Quick Links

Event Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

2026 Structural Engineering Excellence Awards

New Buildings Under $25 Million

Outstanding Project Award
Cataloochee Ranch
Stability Engineering

Stability Engineering provided structural design services and construction administration oversight for the Ranch House at Cataloochee Ranch, a newly constructed heavy timber lodge that reinterprets a historic mountain retreat through modern structural design. The structure features exposed heavy timber framing with overbuilt lumber scissor trusses designed to meet contemporary gravity and lateral demands while preserving the scale and character of traditional Appalachian construction. The overbuilt scissor trusses create a plenum for mechanical services above the dining hall, allowing for an expansive interior volume while supporting a complex roof geometry that extends to covered terraces and a monumental stone fireplace. Timber-framed additions integrate seamlessly with preserved stacked stone elements, forming a cohesive structural system. The project combines expressive structural form, resilient material selection, and efficient erection strategies to deliver a durable, code-compliant lodge that honors regional heritage while functioning as a modern hospitality facility.

Merit Award
AC Auburn Hotel
Stability Engineering

New Buildings $25 Million - $100 MILLION

Outstanding Project Award
Thomas A Fanning Student Athlete Performance Center
Walter P. Moore

Located at the northeast corner of Bobby Dodd Stadium, the 100,000-square-foot Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center integrates elements reclaimed from the historic stadium into the new structural system. A portion of the north upper deck was demolished as part of the project, and the team selectively identified and salvaged specific steel beams, braces, and rakers for reuse in the new facility—saving 25,000 kg of carbon emissions and exemplifying how structural engineering can unify sustainability, performance, and legacy through purposeful design. The structure also showcases innovative structural engineering through two signature cantilevered roofs constructed from exposed mass timber, using cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams. These roofs—one overlooking Bobby Dodd Stadium and the other facing campus—extend beyond the cladding system to create dramatic, welcoming spaces that blend natural aesthetics with high-performance design, highlighting the warmth and sustainability of timber while meeting complex structural demands.

Merit Award
Kennesaw State University Interdisciplinary STEM Building
Uzun+Case

New Buildings OVER $100 MILLION

Outstanding Project Award
Georgia Legislative Office Building
Uzun+Case

The Georgia Legislative Office Building is a 12-story cast-in-place concrete office building with integrated parking totaling approximately 520,000 square feet within the Georgia Capitol complex. The structure uses a concrete moment frame with post-tensioned beams to efficiently achieve 35-ft office spans aligned with the legislative office planning module. Significant structural challenges included constructing directly above critical Capitol infrastructure, spanning existing utility tunnels, and supporting large committee rooms with long-span transfer girders. Extensive use of post-tensioned concrete, high-performance mixes, and supplementary cementitious materials improved structural efficiency and reduced embodied carbon. Close collaboration between the design and construction teams produced an innovative foundation solution that overcame challenging subsurface conditions and kept construction on schedule.

Merit Award
Georgia Tech- Tech Square Phase IIIA
Uzun+Case













FORENSIC/RENOVATION/RETROFIT/REHABILITATION STRUCTURES


Outstanding Project Award




National Institute for Student Success - Georgia State University


Uzun+Case



Georgia State University’s National Institute for Student Success is a historic preservation project designed in downtown Atlanta. It transforms two connected early-20th-century buildings at 25 and 27 Auburn Avenue into a modern student success center. The adaptive re-use effort created spaces that support enrollment and retention, including a welcoming two-story entry. A major challenge was assessing the building’s outdated structural systems—that included riveted built-up steel columns, structural clay tile flat arch floors, and concrete pan joist and waffle slab systems with clay tile forms. After sitting vacant for roughly 20 years, the building suffered a roof collapse and significant water damage, causing severe deterioration of steel members. In the concrete sections, mineral deposits formed visible stalactites throughout multiple floors. The question became: could the structure be restored and repurposed while preserving its historic character?




