2015 40 Under 40: Rick Szcodronski, 29

Senior Associate, Technology Systems, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago BS Electrical and Computer Engineering and BS Environmental Science, Duke University

By Jack Smith, Content Manager, and Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief May 14, 2015

Rick Szcodronski, 29 Senior Associate, Technology Systems, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago BS Electrical and Computer Engineering and BS Environmental Science, Duke University

Szcodronski joined Environmental Systems Design (ESD) in June 2008 after earning his degree. He focused his studies on computer architecture, wired and wireless networking, signals and systems, electromechanical controls, and environmental monitoring. He now helps design building technology systems, such as structured cabling, audiovisual, security, building automation, and data centers. He is also a practice leader with technology consulting services for data and wireless networks, voice systems, and migration planning design. In addition, he is involved with project management, MEP coordination, and maintaining the accuracy and quality of designs from inception to completion. Recently, Szcodronski transferred to California to help expand ESD’s West Coast presence and focus on the growing demand for smart building design and strategy services. He was one of the lead technology designers on the Masdar Headquarters project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Masdar HQ was designed as the world’s first mixed-use, positive-energy building, using sustainable design strategies and systems to produce more energy than it consumes. Szcodronski developed a custom energy model that tracks the annual energy consumption of all the components within the building. He soon became ESD’s technical leader for data and wireless networking, and virtual desktop infrastructure. Szcodronski has become a subject matter expert within ESD as well as the engineering community. This distinction is augmented byhis published articles and white papers on wireless technology and smart buildings. When at home, Szcodronski’s passion is playing, watching, and discussing basketball. His recent move to California allows him to enjoy playing outdoors-even during the winter months.