2012-2013 Robert Silman Fellow for Preservation Engineering

February 1, 2012 – RSA is pleased to announce that, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we have selected our seventh Robert Silman Fellow for Preservation Engineering. Harrison Yamamoto, who is originally from Hawaii, received both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Columbia University's Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. He completed the undergraduate program in 2010, majoring in civil engineering and specializing in structures. He minored in architecture and additionally completed extensive coursework in art history. In 2012 he completed Columbia’s Master's program, focusing on structural engineering.

Harrison, who started at RSA's New York office this past fall, will work there for six months before going on to complete his fellowship at the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, DC.

"As cities become more and more dense it becomes imperative to preserve infrastructure not only for nostalgia, but also because it's a more environmentally friendly practice. The problem comes in balancing history and progress. I'm excited that this fellowship will give me the opportunity to investigate this problem and allow me to work on some of the country's most important historic structures," he said.

Silman Fellows must be recent graduates with an engineering degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering. In addition, they must hold an MS or MA degree in historic preservation or an MS in structural engineering. Fellows spend the first six months of their year-long fellowship at one of RSA's three offices, then transition to the Washington, DC, offices of the National Trust where they work on projects that relate to the Trust's 27 historic sites nationwide.

"This is the best experience I could have had for working with our nation's treasures in a substantive way. Having access to the resources of one of the country's preeminent historic preservation engineering firms has been an enormous benefit," said 2010 Fellow Rebecca Buntrock.

Listen to a podcast of Rebecca talking about her experience on Preservation Nation, the blog of the National Trust.

Applications for the 2013 Robert Silman Fellowship are now available. Interested candidates are encouraged to check the Web site for updated information.

Robert Silman Announces Leadership Changes

January 9, 2013 – When Robert Silman Associates opened on January 1, 1966, we embarked upon a great adventure that has transformed us - 47 years later - into a thriving structural engineering firm with three successful offices in New York, Washington DC, and Boston, and nearly 130 professionals to serve our exceptional clients. As we continue to evolve throughout our journey, I am pleased to announce a transition that promises ongoing growth and excellence in Robert Silman Associates' leadership.

• I have stepped aside as President and have become President Emeritus,
• Scott Hughes in New York and Vassil Draganov in Washington DC joined the leadership team as Principals,
• And our new management team will be led by Joe Tortorella as President and Kirk Mettam and Nat Oppenheimer as Executive Vice Presidents.

I look forward to continuing to work with all three offices on a regular schedule, advising on and reviewing projects, mentoring new professionals, writing and presenting seminars, and leading the development of our in-house resource we affectionately call "Silman University."

Robert Silman Associates has always prided itself on being unique, both in our service to our clients and in our challenging, rewarding work environment. We are sure our culture will prevail through this transition and into the future. We welcome this leadership evolution and embrace these exciting changes that position us to benefit from future opportunities.

Thank you for joining us on our latest adventure as we wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year in 2013. — Robert Silman

Hurricane Sandy

November 5, 2012 – We salute all of our colleagues in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry who have volunteered their time and expertise to the relief efforts, including many of our own staff. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost homes or loved ones and with the businesses in New York City and New Jersey that are working to get back on their feet.

RSA engineer Ryan Miller (near right) inspects a building in Belle Harbor in the Rockaways on November 2nd.

RSA Projects Garner Top NCSEA Awards

October 5, 2012 – The National Chapter of the Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA) honored two RSA projects with Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards at a ceremony in St. Louis, MO. Milstein Hall (OMA with KHA Architects) was recognized in the category of new buildings between $30 million - $100 million, and Van Alen Books (LOT-EK) in the category of other structures. Both projects were additionally named Outstanding Projects in their categories.