FIRM    Robert Silman, President
Robert Silman, President

Robert Silman, as president of his structural engineering firm for the past forty-four years, has directed all phases of its operations. The firm divides its time evenly between projects of new construction, alteration, renovation and preservation with Mr. Silman contributing his knowledge in all structural materials.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Cornell University
  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Cum Laude, New York University
  • Master of Civil Engineering, New York University

Experience

  • Robert Silman Associates, P.C. 1966-Present
  • Ammann & Whitney 1964-65
  • Ove Arup & Partners (London) 1963-64
  • Severud Associates 1960-63
  • Tishman Realty & Construction Co. 1957-58

Teaching

  • Cornell University, College of Architecture Art & Planning, Visiting Critic, Building Renovation Technology
  • City College of New York, Adjunct Professor, Philosophy of Technology
  • Columbia University, Adjunct Professor of Architecture, Graduate School of Architecture
  • Yale University, Adjunct Professor of Architecture, School of Architecture

Professional Affiliations

  • New York Chapter American Institute of Architects, Honorary Member
  • International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, Working Commission 7, Former Chairman
  • National Center for Preservation Technology & Training Board Member, Past Chairman
  • American Society of Civil Engineers, Fellow
  • American Concrete Institute, Member
  • Architectural League of New York, Member (past Vice President)
  • Association for Preservation Technology, Member
  • Structural Engineering Association of New York, Member
  • James Marston Fitch Foundation, Treasurer

Registration

  • Professional Engineer: NY, NJ, DC, CT, KY, MA, MD, ME, NH, PA, RI, TX, VA, VT
Biography

Robert Silman has particular expertise in historic preservation, as evidenced by his work on Carnegie Hall, Fallingwater and The Museum of Immigration at Ellis Island. The Secretary of the Interior appointed Mr. Silman to the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Board representing the fields of engineering and preservation education. In 2006 he received the New York Historic Districts Council’s Landmarks Lion Award, an honor bestowed each year on an individual who has made significant contributions to historic preservation. In 2009 Mr. Silman received the AIA New York Chapter Award for his accomplishments in the field of engineering and contributions in the built environment in the City of New York.

Mr. Silman is founder and Past Chairman of the Working Commission 7 on Sustainable Design for the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineers (IABSE). In recognition of his dedication to excellence in structural engineering and his role as a mentor for young engineers IABSE awarded Mr. Silman the prestigious Anton Tedesco Medal in 2005. He has written a number of articles on sustainability for Structural Engineering International, and he was co-leader with the National Trust for Historic Preservation running forums on sustainability and historic preservation at Pocantico, NY in 2008, and Nashville, TN in 2009. And finally, he led his entire office in participating in an intense effort to completely revise specifications and design methodologies to incorporate principles of sustainability.