– From Legos to Land Development: Nick Castille on Engineering Innovation

Episode 3 – From Legos to Land Development

From Legos to Land Development: Nick Castille on Engineering Innovation

From playing with Legos to leading drainage and roadway projects, Nick Castille shares how curiosity and hands-on experience shaped his engineering path. With AI transforming design processes and a PE license adding responsibility, Nick emphasizes collaboration, learning, and innovation as keys to building resilient communities.

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Episode Summary

Engineer Intern Holden Landry sits down with civil engineer Nick Castille to explore how childhood curiosity can evolve into a professional passion. From building with Legos to designing roads, drainage systems, and hydraulic models, Nick shares the milestones that shaped his civil engineering journey.

The conversation dives into emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how they are reshaping the field—from data modeling to project design. Nick reflects on the responsibility that comes with earning a Professional Engineer license and explains how his geotechnical experience informs his civil design work.

Collaboration, continual learning, and the integration of modern software tools emerge as central themes, illustrating the balance between innovation and professional responsibility in civil engineering today.

“I took an interest to architecture at a young age, probably based on the toys I was playing with.”

“As we look at the capabilities of AI, I predict it will eventually help civil engineers design projects that we then verify.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

Nicholas Castille joined Fenstermaker in November 2019 after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He earned his Professional Engineer licensure in 2023. Nick specializes in drainage design, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, roadway planning, civil site design, and construction administration. His early work at a geotechnical firm gave him hands-on experience in foundation design, pavement design, and material testing. Nick combines technical expertise with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mentorship in civil engineering projects.

“There’s a heightened sense of responsibility once you’ve gotten your PE license because you’re taking ownership of your designs.”

From Legos to Land Development: Nick Castille on AI & Civil Engineering

On this special EWeek episode of FUELED, Engineer Intern Holden Landry sits down with civil engineer Nick Castille to explore how curiosity turns into a career in civil engineering. From childhood Legos to designing roads, drainage systems, and hydraulic models, Nick shares his journey through geotechnical work, professional licensure, and embracing emerging technologies like AI.

Episode Highlights

From Legos to Land Development: How early architectural curiosity and geotechnical experience shaped Nick’s civil engineering career.
AI and Innovation: The role of artificial intelligence and software tools in transforming civil design, data modeling, and project workflow.
Professional Responsibility: Reflections on earning a PE license and the accountability that comes with stamping designs.
Integrating Geotechnical Insights: Applying foundation, soil, and pavement knowledge to civil engineering projects.
Collaboration and Continuous Learning: Strategies for teamwork, software adoption, and delivering quality infrastructure solutions.

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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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