2021 40 Under 40: Andrew Varilone, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 35
Principal, Electrical Engineer, SmithGroup; BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Varilone is a respected leader and mentor who has focused much of his career on creating highly complex, efficient and reliable large-scale electrical systems that support the critical work of hospitals, health care facilities and the communities they serve. While front-line workers remain the true heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, electrical engineers like Varilone have helped design fail-safe primary and secondary power systems that enable hospitals to maintain continual, efficient operations even in times of extreme crisis. He also has contributed to award-winning projects that advance greater societal needs, including rehabilitation centers for wounded U.S. military members, research and development centers, museums and more. Growing up in suburban Detroit, Varilone was introduced to engineering at a young age, watching and working alongside his uncle, who was also an engineer in the AEC industry. Varilone was inspired by the impactful role engineered systems can play in enhancing the spaces where people live, work, learn, play and, most importantly, go to be healed. In 2018, he penned the first of what he hopes will be many published articles and he regularly leads technical presentations and training programs for emerging professionals. As a nod to Varilone’s commitment to professional leadership and growth, he was selected to serve as a coach for SmithGroup’s national mentorship and career development program. Throughout the year, he participates in a range of community service activities, including working with LifeBUILDERS, Habitat for Humanity, Gleaner’s Community Foodbank of Southeast Michigan and other agencies in need. Varilone is also a CrossFit enthusiast, husband, “girl dad” of two young daughters and maker of homemade pizzas and pastas (dough and all).
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