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ON THE MOVE DESIMONE HIRES AWARD-WINNING ENGINEER TO UK LEADERSHIP TEAM Global engineering services leader DeSimone Consulting Engineering announced that award-winning structural engineer Dmitri Jajich, PE, SE, CEng, FIStructE, LEED AP, has joined the firm as a principal. Jajich will leverage his 25 years of experience in leading DeSimone’s structural engineering teams in London, further amplifying the company’s reputation for exceptional quality and innovation across the region. Known for employing engineering strategies that reach beyond conventional, code-based approaches, many of Jajich’s projects realize structural solutions that push the physical limits of span and slenderness. As a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers in the U.K., he has been recognized for his expertise in tall building design, wind engineering, and long-span and architecturally exposed structures, as well as his industry leadership and contributions to the profession. Jajich joins DeSimone from KPM, where he served as global director of Structures following an illustrious 24- year career with Skidmore, Owings and
Merrill. Jajich’s internationally notable and award-winning projects include Manhattan Loft Gardens in London, Denver Union Station in Colorado, and Gothenburg’s Karlatornet – the tallest tower in Scandinavia at 807 feet tall – which features a unique structural engineering system that addresses wind motion issues without dampers. In announcing the news, Chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering, Stephen DeSimone, PE, praised the new principal, remarking, “A standout structural engineer and visionary leader, Dmitri Jajich’s ability to analyze structural challenges and devise fresh solutions will elevate the work of our London team across project types. We welcome Dmitri to DeSimone with anticipation for the creativity and initiative he will bring to our clients in the U.K., Europe, and Middle East.” Jajich has collaborated with architects and artists on projects characterized by elegantly integrated structural design, clear, hierarchical structural expression, and carefully crafted details. His projects have won more than a dozen structural engineering awards.
“Joining DeSimone as a principal represents an unparalleled opportunity for me as a structural engineer to collaborate with some of the most imaginative, expert minds in the industry,” said Jajich. “Together, we’re empowered to push beyond conventional engineering solutions and exceed expectations in service to DeSimone’s clients in the U.K. and beyond.” Jajich has developed structural engineering solutions for several projects by artist James Turrell. For “Twilight Epiphany,” a permanent outdoor installation at Rice University in Houston, the innovative use of tapered and skewed structural steel cantilevers allowed the artist to push the outer limits of cantilever span and slenderness in the design while concealing the structure. Jajich holds an master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Macalester College in Minnesota. A licensed Professional Engineer in New York, a Structural Engineer SE in Illinois, and a Chartered Engineer in the U.K., Jajich was elevated by IStructE in 2022 to the prestigious Fellow grade.
Take five minutes and consider, am I on a fruitless journey to become a leader who can solve every problem within my organization? Do I feel guilt and self-doubt about my leadership when individuals in my organization aren’t happy? Am I spending too much time creating boutique solutions for individuals that have taken me off path from organizational success on the journey? “If you take on the mindset that you must be the one to provide for every personal need that comes up in an organization, you will find yourself in an unwinnable battle.” The leader is a critical role in the organization. It is unique and therefore only a qualified few are fit for the role. However, the leader can’t be everything. While you must continue to improve your organization and listen to your team, you can’t go
so far as to believe that you must be the all-sufficient paragon of leadership. Instead, understand that people, their problems, and their opinions will come and go along the journey. The true leader will continue to pursue the vision with the humility that comes from the wisdom of knowing their station well. CATCH BRANDON PINKERTON LIVE AT ELEVATEAEC! Join Brandon Pinkerton – founder of Now Go Lead, CEO of HP Engineering now IMEG, and visionary leadership voice – at the ElevateAEC Conference in San Antonio, Texas, September 9-11. Brandon will be leading a dynamic session on the Now Go Lead philosophy, offering an unfiltered look at what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and conviction in today’s AEC world. This is your chance to learn directly from a leader who doesn’t just talk about change – he builds it. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Brandon’s bold, practical approach to leadership in person. Learn more here ! Brandon Pinkerton is a project executive at HP Engineering now IMEG. Connect with him on LinkedIn .
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THE ZWEIG LETTER AUGUST 4, 2025, ISSUE 1596
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