Engineers Week Spotlight: Madisyn Vinyard, PE on Land Development
As part of Engineers Week, we are excited to highlight Madisyn Vinyard, PE, a dedicated Project Engineer at ATCS. Madisyn’s passion for engineering and her commitment to sustainable land development make her an invaluable part of our team. Her journey into civil engineering is a story of curiosity, hands-on learning, and a drive to create meaningful change in communities.
Discovering a Passion for Land Development Engineering
Madisyn’s interest in engineering began in college where she excelled in math and explored environmental resources through various on-campus initiatives and student groups.
Madisyn was introduced to land development engineering for the first time during an internship with McLaren Engineering Group where she quickly realized land development blended both the technical and creative components of engineering. This discovery solidified her decision to pursue a career in land development engineering, where she could leverage both analytical problem-solving and creative design to shape thriving communities.
A Project That Made an Impact: Behnke Nursery
One of the most rewarding projects Madisyn has worked on at ATCS is the redevelopment of the Behnke Nursery site on Maryland Route 1 in Prince George’s County. This 12-acre project, surrounded by residential communities, a commercial corridor, and a 100-year floodplain, presented unique challenges and opportunities.
ATCS led the land planning and engineering design, ensuring that the formerly impervious, defunct nursery site was seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. The final master plan, completed in early 2020, transformed the site into a mixed-use development featuring commercial pad sites, compensatory stormwater management solutions and dynamic landscaping.
Beyond engineering, Madisyn and the ATCS team actively engaged with the community, hosting meetings with homeowners’ associations and civic groups. These efforts helped foster community support and ensure the project met the needs of local residents. Through this project, Madisyn refined her expertise in stormwater management, an essential aspect of sustainable land development.
Advice for Future Land Development Engineers
For young engineers looking to enter the fast-growing field of land development, Madisyn emphasizes the importance of broad exposure and an open mind.
“Gain experience across various disciplines of engineering early in your career to develop a comprehensive understanding of their interconnections. Each aspect of engineering contributes to the bigger picture, and the ability to recognize these relationships will enhance your problem-solving skills. Approach every challenge with an open mind, as innovative solutions often arise from considering diverse perspectives and unconventional approaches.”
Madisyn’s work exemplifies the dedication and expertise that Engineers Week celebrates. Through innovative design, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainability, she continues to make a lasting impact on the built environment.
