical experts truly collaborating with our younger employees, who, in turn, excite our veterans with their technical savvy. It's amazing to see a brilliant facility design come to life before a client's eyes through 3D and 4D modeling technology. We're also seeing more reliable treatment options, such as membranes, become more cost accessible. I'm certain that technology will take us to new frontiers as we face the growing challenges of climate change and systems security.
What inspires you?
CDM's mission. From the vision of Thomas Camp-more than 60 years ago-of delivering reliable water and wastewater systems-to my recent visit to Pakistan, where we are rebuilding earthquake-ravaged schools and health clinics, each of these are enormous contributors to the quality of life. The work that we do motivates me every day.
What advice do you have for young professionals just starting their careers?
Get as varied experience as you possibly can. Say "yes" to challenges, which allows you to say "yes" to opportunities. Build on the strength your generation has to truly embrace differences in others-different ideas, different perspectives, different voices. This is a great business, we do great things, and the future is limitless if we can truly leverage this strength of difference. None of us is as smart as all of us.