Stories

Introduction to a Visionary Engineer Suha Atiyeh stands out as a prominent figure in civil engineering, known for her ability to merge technical precision with forward-thinking strategies. Holding licenses as a Professional Engineer in Washington DC and Virginia, along with her Chartered Engineer status in the UK, she has built a reputation for delivering high-impact infrastructure solutions. Her career trajectory, from academic beginnings to international acclaim, underscores a dedication to creating resilient urban environments. Educational Roots and Professional Launch Suha Atiyeh’s foundation in engineering was established at Clemson University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This...

Designing high-performance green infrastructure in Washington DC’s wet, temperate climate is a substantial challenge. Designing it in Abu Dhabi’s scorching, arid desert is an entirely different one. Very few engineers have done both with distinction. Suha Atiyeh is among that rare group — and the contrast between her two primary environments has deepened her practice in ways that single-climate experience never could. DC’s core stormwater challenge is excess: too much water arriving too quickly in a densely built urban environment served by aging combined sewer infrastructure. Her solutions emphasize surface capture, storage, and slow infiltration — layered bioswales, permeable pavements,...

Leadership in civil engineering extends beyond technical designs; it involves nurturing talent and fostering collaboration, areas where Suha Atiyeh excels profoundly. Her role as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Representative for the US Mid-Atlantic South Region positions her at the forefront of professional development, where she organizes events, advocates for diversity, and mentors the next wave of engineers. Atiyeh’s leadership style is informed by her extensive background. After earning her Civil Engineering degree from Clemson University, with a strong emphasis on environmental and structural systems, she gained invaluable experience in top-ranked global consulting firms. This period sharpened her ability...