Get to Know: Deri Harris, PE
Summary
Deri Harris is a Transportation Design Lead at ATCS based out of our Richmond, VA office.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role on the Transportation Design team.
I lead the transportation design team in the Richmond office and manage projects for various clients including VDOT, Prince William County, and Stafford County. My work includes ensuring we have the necessary resources to deliver on our projects and leading the design and plan development efforts.
What led you to pursue a career in transportation design?
During high school, a substitute teacher introduced us to a documentary about the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The film explored the reasons behind its construction, the design process, the selection of the location, and the challenges involved in its development. While most of my classmates lost interest, I found myself captivated by the subject. This experience sparked my initial interest in transportation design and ultimately led me to pursue a career in the field.
What are a couple of your favorite ATCS projects that you’ve worked on and why?
I have greatly enjoyed working on several projects for Prince William County, particularly those involving sidewalks and shared-use paths. One of my most memorable projects was the Route 234 (Dumfries Road) Shared Use Path. As one of the first projects I had the opportunity to design, it holds a special significance for me. The project presented numerous challenges, including retaining walls, steep grades, and limited space, which provided valuable early exposure to complex design elements.
I’ve also enjoyed working on larger VDOT projects like the I-64 Exit 181 Improvements project that I’m working on now. This project, like others, presents a range of design challenges that we have successfully addressed, further enhancing my experience and expertise in the field.
How has your work impacted our communities?
My work has positively impacted communities by enhancing road safety and efficiency, as well as by creating safe pedestrian and bicycle accommodations for individuals and families. The projects I contribute to offer vital connections that serve people from all walks of life, enabling them to reach their destinations safely and efficiently. I find fulfillment in design because it transforms high-level planning concepts into tangible, constructible plans that ultimately benefit the community.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in transportation design?
My advice is to continuously seek opportunities for learning and self-improvement. Mastering the fundamentals, such as CADD and design standards, is crucial; once you do, others will recognize your competence and entrust you with more complex assignments. This, in turn, creates a cycle of learning and growth that propels your career forward. Equally important is leveraging the expertise of those around you. You can gain valuable insights from their experience, and remember, teaching others is one of the most effective ways to solidify your own skills.
