About US
AWB Engineers was forming long before Andrew W. Booth, P.E., organized it as a professional design firm that focused primarily on complex projects for manufacturing and food processing clients. After receiving Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Structural Engineering, Mr. Booth worked for a number of defense and aerospace organizations doing state of the art design and computerized structural analysis from 1964 to 1973. In July 1973, after becoming a registered Civil Structural Engineer, Mr. Booth became Vice President of Carroll Engineering Company, a structural engineering firm headquartered in Baltimore, MD, and opened their branch office in Salisbury, MD that fall. In April 1977, he founded the Moducrete Corporation in Delmar, DE, a prestressed concrete company producing concrete double tee wall and roof panels.
MEET OUR PRINCIPALS
MATTHEW R. SMITH // President
Structural Engineer
Mr. Smith is a structural engineer who started with the firm in 1994. He is a professional engineer and is currently licensed in the states of Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. His areas of focus include project management and structural design of steel, concrete, masonry and timber buildings. Mr. Smith is the President of the firm and is a member of the firm's Board of Directors.
Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Smith is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Mr. Smith lives in Salisbury with his wife Nikki and their 9 children. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth sports, is an active member in his church, and is involved in various community organizations.
JOHN R. SHAHAN // VICE President
PROCESS Engineer
Mr. Shahan is a structural engineer who started with the firm in 1986. He is a professional engineer and is currently licensed in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee. His areas of focus include poultry processing and related facilities including cold storage warehouses. Mr. Shahan is the Vice President of the firm's Board of Directors.
Mr. Shahan has over thirty years experience in project management and engineering design. His responsibilities have focused on the design and layout of food processing and food distribution facilities. Mr. Shahan's experience as a Plant Engineer gives him valuable insight into production demands and limitations of a food processing and distribution plant. In 1988, Mr. Shahan was registered as a Mechanical Engineer and has experience in controlling and maintaining plant environments (i.e. HVAC and Refrigeration Design).
Mr. Shahan holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA).
Mr. Shahan lives in Allen, Maryland with his wife Lisa. He is a church member and trustee, Lions Club member and Boy Scout leader, in his spare time he enjoys hunting and fishing.
LAYNE S. BYNUM // SECRETARY | TREASURER
ARCHITECT
Mr. Bynum is an architect who started with the firm in 1994. He is a registered architect and is currently licensed in the states of Arizona, Idaho, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Washington. His areas of focus include project management and the architectural design of commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities. Mr. Bynum is the Secretary and Treasurer of the firm and is a member of the firm's Board of Directors.
Mr. Bynum has over twenty-five years of experience in architectural design, technical documentation, and project management. During this time, the diverse nature of his design work has included regional product distribution facilities, industrial and manufacturing facilities, automotive dealerships, religious facilities, banquet centers, fire stations, retail establishments, and professional office buildings.
Mr. Bynum holds an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology from Delaware Tech. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Association of Licensed Architects, the International Code Council, the Construction Specification Institute, and the National Fire Protection Association.
Mr. Bynum lives in Allen with his wife Angela and their son, Logan. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, serving in his church, and volunteering as a firefighter.
MATTHEW M. MORGAN
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Mr. Morgan is a Mechanical Engineer who started with the firm in 2004. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional and has been since 2009. Mr. Morgan is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Morgan has over twenty years of experience in Plumbing and HVAC Design and Project Management of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing projects. His design work includes industrial and manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical facilities, professional office buildings, fire stations, hotel facilities, automotive dealerships, product distribution, and warehouse facilities. He also assists clients with implementation of energy efficient and sustainable building practices to obtain LEED Certification for commercial projects.
Mr. Morgan holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a Bachelors in Physics from Salisbury University. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) as well as the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE).
Mr. Morgan lives in Salisbury with his wife Sarah and daughter, Lily. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, trying new restaurants and attending various sporting events.
