Growing in Lafayette: At The Intersection of Community and Aviation

RS&H brings national aviation expertise, and in Lafayette, our work extends far beyond projects. It’s about the community we’ve grown through the people we meet, the partnerships we build, and the work we’re creating together.

Imagine an inspiring afternoon at New Hope Lafayette, where multiple groups of students gathered around a table to learn how an airport operates and the people who help design it. One team member talked about runways. Another explained how water moves through drainage systems. Someone else described what happens inside an air traffic control tower. By the end of the program, the students weren’t just building paper airplanes; they were beginning to learn how connectivity in their community comes together. This was made possible through support from the RS&H Elevate Fund for New Hope Lafayette.

The same team showing up in classrooms and community spaces is also shaping one of Lafayette’s most visible assets, Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT). Since 2016, RS&H has supported the airport to help guide projects from early concepts to completion. For many in Lafayette, the airport is a gateway to opportunity, and for our team, it’s also home. The local office, led by Graeme Scott, PE, includes associates who live, work, and play in Lafayette.

Our involvement in Lafayette goes beyond the airport. It represents a long-standing partnership rooted in trust and a shared vision for the community’s future. Through partnerships with organizations like New Hope Lafayette and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), local RS&H associates regularly connect with students to help them see a path into aviation and engineering right here at home. By breaking down complex ideas into real, hands-on examples, the team helps students understand how an airport comes together and where they could fit into that future.

Connecting The Community To Its Airport

For nearly a decade, our team has worked alongside the airport’s leadership and stakeholders, building trust through consistent, on-the-ground partnership. In addition, our involvement at ULL has been instrumental in recruiting the local workforce and how these associates pay it forward. Our team connects students with projects that shape their city and gives them a glimpse into the meaningful impact they could have in the future. 

During LFT Aviation Day, families, students, and community members step onto the airfield for a behind-the-scenes look at the airport. The event is designed to introduce children and families to the world of aviation, offering hands-on activities, airfield tours, demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about aviation careers. Each year, our associates join airport staff and community partners in helping visitors explore how the airport operates and the important role it plays in connecting Acadiana to opportunities beyond the region. It has become one of the most fun and meaningful ways to give back, whether leading tours, answering questions, or watching the community experience the airfield up close for the first time.

Local Community Presence

The Lafayette team’s experiences reflect a meaningful, personal connection to the community. It’s a connection that goes beyond project delivery. Most associates are University of Louisiana at Lafayette alumni or have strong personal ties to the region, bringing a genuine sense of ownership to the work they do every day.  

“As a local leader and Lafayette resident, I see that connection every day from relationships and the way the work continues to evolve alongside the economic growth of this region. Our exceptional team brings technical excellence and local insight with a shared investment in Lafayette’s future,” shares Graeme Scott, PE, area discipline leader.

Our work is driven by the people from the community, associates who are both technical experts and personally invested. Their contributions to infrastructure at the Lafayette Regional Airport and beyond are more than a professional responsibility. Here is what associates had to say:

Claire LeBlanc: I was a big advocate for our office joining with the ULL student organization with ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), which I was a member of prior to graduating. We’ve also mentored the Fall 2025 senior design class where students had their shot at designing Taxiway B at LFT and thanks to our relationship with LFT, students got to visit the airfield. The relationship between RS&H and Lafayette goes beyond professionalism. It shows that we also have a heart for the community. I often hear students talk about RS&H as their top pick to work, and I couldn’t agree more.

Sophie Shields: I attended ULL as a freshman and graduated from there in May 2025. I am not from Lafayette, but my mom graduated from there. It is truly surreal to be working on and contributing to real projects and positively impact the community of Lafayette. Since I have now lived in Lafayette for 6 years, I feel a connection to the city and how much it has grown and developed over the years, especially because I have a small hand in that change.

Nick Pontiff: I’m proud to say that I am a part of this team, and I hope to inspire others as they have inspired me. I had only been to Lafayette Regional Airport once prior to starting with RS&H, despite growing up only 25 minutes from the airport. This job provides me with the opportunity to learn more about the aviation industry, while allowing me to work on projects that will impact the Lafayette community for years to come.

Aaron Barras: I attended ULL prior to joining RS&H. When I chose to pursue civil engineering, I intended to remain in my hometown of Lafayette, not only to stay close to family and friends, but also to contribute to infrastructure that directly serves the community. Having been with RS&H for nearly two years, I have flown out of LFT on multiple occasions and have had the opportunity to see my work utilized to its full potential. This experience has given me a strong sense of pride in the contributions our team has made to the community.

Jacob Louis: I was born and raised in the Lafayette area and graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, so having the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact my hometown has been meaningful to me. One of my favorite moments is being able to tell my family and friends, “Hey, look over there. I helped design that project.” Improving the infrastructure that serves our community is something I take great pride in. One project that really propelled my career was the T-Hangar Pavement Reconstruction project. This was one of the first projects I got to see from start to finish, and I was also responsible for much of the plan production and design. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that is investing in the future of Lafayette and helping build infrastructure that will benefit our community for years to come.

Industry Presence

Our commitment extends beyond Lafayette. Across Louisiana, RS&H continues to partner with airports and industry organizations to help shape the future of aviation, including recognition from the Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA) in 2025. RS&H has been an active partner in LAMA initiatives, such as the conference planning committee, to help shape the future of Louisiana aviation. The firm’s efforts in Alexandria, Houma, Lafayette, New Orleans, and the surrounding regions demonstrate a strong commitment to technical excellence and community collaboration.

Building the Future of Lafayette, Together

Our team continues to stay engaged with students and invest in the community that shapes every project we touch. As Lafayette grows, so does our commitment to being part of that progress. We’re proud to be part of Lafayette’s story today and for the future we’re creating together.