JIM LAU
Vice President / Director of Design and Environmental
RESUME
Jim Lau, RLA | Principal in Charge Mr. Lau brings more than 40 years of design, construction, and environmental planning experience, including 30 years with NYSDOT, where he led landscape architecture and aesthetic design for transportation projects across the New York metropolitan region. His award-winning work spans landscape architecture, architecture, and engineering design. At Strans Engineering, he provides executive oversight for project design, environmental compliance, NEPA coordination, and regulatory approvals, drawing on decades of experience working with agencies including FHWA, HUD, and FAA.
EXPERIENCE
PANYNJ JFK Redevelopment Project, Queens, NY
Deputy Project Manager | 2022–2023
Major design-build redevelopment of JFK Airport, including roadway reconstruction, utility relocation, and a new Ground Transportation Center. Responsible for implementation of Environmental Management Plans, SWPPP compliance, environmental coordination, technical staff oversight, and QA/QC review of design and construction documents.
HC-9R/QM-9R Fixed Fire Suppression Project
Environmental Manager
Environmental lead for the design-build installation of fixed fire suppression systems within the Hugh L. Carey and Queens Midtown Tunnels. Oversaw environmental compliance planning, contractor coordination, agency communication, construction monitoring, and implementation of OSHA-based environmental and safety requirements.
MTA P-36727 Commonwealth & Concourse Yard Substation
Environmental Manager
Provided environmental support for electrical infrastructure rehabilitation within an active rail yard. Responsibilities included hazardous materials oversight, noise and vibration monitoring, construction compliance, waste management coordination, and environmental review throughout construction activities.
Arthur Sheridan Enhancement Project, Bronx, NY
Environmental Design Manager | 2016–2020
Managed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process under NEPA for the conversion of the Sheridan Expressway into an urban boulevard. Oversaw environmental documentation, agency coordination, and project integration of streetscapes, public plazas, park connections, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Kew Gardens Interchange, Queens, NY
Environmental Manager | 2010–2022
Led environmental review and FHWA coordination for one of New York's largest transportation infrastructure projects. Managed NEPA approvals, wetlands permitting, environmental commitments, and design-build procurement support for a complex interchange serving approximately 600,000 vehicles daily.
Hunts Point Access Improvement Project, Bronx, NY
Environmental Manager | 2019–2022
Directed completion of the NEPA Environmental Impact Statement through FHWA Record of Decision approval. Coordinated wetlands permitting, Section 4(f) documentation, environmental commitments, and environmental review of design-build packages for major transportation improvements in the Hunts Point area
Kosciuszko Bridge Replacement Project, Brooklyn & Queens, NY
Environmental Manager & Landscape Architecture Supervisor | 2010–2022
Provided environmental and landscape architecture leadership for NYSDOT's award-winning bridge replacement program. Managed environmental commitments, permitting, public realm improvements, park and waterfront design elements, and coordination with FHWA, NYSDEC, USACE, and other regulatory agencies.
Maspeth Park, Queens, NY
Design Supervisor / Project Designer
Led design and implementation of a new community park associated with the Kosciuszko Bridge project. Responsible for project approvals, agency coordination, QA/QC, final contract documentation, and property transfer coordination with NYC Parks.
Sgt. William Dougherty Playground (Sarge's Skate Park), Brooklyn, NY
Design Supervisor / Project Designer
Managed design and development of recreational facilities associated with the Kosciuszko Bridge public realm improvements, including a skate park, playground, comfort station, spray area, and athletic courts. Oversaw agency coordination, QA/QC, and final project approvals.
Starlight Park, Bronx, NY
Design Supervisor / Project Designer
Served as Designer of Record for the redevelopment and expansion of Starlight Park as part of the Bronx River Greenway initiative. Responsible for design coordination, permitting, contract documentation, quality oversight, and construction support for recreational and waterfront improvements.
Bronx River Greenway, Bronx, NY
Design Supervisor / Project Designer
Directed planning and implementation of major greenway infrastructure reconnecting communities to the Bronx River through trails, bridges, parks, and public access improvements. Oversaw project development, permitting, design approvals, and coordination among NYSDOT, NYC Parks, and NYC agencies.
Swindler Cove Park, New York, NY
Project Manager / Consultant Manager
Managed the transformation of a former industrial waterfront site into a public park featuring wetlands, ponds, trails, recreational facilities, and environmental restoration elements. Responsible for permitting, agency approvals, contract administration, and overall project delivery.
1037 Raymond Blvd., 15 FL., Newark, NJ 07102
70 East Sunrise Hwy; Suite 500, Valley Stream, NY 11581
917-768-0003