Urban Engineers welcomes Diane Purdy, PE, to the firm’s central Pennsylvania operation. Ms. Purdy is a senior project manager and bridge engineer with 25 years of experience in managing and designing transportation projects, bridges, transit facilities, and building structures. Her experience includes advancing projects from preliminary to final design and preparing contract documents.
Other responsibilities in her new role include client development, strategic teaming, and staff development in the central Pennsylvania region. Ms. Purdy is based in the firm’s Mechanicsburg office.
A Professional Engineer registered in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, she earned her bachelor’s degree in structural design and construction engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
While Ms. Purdy continues settling into her new central Pennsylvania office, we caught up with her to get her thoughts on joining Urban Engineers.
Why Urban?
D: Urban has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its people and projects. From many of my past working relationships with Urban’s staff, I knew it would be a great place to work.
What is your essential professional approach?
D: Do more than what is expected and put client satisfaction first.
How will you apply your previous experience to Urban?
D: My past experience with regional office setup and daily operations will be beneficial for assisting with the expansion of Urban’s central Pennsylvania operations. Additionally, I’m familiar with regional clients, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, having participated in an array of projects ranging from small bridge replacements to large river crossings, and interstate design projects to limited-access facility reconstruction projects.
I’ve worked for a small engineering/surveying firm while in college and then started my professional career at an international design firm. With a few other gigs along the way, I’m now back to a firm of excellence. I truly have come full circle, and am happy to be part of the Urban team.
What project are you proud of?
D: Participating in the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s (PTC) award-winning $101.5 million Replacement of the Lehigh River and Pohopoco Bridges in Carbon County was a rewarding experience. It was a great opportunity to work with outstanding professionals at the PTC, as well as Urban, the construction manager, and Walsh Construction, the contractor.
What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
D: I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, photography, and Lego building. We have an entire Lego city in our basement and vacation at Legoland!
Words to live by:
D: Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.