GHA Connections: Cesar Aguirre

 

As part of Gewalt Hamilton Associates’ (GHA) growing Water Resources Division, Cesar Aguirre contributes to projects that enhance drainage systems, reduce flood risks, and improve stormwater management. But for him, technical expertise is only part of the job. He is just as interested in how engineering responds to changing needs, from advances in technology to shifts in funding and regulation.

Engineering was never just about technical design to Cesar; it was about its real-world impact. Whether improving municipal stormwater systems or tackling flood mitigation, he considers how projects affect communities and adapt to environmental challenges. The bigger picture always mattered to him. He didn’t just want to work on projects – he wanted a career where his work created a tangible, lasting difference.

Early Career and the Road to GHA

Initially, architecture seemed like the right path, offering a clear, visible impact through design, but attending Marquette University opened his eyes to other possibilities. As Cesar took more classes, structural engineering originally stood out for its mix of problem-solving and design, but it wasn’t until he studied hydrology and water resources that he found a field that truly resonated.

“Flooding, stormwater runoff, environmental changes – water is constantly moving and shaping the world around us,” he says. “It made civil engineering feel like somewhere I could make a real difference.” Unlike fixed structures, water systems are shaped by forces beyond human control, requiring engineers to solve problems that are always shifting. “The real goal isn’t just designing something, it’s making sure it keeps working over time,” he adds. “Everything is always changing, and that constant adaptation is what makes it exciting.”

Marquette provided the foundation, but it was his two internships that helped him determine the kind of engineer he wanted to be. During his first internship with the Lake County Division of Transportation, he gained early experience with civil engineering projects. The work gave him practical engineering experience, but much of it involved repetitive cross-section modeling and standardized roadway tasks. “By the end of the summer, I think I could have done cross-sections in my sleep,” he jokes. While valuable, it didn’t offer the variety he wanted. His second internship was a completely different story, offering exactly what he was looking for.

Cesar arrived at GHA in the summer of 2021 eager to learn, and he quickly realized there was even more waiting for him. One day he was out in the field, the next he was surveying, overseeing construction, or refining designs. The variety gave him firsthand insight into the diverse experiences GHA offers its interns and employees, as well as the expertise it provides the communities it serves. “It was great to experience so many different parts of a project,” he says. “Seeing how fieldwork ties into design made everything feel more connected.” As the summer progressed, the team continued to give him more opportunities to take on greater responsibilities across his work. “By the end of the summer, I had the confidence to work more independently, knowing I was part of a team that trusted me to take on more.” That level of trust was something he valued, and when GHA offered him a full-time position before his senior year, the decision was easy. “Knowing I had a job lined up before my last year of school took a huge weight off my shoulders,” he says. “I didn’t have to worry about applications or interviews. I could just focus on my schoolwork.”

Developing Technical Expertise

Since joining GHA full-time, Cesar has worked on a range of stormwater, flood control, and drainage improvement projects. Each project comes with its own challenges, requiring a balance of precision, environmental responsibility, and community priorities.

Among the projects he has contributed to:

• Lake Zurich School District 95 Construction Observation – A fast-paced introduction to construction oversight during his internship. Working in the field gave him firsthand experience in how designs translate into built infrastructure.
• MWRD Prairie Creek Flood Control – Assisted with hydraulic modeling and GIS data compilation for a large-scale flood mitigation project.
• Willow Trails Park Flood Control – Conducted hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to support FEMA grant applications, ensuring funding for storm sewer and flood storage improvements.
• Route 45 Open Space Flood Control – Led the hydrologic analysis for a flood mitigation project on a 72.5-acre site, integrating multiple datasets to assess existing and proposed conditions.

For Cesar, these projects highlight the importance of seeing beyond the numbers. “Flooding and stormwater management affect everyone in different ways,” he says. “It affects residents dealing with flooding, communities thinking about future environmental effects, and municipalities trying to manage it all within their budgets.”

A Forward-Thinking Approach to Water Resources

Cesar is just as interested in where the field is headed as he is in the work itself, especially when it comes to the role of technology and data collection in water resources engineering. “As GHA continues to grow, I can see us developing in-house data tools that take our modeling and analysis even further,” he says. “That’s something I’m really excited about.”

While advancing technology will shape the future of water resources, it’s only part of the equation. The success of a project also depends on funding, approvals, and policy decisions, an area that started to catch his attention. A senior-year microeconomics course deepened his curiosity about how financial cycles and market conditions influence civil engineering work. “Grant funding plays a huge role in stormwater projects, but when the economy shifts, priorities can change,” he says. “It’s something I want to continue learning about, particularly its impact on the work we do.”

Connection to Community and the Outdoors

Few things are more rewarding to him than seeing the difference projects make in the communities he knows best. Growing up in Gurnee and now living in Waukegan, he values the opportunity to contribute to the places that shaped him. Many of GHA’s clients are based in Lake County, and working on improvements to local communities makes his projects feel even more meaningful. “It’s really rewarding to work on projects in places I know well,” he says. “You see how these improvements make a difference for the people who live here.”

Cesar’s connection to the outdoors goes beyond engineering, it’s something he has always prioritized. He enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring the trails along the Des Plaines River, a way to step away from the built environment and reconnect with nature. Biking is something he hopes to pick up again after years away from it. “I keep saying I need to get back into it,” he jokes. “Maybe this is the year I actually do.”

His love for animals is another big part of his life, especially dogs, but lately, he has been adjusting to something new – his mom’s recent adoption of a cat. “The first few visits after my mom adopted her cat, my dog wasn’t sure what to think,” he recalls with a smirk. “Honestly, I wasn’t either, but they’ve started figuring each other out.”

His taste spans a range of genres, but he especially enjoys concerts that bring intensity and energy. “I love the chaos of a great live show,” he says. “Mosh pits, everyone yelling the lyrics, just feeding off that energy. It makes the whole experience.” That feeling is what draws him to live music again and again.

Looking Ahead

Cesar sees continued opportunities for growth at GHA, both for himself and the Water Resources Division. As the team tackles larger-scale flood mitigation and stormwater projects, he looks forward to putting his skills to work in new ways. “It has been exciting to see the types of projects we are working on,” he says. “Every year, they get more complex, and I want to keep growing along with them.”

He also values the culture of collaboration at GHA, where employees at all levels are encouraged to share ideas, develop new skills, and play an active role in every project. “There is always something new to learn,” he says. “Being surrounded by people who are willing to share their knowledge is something I really appreciate.”

As GHA continues to grow, he is excited to be part of a team that is tackling complex challenges and shaping the future of the field. With a strong foundation in place, he is focused on continuing to expand his expertise, refine his technical skills, and stay engaged with the evolving landscape of water resources engineering. “Quality engineering is not only about good design work. It is about solving real problems in a way that lasts.”