Naina Bhanot, EIT, LEED AP, has grown into a steady and trusted project leader, known for her confidence, ability to build trusted relationships, her intellectual curiosity that explores different ways of approaching a problem and wanting to learn something new, and commitment to delivering quality work on time.
Since joining SK&A, Naina has contributed to the structural design and coordination of a wide range of building projects across the mixed-use, residential, office, higher education, renovation, parking, data center, and arts + recreation market sectors. Her project portfolio includes many notable and award-winning projects throughout the region and beyond, including West Half Street, SE, Mixed-Use; Georgetown University H Street Housing; The Stacks Building C; Red Lion Redevelopment; Friendship Center Redevelopment; and Vanderbilt University Central Neighborhood in Nashville, TN.
West Half Street stands out as one of Naina’s most memorable projects. With the building sloping in one direction, every level presented a unique design challenge and reinforced what she enjoys most about structural engineering: helping turn design ideas into built structures through coordination, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. She also worked on 55 H Street at Georgetown University, the first major construction project in Washington, DC, to use the low-carbon concrete mix ECOPact, which went on to earn recognition from USGBC and Student Housing Business.
Beyond her project work, Naina continues to invest in SK&A’s culture and broader professional community. She has led SK&A’s participation in the Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games for several years, helping bring colleagues together in support of an important cause. She has also been involved with SEA-MW Young Members and St. Jude’s Walk/Run, and she joined and is an active member of SK&A’s AI Subcommittee and Thought Leadership Group.
Naina is also a member of the SK&A Fun Committee and readily takes on assignments that bring people together, including organizing company happy hours. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, dancing, hiking, photography, and cooking.
“Her large impact on the firm’s projects, its clients, and its staff makes her a standout with not just caring about getting the work done but attempting to get it done in a better manner, while strengthening the relationships she makes along the way.” ~ Walid E. Choueiri, PE, SE, Sr. Principal
