This Engineer’s Week, we at Mazzetti are thrilled to celebrate an occasion that’s close to our hearts and fundamental to our mission: “Welcome to the Future”. This week is not just about recognizing the incredible achievements in engineering today—it’s about looking forward, towards a future that’s brighter, more innovative, more sustainable, and more diverse than ever before. In the spirit of paving new paths and inspiring the next generation of engineers, each day of Engineer’s Week, we will be showcasing our own remarkable engineers. Each spotlight is a testament to the passion, dedication, and innovation that drive the people at Mazzetti.
As we celebrate Engineer’s Week at Mazzetti, we’re excited to delve into the minds of our exceptional engineers. Their work not only shapes the present but also propels us toward a future that’s brimming with possibilities. So, without further ado, let’s meet our first featured engineer, Austin Barolin, PE, CEM, LEED AP O&M.
What led you to engineering?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had a curious mindset for understanding how things worked. In grade school, I was one of the few who enjoyed subjects like math and science. Engineering just seemed like the right field to enter; however, it wasn’t until my 2nd year of college that I decided to study mechanical engineering. I haven’t looked back since. Upon graduation in 2009, I entered a workforce that had just experienced the great recession. I was lucky enough to land a job working for an ESCO (energy services company) and got started on the path of energy engineering which has led me to where I am today, in Mazzetti’s sustainability practice.
What are you doing to shape the future of engineering?
Once you understand how things work, it seems like a natural instinct to try to make them better. I’ve taken that mentality into my work and have shifted my engineering focus towards sustainable building design. That’s one of the things that led me to joining Mazzetti in the first place. I have been trying to learn as much as I can about climate change and how the construction and operation of our buildings impacts global carbon emissions. I believe as an engineering firm whose goal is to bend the climate curve, we have a duty to design the most sustainable buildings possible. That means changing the way that it has traditionally been done and challenging the status quo. I’ve taken on a role to educate and inform not only our clients, but our people too, on the best practices and strategies that can be utilized to design the most sustainable hospitals in the world!
What initiatives do you practice at home to help bend the climate curve?
Since I joined Mazzetti, I have had a near zero emission commute to work. Part of that is a little joke because I work from home now, but when I first started with Mazzetti, I was living in San Francisco and biked to the SF office most days. I’ve also been upgrading my home with smart controls for lights and HVAC, and I have been replacing my gas-fired appliances with electric-powered ones as they reach the end of their life. I never thought I would be so excited about a heat pump hot water heater, but it is pretty cool! Next up is an induction stove to replace my aging gas range, and the next vehicle I buy will be an EV!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Most of my non-working hours are spent hanging out with my family including my 3-yr old son and 1-yr old Aussie shepherd. When I can get away, I enjoy being active outside by going rock climbing, surfing, and snowboarding, but lately I have also gotten into cycling, which has become more of a daily activity.