Company History

Shirk & O'Donovan was built on the idea that innovative structural solutions begin with a thorough, thoughtful game plan, a game plan that is developed conversationally with our clients and partners. We have a long history of successfully implementing these plans and helping deliver on-time projects that meet the aesthetic and financial aspirations of our clients.


Design Philosophy

At Shirk & O'Donovan, we practice the art and science of structural engineering as we help bring architectural concept and vision to life. As artists, we bring creative and, when appropriate, bold thinking to the team. As scientists, we deliver precise yet practical solutions that meet the intent of complex building codes and are consistent with the fundamental laws of physics. We enjoy being a part of projects that make a difference in the quality of our lives: places for people to gather, places for people to learn, places for people to shop and be entertained, and places for people to heal. We enjoy the longstanding relationships we have developed with our clients. We enjoy doing what we do, and we think you will enjoy working with us.


Core Values

Our Core Values form the bedrock on which our practice and our designs are founded. We define our culture and set our vision looking forward on these values:

Client Service

Embrace the mission. We exist to serve the best interest of our clients.

  • Loyal
  • Responsive
  • Available
  • Proactive

Integrity

Do what's right. Guided by the Engineering Code of Ethics and our own moral compass, we pursue the simple truth.

  • Ethical
  • Honest
  • Principled
  • Trustworthy

Collaboration

Teamwork breeds success. We actively listen and transparently share our thoughts as we create innovative solutions.

  • Lasting Partnerships
  • Trusted Advisors
  • Team

Excellence

Be bulletproof. We aim for perfection and believe in continuous improvement in our processes and our quality program.

  • Smart
  • Consistent
  • Practical
  • Thorough
  • Prepared

Inspiration

Think outside the box. We say "Can do" when others say "Can't be done." We enjoy collaboratively solving problems and celebrating our people and their accomplishments.

  • Making It Happen
  • Innovative
  • Unique

People

Our people are our practice. They are the foundation of our success, our innovation, our commitment to our clients. Working quickly and collectively, we solve problems and get to "Yes, it can be done."

Pat O'Donovan photo

Pat O'Donovan P.E.

President, Managing Principal

Marc Motter photo

Marc Motter P.E.

Vice President, Principal

John Brewer photo

John Brewer P.E.

Dir. of Operations, Principal

David Cortnik photo

David Cortnik P.E.

Dir. of Development, Principal

Bill Shirk photo

Bill Shirk P.E.

Founder, Senior Advisor

Andrew Barone photo

Andrew Barone P.E., S.E.

Construction Services Lead

Justin Chrisman photo

Justin Chrisman E.I.T.

Project Engineer

Jeff Collins photo

Jeff Collins  

BIM Manager

Robert Donehue photo

Robert Donehue P.E.

Project Engineer

Jon Dowdle photo

Jon Dowdle P.E., S.E.

Senior Project Manager

Laura Hernandez-Bassal photo

Laura Hernandez-Bassal PhD, P.E.

Senior Project Engineer

Betsy Landes photo

Betsy Landes

Office Manager

Makayla Lawrence photo

Makayla Lawrence E.I.T.

Project Engineer

Patrick Marshall photo

Patrick Marshall  

CADD/Revit® Technician

Carrie Messerly photo

Carrie Messerly P.E.

Senior Project Engineer

Norman Noe photo

Norman Noe P.E.

Director of Technology

Danny Ruffley photo

Danny Ruffley P.E.

Senior Project Engineer

Chad J. Simms photo

Chad J. Simms P.E., S.E., LEED AP BD+C

Sustainability Lead

Greg Stidham photo

Greg Stidham P.E.

Senior Advisor

Jennifer Suozzi photo

Jennifer Suozzi 

Director of Administration


Affiliations

  • American Institute of Steel Construction
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • American Concrete Institute
  • National Society of Professional Engineers
  • Ohio Society of Professional Engineers
  • Structural Engineering Institute
  • Structural Engineers Association of Ohio
  • LEED© Green Associate
  • National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
  • Former Officer, NE Chapter of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers
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Registrations

We currently hold professional engineering registrations in 48 states and 3 Canadian provinces.

Innovation

innovation graphicWe are continuously exploring the latest in 3D data-rich software, both for 3D structural analysis and Revit modeling. We are committed to the intelligent use of these technologies, as they provide excellent tools that are consistent with our core values of client service, collaboration, excellence, and inspiration. BIM, when properly implemented, facilitates productive workflows between engineers and architects; this enhances the exchange of information and produces a better coordinated design. Ultimately, our BIM models can also be used in concert with our construction partners to facilitate real-time scheduling and cost control decisions with 4D and 5D modeling. As 3D modeling and analysis software continues to advance, the potential for virtual prototyping and the ability to explore virtual design options is limitless. Whether utilizing the latest technologies or simply sitting around the table sketching and sharing ideas, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to produce creative, well-coordinated, and cost-effective design solutions.


Careers

At Shirk & O'Donovan, we offer our employees a challenging and rewarding work experience which enables each individual the opportunity to grow their professional career in a fun, relaxed work environment. To obtain the highest level of professional development, we invest in our staff through training, mentoring, continuing education and collaborative work efforts. Because we work in eight diverse construction markets, we offer countless opportunities to fully develop our professional careers.

We also understand the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance and the need to unplug and relax, exercise regularly, and spend time with friends and family. We promote a family-oriented team approach with a variety of social activities planned to include weekly staff lunches, our annual corn hole tournament, family night with the Clippers, happy hours, our March Madness family party as well as our annual holiday parties. To help promote health and wellness, Shirk & O’Donovan provides employees with an annual gym membership, lunchtime hikes and healthy snacks on Wellness Wednesdays.

To discuss opportunities at Shirk & O'Donovan, contact us today. And please feel free to send us a copy of your resume.