Listen to this articlePedram Zohrevand began his career as an assistant engineer over 15 years ago. While designing buildings and structures, he pursued a Doctorate degree in engineering and has worked in several high-caliber institutions and companies. He has strong expertise in dynamic analysis and seismic design of structural systems and excellent knowledge about different structural and building codes, including ASCE, IBC, ACI and AISC standards. Pedram is also proficient in nonlinear finite element modeling and seismic stimulation of complex structures using computer-aided platforms.
He established CES4 engineering firm in 2015. The firm offers engineering consultancy services to public and private clients. Pedram obtained his Civil Engineering degree from Isfahan University of Technology in 2004. He went on to complete his master’s degree in civil engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology in 2007. From here, he attended the prestigious Florida International University in Miami to pursue his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering.
His long list of professional certifications includes Professional Engineer (P.E.) in California and Florida and Executive Certificate in Project Management from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Pedram previously worked at Modja & Associates (in Iran) as an Assistant Project Manager and a Structural Engineer and at Florida International University as a Research Assistant Professor. He also briefly served as an Assistant City Engineer in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Q: Hallo Pedram, can you briefly tell us who you are and what you do?
A: I am Pedram, a civil engineer by profession and the President of CES4. For over 10 years, I have been providing engineering design work to private and public clients. I have also worked on several research and development projects in the area of structural and earthquake engineering which have had a significant impact in this field. I have more than 15 journal papers with more than 200 citations in scholarly publications (according to Google Scholar). I have had several speeches and talks on my research projects, including:
• ACI Spring Convention (2009) in New Orleans
• 2010 Structures Congress in Orlando, Florida
• ACI Fall Convention (2012) in Toronto, Ontario
• ACI Spring Convention (2014) in Reno, Nevada
Q: Can you describe CES4 in a few words?
A: CES4 is a fast-growing engineering outfit with offices in Los Angeles and Miami. The company believes in creating smart solutions using sustainable systems. CES4 core services include designing of residential and commercial buildings, seismic retrofitting, earthquake assessment and civil engineering works. My main responsibility is overseeing the management of structural engineering projects, which entails assessing, designing and rehabilitating buildings as well as performing seismic retrofitting. I have overseen many earthquake retrofitting projects in California.
Q: What is your company’s biggest achievement in recent years?
A: Under my leadership, CES4 has experienced stellar growth year-on-year. Records indicate the company grew two-fold in the last two years. Our Los Angeles operations stand out as leaders in seismic retrofitting across the vast west coast region. We owe much of this success to the trust clients have bestowed on us and the extraordinary team working at the engineering station.
Q: Why do you think modern engineering technology is important in this age?
A: Engineers are highly adept at using their knowledge, cutting-edge innovation and creativity to transform the world and push the limits of possibility. Using the principals of science and mathematics, engineers have developed wide-ranging solutions to many of the world’s most pressing technical problems. The impact is evident in virtually every industry you can think about. On the infrastructural front, we have witnessed outstanding feats like the construction of underwater tunnels, artificial islands, and massive cable-overstayed bridges.
Q: Which recent developments in your industry do you find exciting?
A: The development of new materials and building design approaches has greatly revolutionized civil engineering. I am especially excited about the emergence of the composite materials, modular construction, and the photo-voltaic glaze. The composite materials can be engineered in order to achieve any expected strength and mechanical properties in structures. The photo-voltaic glaze is now widely used in building construction to generate cheap electricity and revenue. The multi-purpose, high-performance photovoltaic glasses can be used as structural building materials, façades and roofs. Modular construction is a highly innovative building technique that is turning building construction into nothing but a simple logistical exercise. Many civil engineers tout the assembling technique for its ability to limit environmental disruption.
Q: What keeps you motivated at work?
A: Learning new technologies and innovations in my field and application of them in my projects is very motivating for me. To keep my spirits high and check the stress levels, I have formed a habit of meditating on a daily basis. The meditation sessions also help me stay focused, organized and motivated at work.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting out in the engineering field?
A: The engineering profession has many intricacies. My advice to someone starting out or looking to pursue the career is simple, be a genuine and honest worker. This is actually part of the ethical creed expected of engineers. It also helps to have a mentor to guide you through the path to success.
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