Q+A with Matt McDermott

How do you describe your job to people outside of the industry?

I describe my job as being a civil designer, someone who draws up and designs new commercial sites and residential developments. As a designer, I am someone who supports the civil engineers' technical designs and creates the plans that contractors need to build roads, bridges, site development, utility design, and grading design. I sometimes explain that everything you see around is civil engineering.

Why did you decide to become a Civil Designer?

I decided long ago, as a child I would draw house plans on graph paper, and I just fell in love with drawing.

How would you describe life at Ghafari?

Life at Ghafari and / or the culture here I would describe as a melting pot of different people but overall, it feels like a big home with many brothers and sisters. Everyone is accepting of who you are, some a little shy but everyone is very friendly and helpful.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened during your time here?

Most exciting thing that has happened for me is Taco Tuesday. That in addition to being in the office two days a week – being able to work with people face to face and building relationships with people.

What is a key idea or lesson you have learned while working at Ghafari?

Ghafari has a wide variety of projects, and learning about projects involving new technologies has my interest. So, I would say the lessons learned about sustainability, renewable energy, and projects using new materials and modern construction practices have been the most interesting.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I like to build things, carpentry, and DIY projects mostly. I would consider myself a handy person, fixing things around the house etc. Hobbies would include camping, fishing, tubing, fixing computers, and gardening.