M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Thriving Under 40 — August 2023 — 17A
www.marej.com
T hriving U nder 40 Senior Mechanical Engineer at AKF Group
Engineering Excellence: A closer look at Ryan Skupski’s impact in the field
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Few of my Favorite Things: College: I went to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and studied Mechanical Engineering. Sports Team: I grew up as a Redskins fan; I’m still hanging in there as a Commanders fan. Sport: I play basketball at the outdoor court two blocks from where I live, Chimborazo Park. Food: Mostly pescetarian diet, grilled haddock is my favorite. Highly recommend grilling it on a cedar plank, the smoke creates so much flavor. Dessert: There’s a place called “8 1/2 Pizza” about a block from where I live. They serve the best tiramisu. Restaurant: Too many in Richmond to pick one. I go to my local neighborhood restaurants the most.
hat is your most no- table project, deal or transaction?
Ryan Skupski Senior Mechanical Engineer Years with company/firm: 5 years Years in field: 15 years
I just finished Smithfield Hospital which is a new con- struction 3-story hospital. It was challenging, which I en- joy. I learned a lot and had fun thinking through the project. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? I think keeping the best interests of the client and the people who will occupy the building in mind when designing has helped our company and industry. I’m also involved in several North Carolina projects and play an active role in growing our Raleigh office. Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career? Sam K., who was my mentor when I first got started about 16 years ago. Sam had a pas- sion for design and a lot of that rubbed off on me. What impact has network- ing had on your career? Networking has been im- portant; I’m with AKF today because I knew a person work- ing here. I attend ASHRAE, VSHE, and NCSHE events which help me maintain rela- tionships with other people in the industry. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/ profession you are in today? During my time in college at ODU, I worked several internships including HVAC design and HVAC equipment sales. When I graduated, I was working as an intern HVAC sales engineer for a local me- chanical contractor in Norfolk. They hired me full time. A few years later, I decided to pursue my PE as a mechanical design engineer. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most suc- cessful in your profession? Listening, asking questions, being curious, and doing what you say you’ll do. What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to be- come as successful as you are today? Those first few years as an engineer in my opinion are the hardest. Living with room-
mates, learning how to design, learning new programs, and studying for the PE were chal- lenging. Plus, I graduated in December 2007, right about at the start of the recession. What outside activities do you enjoy during you
free time? I do yearly surf trips down to Central America. I’ve been to Costa Rica a bunch of times, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Those are my favorite free time activities but I’m always out- side doing something. MAREJ
GLOBAL ENGINEERING & INTEGRATED DESIGN SERVICES
Congratulations to Ryan Skupski, Thriving Under 40 Honoree!
POWERING HUMAN POTENTIAL
Mid-Atlantic Region Baltimore, MD Hamilton, NJ Philadelphia, PA Richmond, VA Washington, D.C.
Project: Sheltering Arms Institute (Richmond, VA) Physical Rehabilitation Research Hospital
akfgroup.com
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