2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Louis Barone, DiPrete Engineering

“It has been a pleasure to see Louie grow into a trusted leader and problem-solver at DiPrete Engineering. Since joining the firm in 2021, his technical strength, commitment to clients, and willingness to mentor others have set him apart. His promotion to Project Manager reflects both his impact today and the leadership potential we see for the future.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? When I was a kid, large skyscrapers and structures would catch my attention. I have always been drawn to the built environment and watching ideas turn into something tangible people use every day. I enjoy problem solving, puzzles, and working with a team to accomplish tasks. Civil engineering felt like a natural fit as it combines problem solving with real world impact. I began my career in structural engineering, then transitioned into land development, where I enjoy the collaboration with project teams. Seeing projects built and used by the public is what makes the work rewarding for me.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? I am particularly proud of my work on electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects throughout New England. I have been involved in permitting and designing several of the first DC fast charging stations in some municipalities. These projects required navigating new regulations, coordinating with utilities, and working closely with local officials permitting this infrastructure for the first time. Knowing these sites are now serving the public is something I take pride in, along with the opportunity to work on so many different project types that impact the community.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry? Housing demand is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the industry, especially in New England. Recent zoning and regulatory changes have created more flexibility, including opportunities for adaptive reuse of existing buildings, which can help address housing shortages more efficiently. I also see continued growth in sustainable infrastructure, such as EV charging and green site design, becoming standard in land development. There is a trend in some municipalities to reduce impervious ground coverage through stormwater regulations, and I expect that trend to keep spreading.