J. Benjamin Alper – Engineer at Severud Associates

J. Benjamin Alper has been a key member of the engineering staff of Severud Associates since his start in 2005. Throughout his career, Ben has taken on increasingly challenging projects and expanded his knowledge of structural systems, including the use of specialized materials such as fiber-reinforced polymers. Ben currently serves as a voting member of the ASCE/SEI 7 Minimum Design Loads main committee and its seismic loads subcommittee. He is also active with NCSEA, NYC Buildings, and SEAoNY. Ben’s portfolio of significant projects includes TSX Broadway in Manhattan, Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport in Queens, Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, and the LA Forum renovation in Inglewood, California.

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Mohamed Arafa – Engineer at Severud Associates

Mohamed Arafa began his career in Egypt, as an engineer and assistant lecturer at Cairo University. After coming to the United States and completing his doctorate, Mohamed joined Severud Associates in 2007. Mohamed’s extensive structural expertise and experience allow him to model, analyze, design, and effectively manage complex projects such as the South Shore University Hospital Expansion in Bay Shore, New York, currently under construction. His other innovative projects include 270 Park Avenue and One Vanderbilt Avenue, two of the tallest office buildings in New York City; NYU’s John A. Paulson Center, 390 Madison Avenue, and The Bryant, all in Manhattan; and the SAP America HQ expansion in Newton Square, Pennsylvania.

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Severud Promotions – February 2025

Associates

The experienced and expert engineering staff at Severud Associates is our most important asset. Therefore, we are proud to announce that Andrew Moss and Grace Yau have been elevated to Senior Associate and Alfredo Peña has progressed to Senior Engineer. All of them have demonstrated a deep commitment to their profession and the firm.

 

Andrew Moss joined Severud Associates in 2012. His recent projects include the redevelopment of the 245 Park Avenue and One Madison Avenue office buildings and the 278 Eighth Avenue residential building, all in New York City. Andrew has extensive field experience, including on-site construction review of NYC’s One Vanderbilt Avenue, which he also helped design, and Local Law 126 parking garage inspections; he is also team leader for PANYNJ inspections at Newark Liberty International Airport. Andrew’s many other challenging projects include an addition to the P.S. 170 Ralph A. Fabrizio School in Brooklyn and redevelopment of Terminals C and D at LaGuardia Airport in Queens.

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9-11 Memorial Video – Engineers at Ground Zero

As we mark the 23rd anniversary of the attacks of 9/11, Severud Associates mourns the loss of those who perished, extends continued condolences to their family and friends, and salutes the first responders—and the many others following—who assisted in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts in the days and months afterward.

In commemoration of the important role played by structural engineers, the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) has produced a documentary, Engineers at Ground Zero, that captures their contributions and dedication to securing the site and helping prepare for its rebuilding.  Working in coordination with the City of New York, SEAoNY members—led by then-president Ed DePaola—consulted on structural issues, assisted with interim repairs, and performed damage assessments of many nearby buildings.  We feel honored to have participated in this monumental effort.

An excerpt from the documentary appeared in the online edition of Time magazine on September 11, 2024.  It can be viewed at Engineers at Ground Zero.

John J. Cryan, PE – in Memoriam

Not all days in history are happy ones.  Today, Severud Associates is sad to announce the passing in July of John J. Cryan, PE, a former principal, long-time president and CEO, mentor to many, and dear friend.

Born in 1931, John grew up in New York City and attended Manhattan College, where in 1952 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.  After graduating, he served in the military during the Korean War and after his discharge worked in Wilmington, Delaware.  In 1957—67 years ago last winter—he returned home and began his career as an engineer at Severud.  In the early years, he also attended classes at New York University and received a Master of Science in civil engineering in 1960.
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How Parametric Analysis Powered Severud’s Engineering of The Sphere

By Steve Reichwein

Often, structural engineering projects involve a variety of challenges surrounding complex geometries, unconventional materials, and a whole lot of other variabilities, risks and uncertainties. All these factors and more, affect the behavior and performance of structures. Moreover, apart from turning designs into tangible structures, structural engineers must ensure their strength and stability, while also optimizing time, costs, and aesthetic design. One of the best methods to achieve these objectives, and tackle all the challenges along the way, is with Parametric Analysis and Design. Here’s a look at what Parametric Analysis means, and how Severud leveraged this in engineering the iconic Sphere, located at the Venetian Resort, in Las Vegas, Nevada.                  (more…)

Fred N. Severud Birth Celebration – June 8, 1899

125 years ago this June, Fred N. Severud (above, at left) was born in Bergen, Norway, June 8, 1899—125 years ago this month—one of 12 children in what he called a very religious and very musical family.  Although he considered himself artistic, Severud wound up at the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim.  He had originally intended to study for the military but fate, or perhaps providence, intervened and he switched to engineering.  Severud graduated with a degree in civil and structural engineering in 1923 and shortly thereafter, married and immigrated to the United States.

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Cawsie Jijina Honored – June 6, 2024

Most people who know Cawsie Jijina would agree that he is an inspirational leader with an upbeat spirit.  The more challenging a project, the more enthusiastic he is about conquering it.  Cawsie is also a fierce proponent of the structural engineering profession and a tireless promoter of its contributions to the built environment.  His enthusiasm is infectious and he has “converted” many people to appreciate the value of engineering, to the great benefit of clients, the profession, and the firm.

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Recent Promotions at Severud

The experienced and expert engineering staff at Severud Associates is our most important asset. Therefore, we are proud to announce that Jack Gainey has been elevated to Senior Associate; Andrew J.  Aumiller, William Cheng, and Timothy N. Culligan have advanced to Associate; and Carlos E. Abreu, Edward E. DePaola, and Anastasia Shekhter have progressed to Senior Engineer. All of them have demonstrated a deep commitment to their profession and the firm.

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Steve Reichwein – Associate Principal

The experienced and expert engineering staff at Severud Associates is our most important asset. Therefore, we are proud to announce that Stephen Reichwein has been promoted to Associate Principal. Steve has demonstrated a deep commitment to his profession and the firm.

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