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Episode 4 – From Field to Design

From Field to Design: Dustin Guidry on Mentorship & Civil Engineering

Starting in construction and architecture, Dustin Guidry found his passion for civil engineering later in life. From inspecting the Youngsville Sports Complex to leading its Phase 2 design, he shares how mentorship, field experience, and hands-on lessons bridge the gap between plans and reality, shaping him into a confident, licensed engineer.

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Episode Summary

Engineer Intern Marina Saad sits down with Dustin Guidry, a newly licensed Professional Engineer, to explore the journey that brought him into civil engineering later in life. Dustin recounts how starting in construction and architecture, combined with mentorship, led him to pursue an engineering degree and a professional license.

 

The conversation highlights his early experience inspecting the Youngsville Sports Complex and how those lessons now inform Phase 2 of the project. Dustin reflects on large infrastructure projects such as the Acadiana Regional Airport access road and Apollo Road expansions, sharing insights on constructability, coordinating with contractors and utilities, and balancing field knowledge with design intent.

 

Throughout the episode, Dustin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and hands-on experience in shaping confident engineers. He also discusses evolving practices in civil engineering, including the use of drones, prefabrication, and safety considerations, showing how fieldwork complements office design work.

 

This episode demonstrates how curiosity, guidance, and practical experience combine to fuel both personal growth and professional excellence.

“I started my engineering career later in life—opportunity and mentorship led me down this path.”

“The Youngsville Sports Complex encompassed all aspects of civil engineering, and it sparked my passion for the field.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

Dustin Guidry joined Fenstermaker in December 2012, starting as a construction inspector and advancing to project engineer. He earned his Professional Engineer licensure in June 2023. Dustin has experience in construction management, roadway and drainage design, utility coordination, and construction administration. He is currently leading Phase 2 of the Youngsville Sports Complex and has contributed to major infrastructure projects such as the Acadiana Regional Airport access road and Apollo Road expansions. Known for bridging field experience with design expertise, Dustin emphasizes mentorship and practical learning to cultivate the next generation of engineers.

“There’s no way designers can catch everything; field experience helps me bridge the gap between engineering plans and constructability.”

From Field to Design: Dustin Guidry on Mentorship & Civil Engineering

In this special EWeek episode of FUELED, Engineer Intern Marina Saad sits down with Dustin Guidry, a newly licensed Professional Engineer, to explore how mentorship and hands-on experience shape a civil engineering career. Dustin shares how he transitioned from construction and architecture to engineering, recounts lessons from projects like the Youngsville Sports Complex, Acadiana Regional Airport access road, and Apollo Road expansions, and reflects on balancing field experience with design.

Episode Highlights

  • Discovering civil engineering later in life: transitioning from construction and architecture into an engineering career.
  • Mentorship and opportunity: how guidance encouraged Dustin to pursue an engineering degree and license.
  • Lessons from the Youngsville Sports Complex: from Phase 1 inspection to Phase 2 design.
  • Managing large projects: insights from the Acadiana Regional Airport access road and Apollo Road expansions.
  • Constructability and field experience: bridging the gap between plans and real-world execution.
  • Safety, drones, and prefabrication: incorporating emerging tools and practices into modern engineering.
  • Continuous learning: using hands-on experience to inform design, problem-solving, and professional growth.

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Established in 1950, C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is a highly diversified, multi-disciplinary consulting firm. With a commitment to help our clients succeed, we specialize in surveying and mapping, engineering and environmental consulting.

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