Merit Award




The District at Beechwood Retail Center


Stability Engineering





















OTHER STRUCTURES AND SERVICES


Outstanding Project Award




Assembly Studios LED Tower


PES Structural Engineers



The LED Media Tower at Assembly Studios is a 140’ tall landmark designed on a compact 500 sf footprint, serving as both a structural support for LED displays and a gateway feature for the Assembly Atlanta film campus. The triangular steel structure uses round HSS columns and double-angle braced frames, supporting LED panels on one face and perforated aluminum cladding on the others. Close coordination with façade designers ensured proper support and movement tolerances required for LED performance. Internally, 15 levels of catwalks and stairs provide maintenance access and act as structural diaphragms. Due to its slender height-to-width ratio, the tower behaves as a cantilever subject to significant wind and gravity forces. Galvanized steel and watertight connections protect the exposed structure from weather exposure. Constructability constraints, including FAA crane restrictions, led to a modular, bolted design allowing ground assembly and staged erection while incorporating recyclable steel and energy-efficient LED technology.


























people's choice awards








            

               
1st Place




Cataloochee Ranch


Stability Engineering


               

            

            
            

               
2nd Place






Tech Square Phase III








Uzun+Case


               

            

            
            

               
3rd Place




Assembly Studios LED Tower


PES Structural Engineers


               

            

            




Young Engineer of the Year






Jonathon Campbell


Uzun+Case





Jonathon Campbell has grown to be a technical leader at Uzun+Case, being a long-time member of the Concrete Committee and the Analysis Committee, which he currently leads.  He is known as a knowledge leader with 2-way flat plate design.  Projects have made him knowledgeable in transfer girder design, which he applied to bridges over MARTA.


Jonathon is also a mentor of over five young engineers, teaching them several structural programs, drafting, construction administration, and lateral analysis.


He is currently Vice President of ACI Georgia and has helped found ACI student chapters at Auburn (president while in graduate school) and at Georgia Tech.  He frequents Auburn career fairs and presents at the ACI Chapter there.


Jonathon participates in SEAOG meetings and the young member group.






Engineer of the Year




Chris Murphy, PE


Stability Engineering

Beginning his career at Stability Engineering while earning his Civil Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Chris quickly rose from staff engineer to Associate Principal—an uncommon trajectory that reflects both talent and drive. His enthusiasm for structural engineering shows up everywhere: mentoring students in STEM programs, investing in young professionals, and serving as a SEAOG Board member since 2023 to help strengthen the profession statewide, including SEER Committee co-chair.


As a versatile engineer, he has led projects across wood, masonry, steel, and concrete systems, with particular strengths in adaptive reuse and historic preservation. Complex existing buildings are where he thrives; working shoulder-to-shoulder with architects and contractors to untangle challenges and deliver smart, buildable solutions grounded in integrity and creativity.












Lifetime Achievement Award




Wayne W. Walker, PE, SE, FACI


Structural Services, Inc.

Wayne Walker, PE, SE, FACI is Structural Services, Inc.’s Director of Engineering Services and Principal. He graduated Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors) with a B.S. of Civil Engineering from Auburn University. Wayne is a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute. He has been a speaker at SEAOG-GA, ACI and ASCE seminars, Chair of ACI Committee 360, Design of Concrete Slabs-on-Ground, and a member of ACI 302, Construction of Concrete Floors.


Wayne has over 45 years of professional experience in the structural design of commercial, industrial, and military projects in numerous countries. Many of his projects have won first place awards from ACI and other organizations for their cutting-edge and economical solutions to his client's requirements.


Wayne has published over 25 papers in national and international publications on the design and construction of concrete floor slabs and pavements, plus other structural elements. His cutting-edge computer programs for slabs-on-ground analyze and design for the applied loads, subgrade drag forces, curling, thermal, non-linear response of the soil, and varying degrees of shear transfer at slab joints. Wayne also developed designs and programs to analyze and design suspended floors for robotic, impact, and vibrating loading.










see Awards Jury


The selection of award recipients is made by a distinguished Awards Jury, consisting of leaders in the design, construction and academic communities in Georgia. 