PAWEL S. SZCZURKO
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Mr. Szczurko is a Mechanical Engineer who started with the firm in 2008. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. His areas of focus include project management and the HVAC design of commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities. Mr. Szczurko is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Szczurko has over twelve years experience in project management and engineering design. Mr. Szczurko’s design experience of plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems allows him to have a valuable understanding of industrial, commercial and manufacturing facility needs. He also assists clients with implementation of energy efficient and sustainable building practices to obtain LEED Certification for commercial projects.
Mr. Szczurko holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Mr. Szczurko lives in Salisbury with his wife Sara and 3 daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his family, serving in his church and performing various home projects.
sTAFF Stories
Vivek Kannan
STAFF ENGINEER
We don’t just hire based on experience; we look for a combination of credentials and character. Vivek is an excellent example of the ideal candidate that AWB Engineers always seeks. After moving from India and obtaining his Master’s degree, he found his home with us, and we are honored to have his expertise in our arsenal.
At AWB, it's not just about work – it's about family and growth. Join our close-knit team, where hard work and strong character are valued.
“AWB is a great place to start, with excellent mentorship. If you’re stuck in a particular industry, AWB offers a variety of work. I’m glad I made the move; the atmosphere here is supportive, and they recognize the importance of balancing work with other aspects of life.”
ERIC BRADLEY
Design Tech II
Eric Bradley is a Structural Engineering Tech at AWB Engineers. He enjoys working with his helpful coworkers, especially Matt, who guides him through things he doesn't understand. This helps him grow and learn in his career.
Eric does both drafting and structural engineering work. He designs structural systems, and works with architects and other engineers. He enjoys working across disciplines, and feels that it gives him a well-rounded understanding of the field.
“I definitely recommend AWB Engineers to anyone looking for a structural engineer career.”
steven PAULING
Engineering Tech
Meet Steven Pauling, an Electrical Engineering Tech at AWB Engineers. Starting as an intern, Steven has dedicated ten years to our team, primarily focusing on lighting and power systems. His commitment and expertise have made him an invaluable asset to our company and an integral part of our valued company culture.
“AWB will help you grow in whatever direction you’d like to grow. We’re a family here and I enjoy coming here every day.”
Edward Taylor
Engineering Tech
Edward Taylor, an Engineering Tech at AWB, expresses his satisfaction with his workplace, highlighting the numerous opportunities for growth and the supportive environment provided by the company. Edward specializes in designing stormwater management systems and site layouts for commercial and industrial projects, such as stormwater ponds and parking lots. AWB Engineers offers comprehensive services, including civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, architectural, and structural planning, making it a one-stop solution for clients looking to develop their properties.
“Here at AWB, they give you a lot of opportunity. They see potential in people and want you to grow. They want you to be a part of the team and company.”
RHEA Bowden
Design Tech II
Rhea Bowden, Design Tech at AWB Engineers, reflects on her experience and states, "I've worked at many different places in my career, but the people here at AWB Engineers truly care." As a key member of the team, Rhea is responsible for creating design plans for plumbing and HVAC systems, collaborating with talented colleagues to develop cutting-edge and innovative designs that meet client requirements and industry standards.
“I’ve worked at many different places in my career, but the people here at AWB Engineers truly care.”
matt Smith
President/Principal Engineer
Matt Smith, who serves as the President of AWB Engineers, takes great pride in the quality of work that his company produces. One of the ways they achieve this is through having full design capabilities in-house, allowing them to provide a comprehensive range of design services for industrial and food and beverage projects. With expertise in architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, plumbing engineering, and electrical engineering, AWB Engineers is a one-stop-shop for all design needs.
“I came to AWB Engineers with very little technical skills when it comes to structural engineering but I was mentored and given an opportunity to grow and to learn, and that’s been the case with everybody.”
pawel Szczurko
Principal Engineer
Pawel Szczurko, a Principal Engineer, joined AWB Engineers in 2008 with little knowledge of the construction industry. He commends AWB for training him to become the engineer he is today. Pawel’s role at AWB comes with many responsibilities including leading HVAC system design and managing industrial and commercial projects.
“I see my future here. I consider AWB like my second home. I would not be able to be a principal engineer without AWB. I think it is an incredible place to work because everybody supports each other.”