A few words from Gary and Cyrus
Welcome to our latest edition of Connections. This one is special to us because we are celebrating our 95th year in business. Through one vision shared by Mr. John Hennessy and Mr. Adolf “Ed” Syska, starting with just six engineers in a small room in NYC, our firm has blossomed into a thriving business with 500 + employees in twenty offices globally. If you would like to see our video on our beginnings, click here.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has joined us on this journey, including our clients, colleagues, employees, and friends -- everyone who has received a link to this issue. In other words, you!
This issue is jam-packed with news and features, and we can’t wait to share them.
Thinking about traveling this summer? Then maybe Orlando is the place for you (Airport code MCO!) Check out our story on the Orlando South Terminal C. In it we talk about our role in making this airport a place that keeps passengers comfortable, happy, and inspired. We did something similar at Ally Financial’s new office in Charlotte, North Carolina, although in this case our focus was on employee engagement and health. Another building that appeals to companies and their employees is 225 West Wacker Drive in Chicago. These stories are especially timely, given the ongoing challenges surrounding return-to-office initiatives.
We have a West-Coast story to present to you, too. If you’re a NASCAR fan, you’ll definitely want to read this one: It’s about a new clubhouse at the famed Sonoma Raceway.
Don’t miss the article about our Engineers in Training program, now known as the EDT program. In this feature you will learn about three success stories: They’re from our chairman, Gary Brennen; MaryAnn Hay, principal and East Coast architectural lighting director; and senior principal Jerry Burkhardt. These leaders recall their very first days at Syska, talk about their career progressions, and offer advice to the next generation.
Another highlight is our Industry Voices Q&A.This column features members of the A/E/C industry who are elevating the sector through original ideas, diversity and inclusion, and influential initiatives. In this issue we interview Zenon Radewych, principal at Toronto-based WZMH Architects, and Sadi Wali, a computational design specialist who oversees many of the firm’s sparkbird initiatives.
We thank for you taking time to read this issue. We hope you find the stories just as engaging as ever.
Cyrus and Gary