2020 Ones to Watch: Shaun Bush, Senior Structural Engineer at Veitas & Veitas Engineers, Inc.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession? I am a member of Wentworth Institute of Technology’s CEPAC committee (civil engineering professional advisory committee) and also a part of the ASCE Design of Wood Structures Committee. The ASCE Design of Wood Structures Committee’s purpose is to define the future of the design of wood structures including transitioning from allowable stress design to LRFD, enhancing the present design standards, and enabling efforts to incorporate performance-based approaches into wood design.

What led you to your current profession? I was originally drawn to architecture and loved the idea of design. As I was exposed to different disciplines, I favored the idea of making buildings stand up through structural engineering. I received a B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology from Wentworth and a master of Civil Engineering, Structural Concentration from Norwich University. At Norwich, I showcased the advantages of Mass Timber construction by designing a schematic 12-story cross-laminated timber (CLT) building as my capstone project. 

Who or what inspires you? I’m inspired by construction trends that involve sustainable structural elements. More specifically mass timber construction trends have captured my attention. I have designed and managed many mixed-material (hybrid) building projects using steel, concrete, masonry, and timber. While I am well versed in all major building materials, I am fueled by innovation and new ideas. I have an affinity for Mass Timber construction and have fed this interest by participating in multiple research initiatives focused on developing economical ways to build with Mass Timber. I believe mass timber will serve as a valuable structural building material of the future.