GeoHeroes - David Lourie
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA , CEO of Lourie Consultants where he discusses his journey in the geoprofession. Early interests in building and the space program led him to engineering. An ankle injury shifted his path from mechanical engineering and Navy ROTC to civil engineering. A soils class ignited his passion for
geotechnical engineering. He worked at STS and the innovative McClellan Engineers before founding
Lourie Consultants in New Orleans in 1992. He stresses
client focus, technical quality, and service, advising professionals to
be curious, give back, and work with class.
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA is a respected consulting engineer specializing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental services. He is CEO of Lourie Consultants, the firm he founded in 1992 near New Orleans, Louisiana. His career began in 1979 with Soil Testing Services (STS). In 1981, he joined McClelland Engineers and advanced to become President of Fugro-McClelland (Southeast) in 1990. Mr. Lourie has extensive experience managing large-scale, high-profile engineering and construction projects and conducting forensic investigations. He has been an expert witness in multiple jurisdictions and an independent peer reviewer for major USACE projects. He actively shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans and contributes to the profession through technical and business publications and presentations. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the engineering profession, notably serving as the 39th National President of GBA (formerly ASFE).
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.
Introduction
David Lourie introduction as geotechnical engineer and entrepreneurCurrently based in New Orleans, LouisianaLong-standing relationship with host GuyEarly Life and Education
Childhood Geography: Born Chicago → Tampa (9 years) → Waterloo, Iowa → back to ChicagoEarly Interests: Space program, sports, building models, taking things apartFather's Influence: Engineering background, quality control work, taught responsibility through earning baseball glove and car paymentsLane Tech High School: 5,000-student all-male selective admission school in ChicagoUnique combination of trade classes (machine shop, welding) and college prepClaims most PhD graduates of any US high schoolHigh School Job: Gas station attendant - learned responsibility, customer service, fiscal accountabilityCareer Path
College Plans Derailed: Navy ROTC scholarship at Illinois Institute of TechnologyPivotal Injury: Baseball ankle injury ended Navy career and scholarshipCareer Shift: Mechanical → Civil Engineering (fraternity advisor's suggestion)Co-op Program: Alternated work/study semesters to pay for schoolGraduate School: Master's degree with thesis on coal mine waste embankments in West VirginiaFirst Jobs: Soil Testing Services (STS) in ChicagoMetropolitan Sanitary District - worked on Chicago's deep tunnel projectMcClellan Engineers: Houston-based firm, pioneers in offshore soil mechanicsLouisiana Move: Volunteered to salvage struggling office in Lake CharlesFugro Acquisition: Became youngest president in Fugro McClellan worldwide operationsEntrepreneurship: Founded Lourie Consultants in New Orleans (1992)Major Projects: $500 million Superdome renovationLeadership
Management Philosophy: Based on McClellan's culture of "lots of freedoms and holding them accountable"Three-Legged Stool: People, technical, financial/business - identified strengths in business development and technical workClient Focus: "Outstanding service and high caliber technical work" - not just lip serviceBram McClellan's Philosophy: "Do it right, do it right the first time, and do it with class"Mentoring Approach: Organic, system-wide mentoring vs. formal programsThe Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice
Industry Changes: Erosion of advisor capacity, increased price pressure, less focus on human aspectsTechnology Philosophy: Leverage technology for client benefit, not just internal efficiencyFuture Optimism: Firms can differentiate through client focus and personalized serviceKey Success Factors: Client satisfaction drives profits, not the reverseAlignment of operations with desired outcomesContinued investment in peopleAcceptance that failure is part of learningSpeed Round
Favorite Books: [BOOK] The Nine Nations of North America by Joel GarreauFood and wine books[BOOK] Judgment in Geotechnical Engineering: The Professional Legacy of Ralph B. PeckOptimism Index: 3-4 out of 5Based on teaching experience at University of New OrleansSees passionate students entering the professionBiggest Impact: Positive influence on colleagues, clients, ASCE involvement, teachingWhat Would you Do Differently: Maybe "held my mouth more" early in career, but no major regretsLife Philosophy: "People make the best decisions they can, given the information they have at the time"Final Thoughts
Advice for New Professionals:Remain intellectually curiousGive back to the profession and pay it forwardHave fun doing the workRemember: if you build "on, in, or of the earth," you need geotechnical engineeringKey Quote: "Be the difference that makes a difference and hope to inspire before you expire"Professional Motto: Engineering isn't a zero-sum game - "we can all win" by helping othersCalls-to-action:
Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast EpisodesContact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or commentsSubscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribeThis episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
