Emily McKinnon

"Our cities continue to transform over time," notes Emily. "It's rewarding to rebuild and redefine urban spaces for public use, balancing human needs and the natural environment." Emily points to Middlegrounds Metropark in Toledo as a prime example, transforming a 28-acre railyard along the Maumee River into a greenspace full of opportunities for people to engage with the riverfront. Emily grew up in northern Michigan, "playing outside in all four seasons—rain, snow or sun," she recalls. "It gave me an appreciation for the joy of recreating within our natural environment." She also enjoys the problem-solving aspects of puzzles and mystery novels, so has a natural affinity for the engineering profession. "I've loved solving technical engineering solutions and now enjoy solving the unique challenges of managing staff, projects and tools as we push for innovation within our integrated practice."