A lot can change in 80 years—especially in an industry as essential and dynamic as aviation. One thing that remains the same is Mead & Hunt’s commitment to developing best-in-class airports that passengers and tenants use daily. From embracing airfield technology advancements to infusing inclusive design into terminals, the firm continuously evolves to remain a forerunner in aviation design.
Madison, Wisconsin
Mead & Hunt first ventured into the aviation industry during World War II. When the Madison Municipal Airport transferred operation of its airfield to the U.S. Army Air Corps, the firm designed expansions for Truax Field. The firm’s foray into the Midwest aviation arena also included the Camp Williams Air National Guard Base and Volk Field Air National Guard Base (Camp Douglas) in Wisconsin and Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. The successful design and completion of these military air bases solidified Mead & Hunt’s reputation in the aviation industry.
Following the war, the firm expanded from a military focus to designing civilian airports. The introduction of jet airliners in the ‘50s made air travel faster and more accessible to everyday people. As the demand for air travel and larger, more modern airports grew, Mead & Hunt assisted airports with runway improvements, terminal expansions, and infrastructure enhancements.
The firm couldn’t have accomplished this surge of growth without the remarkable talent and leadership of its aviation team.
Legacy in Leadership
One of Mead & Hunt’s core values is “taking care of people.” Upholding that value has created a legacy of leadership that stretches for decades within the aviation team.
While Mead & Hunt has been in the aviation market since the ‘40s, the team’s rapid expansion started to take shape when a dedicated team began to form in 1985. That year, Andy Platz joined the team as an entry-level civil engineer. He had the talent and vision to lead the company from its Midwest roots to new horizons.
Platz quickly distinguished himself through technical expertise and innovative problem-solving. He soon became a project manager and was eventually promoted to Group Leader, where he oversaw Mead & Hunt’s entire aviation market. In this role, Platz fostered collaboration amongst the team and drove strategic growth initiatives. His vision and growth strategies earned him the position of President. His deep understanding of the business combined with inspiring leadership culminated in his ascent to Chair/CEO that he fills today. Today, he continues to lead the organization with forward-thinking initiatives.
Platz’s early dedication to advancing aviation design ignited the spark for members of his team. He took time to mentor others, sharing valuable knowledge and cultivating the next generation of leaders. This supportive environment and meaningful work created a dynamic where employees felt valued and encouraged to succeed.
Under Platz’s mentorship, Jon Faucher, also pictured in Figure 2, began his career at Mead & Hunt in 1992 as a summer intern on the aviation team. Applying dedication and drive to developing innovative airport projects, Faucher accelerated in the company’s ranks to open new offices out West and serve as the current Aviation Group Leader who continues to mentor the aviation team and guide its approach to serving airport clients nationwide. Faucher has also helped shape the industry, serving on many influential boards and committees including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Board, Airport Consortium on Transformation (AAAE ACT), Airport Consultants Council (ACC) Foundation Board, and Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Membership Committee.
Two other remarkable employees based in the Midwest who contribute to this legacy of leadership within the aviation team are Paul Strege and Chris Reis, who both excelled under Platz’s mentorship. Beginning his career at the firm 20 years ago, Strege is now Vice President of Mead & Hunt’s Midwest Aviation Business Unit, serving client needs and achieving a sustainable and growing market while fostering long-term client relationships.
Reis started as an intern in the summer of 1999, then became a full-time civil engineer at the firm 23 years ago serving both the aviation and transportation departments at Mead & Hunt. He fully transitioned to aviation and quickly demonstrated a talent for coaching and mentoring, guiding colleagues with patience and insight. Over time his role evolved, and as the National Engineering Practice Leader for Aviation, Reis is now a trusted source for advice and expertise. He serves as a valuable resource of knowledge and strategy and fosters a supportive environment that encourages the team’s success.
Mead & Hunt’s longstanding client and leadership history has had a powerful influence on the industry.
Preparing Now for What’s on the Horizon
The company’s legacy inspires its people to continue advancing aviation design and envision possibilities for the future. The firm has always embraced change. That’s how it’s lasted for nearly 125 years—by always seeking to incorporate next-generation ideas.
Engineer News-Record (ENR) recently released its 2024 Sourcebook rankings and listed Mead & Hunt as #8 of all U.S. design firms in the aviation industry. This distinction reflects the depth of the firm’s experience and the dedication of its employees to their clients and communities.
As airport design advances, Mead & Hunt continues to progress its planning and design to serve the needs of clients, communities, and everyday airport passengers. This includes looking for ways to support clients beyond the basics—whether it be carbon reduction/elimination, electrification, advanced air mobility (AAM), cyber security, or universal accessibility. Sustainable innovations such as AAM will require airports and AAM operations to invest significantly in electrification to accommodate the rapid development and implementation of quieter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly aircraft. Mead & Hunt’s aviation team stands ready to assist airport managers to prepare for AAM’s arrival by incorporating electrification into airport master plans by designing robust charging infrastructure.
Mead & Hunt’s Core Sustainability and Resilience Team was formed to establish best practices and deliver the best possible sustainable and resilient solutions. The team has partnered with clients to create vulnerability assessments that analyze airport assets and local climate threats; conduct climate action planning, coordinating with local climate action organizations; develop emissions reduction strategies; evaluate resilience and preparedness measures; and create customized tracking tools based on the airport’s needs.
Many of Mead & Hunt’s environmental professionals are LEED or Envision Sustainability certified. The aviation team has helped airports address community concerns regarding greenhouse gases and local air pollutants at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), developed Environmental Social Governance reporting for Salt Lake City International (SLC), and coordinated a Net Zero Roadmap for Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The team partners with airports holistically to identify the specific needs, unique circumstances, and resources of each airport and its local community to achieve impactful sustainability goals.
(Credit: Art Home Photo)
In the past few years, Mead & Hunt has also added a Civic Strategies Department, a team dedicated to educating clients on equitable strategies and making travel easier for those with physical and intellectual disabilities—beyond ADA compliance. The inclusion of design features for universal accessibility have improved the travel experience of thousands. This dedication to inclusivity hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023 the firm had the honor of receiving the Great Lakes Chapter of the AAAE award for Commercial Service Project of the Year in the Architectural category for its universal design work with Fort Wayne Airport.
As the aviation industry continues to progress, Mead & Hunt’s services will shift and grow. The firm is poised to evolve and remain future-focused to successfully serve client needs for years to come.
Ready to Soar into the Future
Mead & Hunt began by helping reengineer air force bases, then expanded its services to meet the growing needs of commercial aviation. Now, the firm is implementing future-ready strategies to welcome new aviation advances. With passion, talent, and vision, Platz and recently appointed COO/President Amy Squitieri, are leading the company into a bright future.
The aviation landscape continues to evolve, and Mead & Hunt stands at the forefront, ready to soar into a future defined by technological innovation and sustainable growth. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a visionary approach to delivering comprehensive services, the firm is prepared to navigate the complexities of modern aviation.
As the firm charts a course for the future, its work in aviation exemplifies a future-ready mindset, setting new standards for safety, passenger experience, and sustainability and resilience. Yet one thing will always remain the same: the value of taking care of people.
The aviation team is excited to see what the next 80 years bring!