Senior Civil Designer in Butler, Get to Know Lucas Wassam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Wassam, a Senior Civil Designer \ CAD Manager here in Butler, PA.

Co-working spaces, no matter where they’re located in the world, are only as good as their members. We know how important it is to bring people together and share their awesomeness. That’s why we like to do these Get to Know Our Members posts. We get to know each of our members and appreciate the awesomeness they bring to the table. And you get to know them too!

Get to know Lucas

We had a chance to sit down with Lucas, a Senior Civil Designer, and ask the classic get to know you questions. Members are the backbone of a coworking community and we love the opportunity to spotlight them. ConnectWork on Main has a variety of occupations and specialities among its members. You can check out his answers below.

What is your occupation?

Senior Civil Designer \ CAD Manager for DPR Design

What made you want to be a Senior Civil Designer?

Like a lot of kids nearing the end of high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I grew up. I decided to pursue a Computer Aided Drafting degree because I  always enjoyed computer classes in school and in the classes I didn't enjoy, I liked to draw!

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a Senior Civil Designer?

I've worked on all kinds of Commercial, Residential, and Municipal development projects for nearly 25 years now. Taking a drive through a completed residential development and seeing all of the houses that are being turned into homes never gets old. It feels good to be creating these spaces for people to live and raise their families.

What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in business and how did you overcome it?

Working to achieve a healthy work \ life balance will always be a work in progress but, I feel I've been able to come a long way in this regard. By partnering with a wonderful employer at DPR.Design I have been able to remove myself from being stuck in an office, away from home, for a long block of time every day. The flexibility to be able to live my life and do my work when I choose to has been a tremendous boost to my well-being.

What business tips would you like to share with others?

Don't be afraid to share your expectations with your employer and what you expect from them. 

What has been your favorite part about working at ConnectWork on Main?

I love working remotely from home, but it is also nice to shake up the daily routine and get out of the house once in a while. ConnectWork on Main provides me an opportunity to come into town for the work day. I like to take walks around town during my lunch break and wrapping up the day down the street at Butler Brew Works is a nice bonus before heading home.

What inspires you?

I find that listening to the right music at the right time can be quite inspirational. Sometimes I remember back to a particular day I was feeling underappreciated, underpaid, and stuck in an office with the people making me feel this way. It felt like there was nothing I could ever do about it. Then I heard a, new to me at the time folk singer, sing “you might be the one running the show but, that don't mean you're in charge, I was looking for a job when I found this one, don't need the work like you need the work done”. I truly feel my mindset changed in that instant and I've never been the same since.

What do you do in your spare/free/extra time?

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife and kids at my family's nearby camp. I love the game of baseball. Way more than I should when you consider that my favorite team has not won a championship since the day I turned 10 months old. I enjoy doing DIY projects in my house and playing games with the kids.