Whether at work or play, Mike is always interested in trying new things. In fact, picking up new musical instruments has been a lifelong hobby. Since childhood, he has dabbled in or played almost a dozen musical instruments, including the piano, trumpet, French horn, various percussion instruments, guitar, and others. This same enthusiasm and zest for learning made its way into his professional life. As a Vice President and National Practice Leader for Urban Engineers’ site/land development group, Mike is excited by new challenges. Mike’s specialties include stormwater management, erosion and sedimentation control, utility coordination and relocation, land development design and permitting, construction administration, and more.
“Since entering the professional world, my goal has always been to work for an exceptional engineering firm in downtown Philadelphia,” he says. “Urban quickly made its way to the top of my list once I learned of the diverse range of disciplines, projects, and other available opportunities.”
“I wanted to have an impact on the community I live and work in,” Mike emphasizes. His work at Urban has allowed him to be part of some of the most exciting development projects in Philadelphia, including Rivers Casino, the Rail Park, and The Views at Penn Treaty. His contribution to the Rivers Casino project, which involved a complete overhaul and redesign of the site, is a testament to his commitment to his community.
“It was rewarding being part of the design process of the Rivers Casino project from the beginning, making key decisions with project stakeholders, and seeing the designed product ultimately be constructed,” he says. “A rewarding piece of the project was that it included many ancillary tasks in addition to the development of the main site.” The design included a new intersection and improvements to 1,850 linear feet of nearby Delaware Avenue, as well as the design of multiple combined sewer overflows to help alleviate flooding in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia. “I would love to see Rivers continue developing their property and helping revitalize the Delaware River waterfront,” Mike adds.
A licensed Professional Engineer in nine states – including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Texas – Mike is a 2007 graduate of Villanova University. He has also served as a project manager for the design of green stormwater infrastructure for the Philadelphia Water Department. The vision for the project is to protect and enhance the city’s watersheds by managing stormwater runoff with innovative green stormwater infrastructure, maximizing economic, social, and environmental benefits for all of Philadelphia. ”I am happy to be a part of a firm that allows me to be a part of this dynamic and impactful kind of work,” he says.