Overview
Tom Yost, a Principal and Project Manager, has earned a well-deserved spot in Building Design+Construction’s esteemed 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through their career achievements, commitment to the AEC profession, active participation in industry organizations, and dedicated service to their communities. We congratulate Tom alongside 39 other exceptional peers as a part of BD+C’s 40 Under 40.
Facts, accomplishments and experiences
Age: 38
Education
Master of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University
Accomplishments
Named a Principal at the age of 36
Advancing the embodied carbon goals of all Walter P Moore projects
Extracurriculars
Committee Member, Sustainable Design Committee, for the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado
Professional Mentor, Engineers Without Borders
Lead Structural Engineer and Structural Advisor with KaTO Design, an organization that mentors AEC students and empowers remote communities
Off the clock
Tom has a passion for long-distance bicycling that began when he rode 9,225 miles from Philadelphia, Pa., to Panama City, Panama.
He also brews beer, and once provided beer for his sister’s wedding: The Groom’s Guinness and The Bride’s Belgian Blonde.
Secret life
Tom loves cooking, and something that people may be surprised to find out is that he staged for a restaurant that was awarded one Michelin Star.
He and his wife are from families of Penn Staters; Following his grandparents’ graduation in the 1940s, his aunt, uncle, father, and himself all studied at the university.
What is the best career or business advice you have ever received?
“We’re in the people business. While our job is to build beautiful steel, wood, and concrete structures, it’s the relationships we build that will make us successful.”
What has been your single biggest professional achievement so far?
Tom’s biggest professional achievement so far was leading design and construction as a Project Manager for the University of Virginia University Hospital Expansion (UVA UHE). His proudest achievement, however, is the work he’s done in Panama with Engineers Without Borders.
“For the past six years, I’ve led the Washington DC Professional Chapters’ Panama Project and, in that time, we’ve designed and built a library and technological center for an indigenous community in Panama. Our team and the local community leaders worked hand-in-hand to tackle challenges, teach construction skills, and develop local tradesmen—providing an amazing community center for the village.”