            

               
       


Dr. Metin Oguzmert, PE, SE


Dr. Metin Oguzmert is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Kennesaw State University and a licensed Structural Engineer in California. His expertise includes earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and the seismic design and retrofit of buildings and infrastructure. Before joining academia, Dr. Oguzmert worked as a structural engineer at Saiful/Bouquet Structural Engineers in California, contributing to the design and seismic retrofit of complex building projects using advanced nonlinear analysis and performance-based engineering methods. His research also includes structural health monitoring and vibration-based techniques for assessing the condition and resilience of bridges and other infrastructure systems. Dr. Oguzmert’s work has received multiple professional recognitions, including the NCSEA Excellence in Structural Engineering Award, and he regularly publishes and presents on earthquake engineering and resilient infrastructure




Ken Nuttall, PE


Ken has been in the structural engineering field for over 45 years, including 23 years of consulting and 22 years as a Building Official.  He has provided design and analysis for nuclear power plants, railcars, commercial, military installations, and industrial facilities.  Most recently he has been the Structural plan reviewer for Fulton County, GA; City of Sandy Springs, GA and Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission.  He specialized in the Special Inspection program for each jurisdiction he’s worked with.






Doug Franks, PE


Doug is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  After 4 years doing bridge construction inspection he transitioned to the GDOT Bridge Design Office where he has served for the past 24 years.


Doug’s current role is as the Bridge Policy and Standards Group Manager.  He also serves as a member of the AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures.


               

            

            
            

               




Jenny Williams, AIA, LEED AP


Jenny G. Williams, AIA is a senior architect and commercial leader with over 20 years of experience delivering complex projects across the Southeast. Her work spans mixed-use, multifamily, adaptive reuse, higher education, and commercial developments, with a portfolio totaling more than $1.5 billion in construction value.


Jenny is recognized for her ability to navigate challenging urban conditions, leading projects through entitlement, design, and construction with a strategic, solutions-oriented approach. She has extensive experience managing stakeholder engagement and guiding developments through rezoning, variance, and special application processes.


In addition to her professional practice, Jenny is actively engaged in shaping the built environment in Atlanta. She serves as Land Use Chair for the Midtown Neighbors Association and is a member of the Midtown Development Review Committee, where she contributes to the evaluation of projects within the city’s Special Public Interest districts.





Jon Taylor


Jon began his construction career in the field as a carpenter, gaining firsthand experience in how buildings take shape with one detail, one connection at a time. That early exposure to the trade established a deep respect for structural systems, craftsmanship, and the coordination it takes to deliver complex projects with integrity. Since joining Hodges & Hicks in 2005, Jon has played a central role in shaping the firm’s construction practices. His leadership is grounded in technical knowledge, sound decision-making, and a disciplined approach to project execution. He is known for his ability to navigate challenging jobsite conditions while maintaining a sharp focus on schedule, quality, and design intent. With more than 30 years in the industry, Jon brings a builder’s mindset and an exacting eye to every phase of the construction process. His insight reflects a career spent not only leading projects but understanding what sets truly excellent work apart.




Andrea Reynolds SE, PE, FIStructE, LEED AP  


As SmithGroup's director of structural engineering, Andrea oversees the structural design of a diverse mix of building types utilizing various structural materials. She worked on many interesting projects from sports stadiums, government facilities, research centers, and hospitals in the US and across the globe. She is involved in the industry at large as a past President for SEAMi and the Chair of the NCEES Structural Engineering Exam Committee that is responsible for writing the profession's licensing exam. She is also involved with the SELC and the NCSEA SE licensure and SE3 committees. Andrea currently serves on the NCSEA Board of Directors and in her free time she is a minority owner of 2 professional soccer teams!




               

            

            




2026 SEE Awards Committee


    

  • Shayah Smiley, Chair
    • 

  • Jeff Milheizler
    • 

  • Chris Murphy
    • 

  • Stephen Richards
    • 

  • Zinah Rosenberg
    • 

  • Sarah Scarborough
    •