In this premiere episode of FUELED’s first season, Kathryn Fenstermaker sits down with professional engineer Dax Douet, a director with more than 22 years of experience in roadway and drainage design, construction administration and feasibility studies. Douet explains what infrastructure means to him and recounts his early projects, such as designing Settlers Trace Boulevard in River Ranch, which taught him the importance of balancing vision with practical constraints. He discusses the realities of project management—from funding and right-of-way acquisition to dealing with weather and contractor challenges—and emphasises that no project is ever perfect but the work is deeply rewarding. Throughout the conversation he shares lessons on collaboration, humility and thinking like a problem-solver when designing the systems that keep communities moving.
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Professional Engineer Dax Douet on Infrastructure
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- November 22, 2019
- Episode: 1
- 48 mins
Episode Summary
“When I think of infrastructure, I think of the basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation of our society.”
“There’s no perfect project, no perfect set of plans and no perfect scenario.”
Meet the Leader Behind the Vision
Dax Douet is an engineering director at Fenstermaker with over two decades of professional experience. He has designed highways, roadways, drainage systems, interchanges and roundabouts and has managed feasibility studies and construction administration for major projects across Louisiana. A lifelong resident of Acadiana, Douet previously served as a city engineer, overseeing roadways, drainage, utility systems and development review.
“Ask for advice from contractors – they know what’s best and they’re your partner, not your adversary.”
Dax Douet on Infrastructure: Engineering, Challenges, and Real-World Solutions
Episode Highlights
- Douet defines infrastructure as the basic physical and organisational structures needed for society to function, from roads and bridges to water and sewer systems.
- He recalls his first major project, designing Settlers Trace Boulevard, and the satisfaction of seeing his plans become reality despite various constraints.
- The engineer stresses that there is no such thing as a perfect set of plans: weather, budgets and community pressures always present unknowns.
- Douet encourages young engineers to ask experienced contractors for advice and not let pride hinder collaboration.
- He underscores the value of feasibility studies and realistic expectations when prioritising infrastructure investments.
More from FUELED
Conversations across seasons—on infrastructure, leadership, and public impact.
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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