In this episode, we talk with Dr. Zahraa Saiyed, P.E., CEO of Scyma Consulting LLC, about how structural engineers are stepping up to lead disaster risk reduction engineering by rethinking building codes, engaging communities, and making resilience a shared responsibility.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Dr. Zahraa:
- How does disaster risk reduction engineering influence the way engineers design buildings, and how can they consider social vulnerability in high-risk areas?
- Can you share an example of a project in a marginalized community and explain how you made sure it was both equitable and resilient?
- What role do changes in building codes play in helping vulnerable communities become more resilient?
- If someone wants to get involved and make a difference, whether they’re an engineer, architect, or not in the industry, what’s a good way to start?
- What options do people have if they’re living in unsafe buildings and don’t have the resources to fix them?
- Do you have other examples of how inequality shows up in disaster resilience that people might not notice?
- What final piece of advice would you give to engineers who want to use their skills to help create more resilient and equitable communities?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Empowering Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction Engineering:
- Disaster risk reduction engineering shifts design goals toward buildings that people can safely return to after an event. Engineers who understand community needs help ensure vulnerable residents are not left behind.
- The Lima Safe Schools project combines seismic safety with community support by addressing issues like gang violence and bullying. Engineers work with educators, psychologists, and residents to create spaces that feel safe and stay strong.
- Building codes help set safety standards but often ignore older buildings where vulnerable people live. Engineers who advocate for equitable code updates make a bigger difference in protecting entire communities.
- Getting involved starts with raising awareness and building relationships at the community level. People who speak up and share what they know help shape safer and more informed neighborhoods.
- Many renters and low-income residents have no control over the safety of their homes. Engineers can support these communities by communicating risks clearly and advocating for resources on their behalf.
- People with time and money frequently participate in planning and safety programs, while others cannot. This gap leaves many at higher risk without the support they need to prepare or recover.
- Engineers who listen to local priorities and expand their role beyond design have a greater impact. Their work helps create lasting safety for communities that are often overlooked.
More Details in This Episode…
About Dr. Zahraa Saiyed, P.E., Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C, M. ASCE
Zahraa Saiyed, P.E., Associate AIA, LEED AP, M.EERI, 2011, is a multidisciplinary disaster risk reduction, public policy, and risk governance consultant with background and training as an architect, building scientist, structural engineer, and educator. She is a co-founder and principal of Scyma Consulting, located in the Bay Area; a research affiliate with MIT’s Urban Risk Lab; and a senior disaster risk reduction consultant for the World Bank, where she works on earthquake engineering, wildfire management, mental health, and community engagement. Zahraa has co-chaired the EERI Public Policy and Advocacy Committee since 2018. In this role, she has contributed to the advancement of seismic safety policies at all governmental levels, advocated on behalf of EERI, and facilitated the creation of regional public policy committees. She is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley in architecture and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in architecture and structural engineering with coursework from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Zahraa holds a doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University, where her research focused on equity and social vulnerability in earthquake and wildfire risk mitigation policies in the United States.
About the Hosts
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, and concrete parking structures and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Alexander Daddow, PE, CDT
Alex Daddow is a registered professional engineer in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in architectural engineering. Before joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2019, Alex was a consulting engineer working on podium structures, custom housing, bridges, historic retrofits, schools, and advanced foundation systems. He is now a senior strengthening solutions engineer and educates the industry on composite systems throughout the Pacific and Western regions. Alex also works directly with specifiers, installers, contractors, and plan reviewers, assisting them with the technical aspects of designing and building composite strengthening systems.
Sources/References:
Scyma Consulting LLC
Cal OES SAP
World Bank
MIT’s Urban Risk Lab
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI)
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)
ASCE
Union of Concerned Scientists
NCSEA
Seattle URM Mandate Program
Connect with Dr. Zahraa Saiyed, P.E., Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C, M. ASCE, on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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