A veteran of the firm since 1994, Shawn is a specialized structural engineer and project manager. Shawn leads structural remediation and forensic engineering for VAA’s industrial and agribusiness sectors. He has set company-wide technical standards and quality guidelines for VAA’s engineers and been influential in the firm’s continuing education and professional development programs.

An expert on structural dynamics / vibration and seismic design, he leads, reports, investigates and designs some of the most technically challenging grain, food, renewable energy, fertilizer, minerals and power projects on behalf of VAA. Shawn adds value to large, high profile projects, such as port facilities on the West Coast and unconventional projects for commodity-handling facilities. Shawn’s strength is evaluating complex structural issues and developing straightforward, practical solutions. He understands the urgency needed when a facility is compromised and cannot afford production down time.

Shawn’s structural design experience in concrete silos, feed and flour mills, hoppers, tanks, vessels and renewable energy highlights the depth of his knowledge and expertise. A member of ACI 313 – Concrete Bins and Silos since 2000, Shawn served as Chair from 2011-2014 leading efforts to update the ACI concrete silo design standards.