At Giffels Webster, we’re proud to work alongside people who bring passion, precision, and a drive to make a difference in their communities. One of those people is Russell Losey, a senior engineer based in our Detroit office who’s been with us for about two years.
In this spotlight, Russell shares how his career began in landscape architecture before taking a technical turn toward civil engineering, what fuels his pride in working on projects close to home, and why solving real-world problems is what keeps him inspired. From contributing to high-profile developments like the Riverwalk to deepening his impact across Detroit neighborhoods, his journey is a great example of how evolving interests can lead to meaningful, community-focused work.
Read on to learn more about Russell’s path, insights, and advice for aspiring engineers.
1. Tell us your full name, role, and how long you’ve been with the company.
My name is Russell Losey, and I’m a senior engineer working at the Detroit office. I’ve been with the company for about 2 years.
2. What sparked your interest in civil engineering as a career?
I enjoy the creative problem-solving that gets incorporated into our communities.
3. Was this always your dream job, or did your career path take a few turns?
I graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University. Over the years, I have found that I am much more drawn to the technical side of design than the artistic side, and I have found a home in the engineering part of the consulting world.
4. What do you love most about working in civil engineering today?
Watching a development get built in my community and hearing the buzz around it has always been a source of pride.
5. What’s one project or moment you’re especially proud of in your career so far?
I’ve worked on several projects in the metro area, including the Riverwalk, Flint River, and Ford headquarters. But I think the best thing has been getting involved with more work in the City of Detroit with Giffels and having an impact at home.
6. What would you tell someone about considering a career in civil engineering?
It’s great to have a direct impact on your community.
7. What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy camping, hiking, and visiting new breweries. I recently completed a personal quest to visit each brewery in the state, which allowed me to see a lot of the state I’d never otherwise visited.
At Giffels Webster, we’re proud to support team members like Russell who bring technical expertise, a love for community, and a passion for problem-solving to every project. His journey from landscape architecture to engineering is a great reminder that career paths aren’t always linear, and that following your interests can lead to meaningful, lasting impact right where you live.
Stay tuned for more spotlights as we continue to celebrate the people who shape our firm and inspire the future of civil engineering, planning, landscape architecture, surveying and geographic information systems.
Want to learn more about careers at Giffels Webster? Visit https://www.giffelswebster.com/careers/.
