Aviation Engineer Byron Chavez Named to Airport Business 40 Under 40
Byron Chavez, PE, came to RS&H to work on challenging projects and take big opportunities. There has been no shortage of either, and Chavez’s focus on both has gained him recognition across the architecture, engineering and consulting firm.
Now, Chavez has the recognition of the aviation industry. Airport Business has named Chavez a member of its Top 40 Under 40 class of 2021.
A 14-year veteran of the aviation industry, Chavez joined RS&H six years ago as the firm’s Austin, Texas office leader. As the project manager on a bus shelter project at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), he coordinated across disciplines outside of his own to deliver a unique, attention-getting bus shelter to the client.
He transitioned to RS&H’s Los Angeles office to lead the monumental Taxiway C-14 (P) and Taxiway D Extension program for the Los Angeles World Airports (LAX). This $150 million program included the construction of Taxiway C-14 to connect the north and south airfields at LAX. He coordinated across a massive team to deliver multiple design packages on incredibly tight timelines.
“That was the project that I came (to Los Angeles) for – it’s been the last four years of my career,” Chavez said of the LAX project, which was completed this summer. “It was a big change for me to come out to LA, but working on a project like this is a game-changer. It’s a career changer.”
The move was accompanied by questions Chavez, an Oklahoma native and Oklahoma State University graduate had about his new work and life. Would he be up to the task? How would he and his wife take to living in LA?
Almost five years later, Chavez can ride one of his motorcycles – he is currently fixing up a 1990 Harley Davidson FXR – by the LAX airport and see planes on the taxiways he helped design.
“I wanted to see if I could come out here and do the job,” he said. “Now, we’ve invested ourselves in LA and have settled in. It’s a really interesting city and state.”
Chavez is starting to work on other projects in California, always looking for a challenging assignment. Now serving as the Western Regions Airfield Leader, Chavez still likes to focus on the engineering of a project.
“Byron is the prototypical engineer,” said RS&H Vice President Joe Jackson, who also serves as the Western Regions Aviation Leader. “His candor with clients regarding the design direction builds trust while setting realistic and attainable expectations. He provides added value to clients by understanding the key drivers of the project rather than simply delivering the scoped items.”
Jackson is just one of Chavez’s RS&H mentors that he credits for helping shape his career.
“From top to bottom there are so many people here that have contributed to my success,” he said. “That’s what I like about RS&H. The sky is the limit if you can go out there and grab it.”
Reach out to Byron at Byron.Chavez@RSandH.com to learn how he and the RS&H team can help meet your airport’s needs.