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Why Engineering Matters: The Impact on Everyday Life

February 27, 2025 • All, News

Celebrating Engineers Week!

When most people think of engineering, they picture towering skyscrapers, intricate bridges, or massive infrastructure projects. But the truth is, engineering is all around us—often in ways we don’t even notice. It touches nearly every aspect of our lives, which is why engineering matters more than ever. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, engineering plays a crucial role in making our lives safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Engineering Where You Least Expect It

Everyday life is filled with engineering marvels that most people take for granted. Consider these:

Your Morning Routine

Turning on the lights, making coffee, watching the morning news? Electrical engineers help design the internal workings of your home or building that powers it all.
The clean water flowing from your faucet? Civil and water/wastewater engineers ensure it’s safe and accessible.
The heating or air conditioning in your home? Mechanical engineers design HVAC systems for comfort and efficiency.

“I love engineering because it’s about solving real-world problems in the buildings people use every day. As a mechanical engineer, I ensure comfort, functionality, and essential systems like heating, cooling, plumbing, and restrooms. Now, as a project manager, I coordinate our engineering and design teams—mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, architecture, and interiors—to create facilities that meet our clients’ needs. It’s about asking the right questions, uncovering hidden requirements, and developing smart solutions. Seeing a client move into a space we designed is incredibly rewarding.”

— Tom Svoboda, Project Manager

Commuting to Work

Roads, bridges, and traffic signals? Transportation and bridge engineers make them safer and more efficient.
Public transit systems? Electrical and civil engineers work together to keep trains, buses, and metro systems running smoothly.
Smart traffic management? Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) engineers optimize traffic flow to reduce congestion.

“The daily routine of life is shaped by the roads we travel, the bridges we cross, and the signals that guide us. There is a multitude of systems at play, and Transportation Engineers get the task of honing these factors so diligently, that the end product goes unnoticed. We might not always appreciate them until the moment comes when we depend on them most—when a smooth commute or a well-timed signal is what separates efficiency from chaos; or only arriving to your appointment one minute late.”

— Brandt Walla, Transportation Engineer

The Buildings We Live and Work In

Structural engineers ensure buildings can withstand environmental stresses.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers design lighting, HVAC, and plumbing systems for comfort and sustainability.
Interior designers and architects create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Civil engineers bring all these elements together, designing roads, drainage, and infrastructure that keep buildings and communities connected.

“I love my job because I get to collaborate with engineers, architects, and surveyors to design spaces that everyone uses. The work we do has a significant impact on our communities, and it’s thrilling to be a part of it.”
— Ana Hanke, Civil Engineer

Engineering Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Work of Geotechnical Engineers

While many aspects of engineering are visible in our daily lives, some of the most critical work happens beneath our feet. Geotechnical engineers analyze soil, rock, and underground conditions to ensure stable foundations and safe landscapes—work that often goes unnoticed but is essential to nearly every structure we rely on.

“Geotechnical Engineering is full of engineering where you don’t expect it. Typically, if everything goes well in Geotechnical Engineering, it’s unnoticeable. No one will point out or compliment you when a foundation holds, and most people don’t go around identifying different engineered landscapes.”

“It is my opinion that excellent engineering doesn’t just utilize complex analysis but also is able to demonstrate functionality in an obvious, often simple way. Geotechnical engineering is often about learning how to work with and utilize simple, cheap, and readily available materials to accomplish difficult tasks—after all, what is cheaper than dirt! This simple approach to engineering, combined with the complexity brought on by project needs, has always appealed to me. Furthermore, the process involved in geotechnical engineering utilizes field measurements and observations, laboratory testing, and mathematical analysis, creating a very dynamic, never-boring process that always poses new challenges and tests one’s abilities.”
— Ben Ficenec, Geotechnical Engineer

Engineering for a Better Future

Beyond daily conveniences, engineering is shaping a smarter, more sustainable world:

Renewable Energy – Engineers design solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Smart Cities – Advanced engineering integrates data and technology to improve transportation, infrastructure, and resource management.
Sustainable Water Solutions – Water and wastewater engineers develop systems to conserve and purify water for growing communities.

As engineers continue to push the limits of innovation, sustainability remains at the core of responsible design. Every choice made today impacts the world we leave for the next generation.

“The choices we make today will define the world of tomorrow. As engineers, we have a duty to push boundaries, rethink materials, and reduce embodied carbon—ensuring that the future we build is one we can be proud of. The next generation deserves solutions, not problems.”
— Elena Hoff, Structural Engineer

Schemmer: Engineering Solutions That Matter

At Schemmer, we understand that great engineering is not just about structures—it’s about people. Our multidisciplinary team works across various sectors, from architecture and engineering to construction administration and material testing, to deliver innovative solutions that enhance everyday life. Whether it’s designing safer bridges, improving water systems, or implementing smart technology, we take pride in shaping the world around us.

Engineering isn’t just about building things—it’s about improving lives. The next time you flip a light switch, drive over a bridge, or drink a glass of clean water, remember the engineers behind the scenes making it all possible. And we can’t thank them enough!

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

Schemmer is a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant providing responsible solutions for complex design and construction-related challenges.

Founded in 1959, we are grounded in our past but remain fully committed to the future. Located in five states and eight offices throughout the Midwest, Schemmer is providing services to clients from coast-to-coast and border-to-border across the United States.