Dan Reinke, PE
Digital Delivery Lead, Transportation
LOCATION: Columbus, Ohio
A Conversation With Dan:
What does “the most people‑centric AEC firm driven by technology” mean to you?
At GFT, our teams design critical infrastructure every day. Technology is part of everything we do, but what truly separates good from great is the people using it. Tools will always evolve, but strong fundamentals and skilled professionals remain at the core. Regardless of which tool we use, we still must abide by the laws of physics and nature to provide safe infrastructure. No matter how advanced our tools become, it’s our people and their understanding of the fundamentals that ultimately make the difference.
How does GFT approach digital delivery differently, and why is that mindset important for teams?
At GFT, digital delivery is central to how we deliver projects. We take a deliberate, structured approach, grounded in a clear framework and defined roles, that supports project teams throughout delivery.
We started with Transportation and Buildings & Places, where digital delivery is becoming increasingly integral to project delivery. In Transportation, the industry is shifting toward a Model as the Legal Deliverable (MALD), including pilot projects with minimal or no traditional plans, demonstrating the need for a clear digital delivery strategy.
Equally important, digital delivery represents a mindset shift; it’s not just about learning new software but about rethinking how projects come together. Even when PDFs remain the legal deliverable, they’re generated from the model. Prioritizing the model first and plans second is a significant change that empowers teams to deliver work more effectively.
Please describe a recent digital delivery success.
We pursued and won the Newark Bay–Hudson County Extension, Section 3 project for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Even without established digital delivery standards, the project required a Level of Development (LOD) 300 model, a first for both the client and the design team. We built and trained a team in OpenRoads and OpenBridge while developing the project workspace from the ground up. We successfully delivered the Phase A submittal in December 2025. While the project is still ongoing, it’s a major win and a great example of our flexibility within digital delivery workflows.
“Dan exemplifies how we’re advancing digital delivery at GFT by pairing technology with a people‑first mindset. He understands that digital delivery isn’t just about tools or software; it’s about empowering our teams to think differently, work smarter, and deliver better outcomes for our clients. That approach is exactly how we move closer to our goal of becoming the most people‑centric AEC firm driven by technology in North America.”
Greg Thompson
Chief Technology Officer
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I almost didn’t become a civil engineer. Early in my career, I seriously considered becoming an orthopedic surgeon and even went back to school to prepare for medical school. Ultimately, I chose engineering so I could start a family sooner. More than 25 years later, I’m still an engineer and glad I stayed the course.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Between work, my wife, three kids, a dog, and 10 acres of land, free time is limited. When I have it, I enjoy building and fixing things, cooking, grilling/smoking, spending time with my family, and working outdoors on our property.
This Employee Spotlight was originally published on April 7, 2026.
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Dan Reinke, PE
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