2011 40 Under 40: Greg Gehrt, PE, 36

Associate Principal, ccrd partners, Houston

By Bettina Chang, Content Specialist, and Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief May 13, 2011

Greg Gehrt, PE, 36

Associate Principal, ccrd partners, Houston

Kansas State University, BS Architectural Engineering, MS Architectural Engineering

In just six years at ccrd partners, Gehrt has risen through the ranks to become associate principal and manager of the firm’s Houston office. He is known as a national expert in the electrical design of bio-containment facilities. Gehrt’s work includes projects with complex requirements such as the Tufts University Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Texas Galveston National Laboratory, and the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC). These state-of-the-art facilities handle deadly infectious diseases and defend our country against bioterrorism, and therefore require careful planning and knowledge of codes. Last year, Gehrt and his team completed a $240 million cancer center/hospital expansion, adding 12 levels and 500,000 sq ft to an existing 12-story cancer hospital while taking into account the sensitive nature of the patients and medical staff. In addition to his work as project manager, he runs the day-to-day operations, production, and staffing for the entire Houston office. Gehrt’s attention to detail, creative solutions, and collaborative style earned him the 2005 Engineer of the Year award at ccrd partners. At the firm, he mentors junior design engineers in a technical capacity, and he teaches them how to effectively communicate and coordinate with all design team members. He delivers presentations to the electrical staff regarding advancements in technology and electrical design for laboratories. Gehrt values a positive work-life balance, and he makes time to play sports and spend quality time with each of his four children. He’s an active member of his church, where he is a baptism team member and class instructor. When he’s at home, he enjoys woodworking and remodeling projects. His engineering sensibilities have made him a master handyman: He has renovated two bathrooms, and installed new floors and custom-built media center cabinets.

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