Monday, August 18, 2025

Suha Atiyeh: Building Cities That Balance Progress and Sustainability

Engineering for People and Planet

The best cities serve both residents and the environment, and Suha Atiyeh is proving how that balance can be achieved. As a licensed engineer in Washington DC, Virginia, and the UK, her projects exemplify how urban growth and environmental responsibility can coexist.

A Solid Educational Foundation

Atiyeh began her journey at Clemson University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Her studies in structural systems, hydrology, and environmental engineering gave her the technical foundation to tackle real-world urban challenges.

Suha Atiyeh

 

Transforming Washington DC

Atiyeh’s work in the nation’s capital includes the Wheeler Road redevelopment, where she improved transportation flow while integrating eco-friendly stormwater management. On MLK Jr. Avenue, she balanced community mobility with sustainable design. At St. Elizabeths and Kenilworth Courts, she implemented permeable pavements, bioswales, and rain gardens—measures that reduce flooding and restore ecological balance.

Global Achievements in the UAE

Her international contributions are equally groundbreaking. In the UAE, she played a central role in Masdar City, a model for carbon-neutral development. She also spearheaded stormwater mitigation and water-quality assessments in the region, adapting her expertise to a vastly different climate and cultural setting.

Certifications That Drive Change

With accreditations including LEED AP, Envision Sustainability Professional, and Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional, Atiyeh ensures that her projects consistently exceed sustainability benchmarks. These credentials enable her to turn ambitious green goals into practical realities.

A Visionary Leader in Engineering

In her role as ICE Representative for the US Mid-Atlantic South Region, Atiyeh advocates for sustainable practices, educates peers, and mentors new engineers. Her leadership ensures that progress in civil engineering is matched by responsibility to the environment.

Through her projects and professional leadership, Suha Atiyeh is proving that sustainable progress is not only possible—it’s essential for the future of cities.