Overview
We proudly announce that Will Childs, PE, SE, has been named the 2023 Javier F. Horvilleur Outstanding Young Professional Award recipient. The Horvilleur Award is presented annually to one young professional at the firm who has exemplified excellence in technical design, client service, and business acumen. The award is named for and is in appreciative memory of Javier F. Horvilleur, PE (1954-2002), who was an inspirational leader-engineer at the firm for over two decades.
The award was presented by selection committee chair Randy Braun, Senior Principal in the Kansas City office, and Tim Santi, Senior Principal in the Atlanta office. The presentation was made at the annual Structures Group Operations Meeting on September 20, 2023.
Childs, a Senior Associate and Senior Engineer in the Atlanta office, has extensive experience in structural engineering spanning a diverse range of project types. He is exceptionally skilled in utilizing advanced modeling techniques for precise design analysis, collaborating closely with both design teams and contractors to ensure solutions that benefit all stakeholders. His contributions to projects such as the Georgia World Congress Center Signia by Hilton HQ Hotel, Sandy Springs City Center, Axon Headquarters, and MPT Corporate Headquarters are notable among his achievements.
“Will Childs stands out as an exceptional young engineer. He’s technically skilled, a quick learner, and excels in complex design and digital tools. Will’s commitment to our work, quality, and client relationships is outstanding. His greatest strength is his ability to connect and build trust,” says Mark Larsen, Director of Operations of the Structures Group.
Childs has been a driving force in advancing the team’s digital practice since joining the firm’s Digital Champions initiative in May 2017. He has played a pivotal role in promoting digital adoption within the Atlanta Office’s structural team, actively engaging in developing and utilizing digital tools and techniques, bringing innovative ideas and project-specific tools to the broader Atlanta team for widespread implementation and knowledge sharing. Childs is a licensed engineer in Georgia and Alabama and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering from Auburn University.
