Aug. 28, 2025

Finding the Why in Civil Engineering

Finding the Why in Civil Engineering
Season 1

Civil engineering isn’t just about concrete and calculations—it’s about people, purpose, and the long game.

In this episode of 21st Century Engineer, Dr. Dennis Truax welcomes Josh Burnett, founder of Redesign Studio LLC, to talk through the real-world challenges and mindset shifts required in civil infrastructure today. From struggling to find a job after college to cutting millions in development costs through smarter planning, Josh shares hard-earned lessons on purpose, ethics, communication, and leadership.

If you're an engineer asking bigger questions about your work, your impact, and your “why”—this episode’s for you.

  • 00:00 – Welcome to the 21st Century Engineer Podcast

  • 01:23 – Josh’s path after college & recession-era job hunt

  • 04:41 – What land development taught Josh about humility

  • 07:52 – “What does that number even mean?” – The question that changed everything

  • 10:18 – Why Josh’s first “why” was selfish—and what replaced it

  • 13:25 – Lowering home costs through smarter land planning

  • 15:32 – Ego, ethics, and knowing when to walk away

  • 18:48 – Civil engineers vs regulators: Who’s responsible?

  • 21:09 – The rare value of a mentor who won’t crush you

  • 24:05 – On introversion, communication, and relationship-building

  • 27:10 – Josh’s growth as a communicator & learning rhetoric

  • 30:35 – Why engineers struggle to say “I don’t know”

  • 32:18 – Engineering mistakes, humility, and owning what’s next

  • 34:59 – Civil engineers control construction costs more than anyone

  • 37:47 – Planning smarter: How Josh saved $1.3 million

  • 40:30 – How civil engineers undervalue themselves—and how to change that

  • 43:05 – Why this next decade could be huge for civil engineers

  • 46:20 – Final thoughts: Be ready, be excellent, and mentor someone

📍 Guest: Josh Burnett, Founder – Redesign Studio LLC
🎙️ Host: Dr. Dennis Truax, Former ASCE President & Engineering Educator

💬 Drop a comment: What’s your “why” as an engineer?

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations from the frontlines of engineering.

🕒 Timestamps (Chapters)