Atlanta Braves fans may not give much thought to the drainage, walkways and other infrastructure at Truist Park, but Clemson University alumna Kate Triplett and her team certainly did.
“If we did our job right, you don’t notice it,” Triplett said.
And that is just how she likes it.
Triplett helped lead the site civil engineering work for Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, the adjacent retail, residential and entertainment district. Her team’s responsibilities included preparing the site, designing utilities and coordinating the relocation of three natural gas pipelines.
Triplett received her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 2008 from Clemson. She is now a senior vice president at Kimley-Horn in Atlanta, where she guides site development for projects ranging from hospitals to mixed-use communities. Her work includes reviewing plans, advising clients, writing proposals and mentoring younger engineers.
Her accomplishments recently landed her on Building Design+Construction’s “40 Under 40” list, recognition that reflects a career built on projects both large and small.
For Triplett, big-city success started in small-town South Carolina.
She grew up in Marion and Fort Mill, the daughter of an elementary school principal and a 5th-grade teacher. When it came time to choose a college major, she went for engineering because she enjoyed math and science and wanted a career with clear opportunities.
At Clemson, a challenging fluids course taught her to ask for help, while her capstone project gave her hands-on experience with the kind of site development work she now leads.
Triplett said she worked hard at Clemson but still found time to enjoy college life, including athletics and trips downtown.
“It felt safe, and it felt like home to be able to go around and see people I knew,” she said. “All of that together helped set me up to figure out how to do the next thing.”
Triplett also credits Clemson with broadening her perspective. Working with classmates from different backgrounds and learning to present technical ideas prepared her for a career that depends as much on communication and relationships as calculations.
Now Triplett returns to campus as a juror for the annual Springer Design Charrette and mentors young engineers through Kimley-Horn and other programs.
She remembers the encouragement she received as an intern and wants students to have similar access to professionals who can answer their questions.
“I want to make a real connection with them,” she said.
Farhang Forghanparast, a Clemson lecturer who leads the Springer Design Charrette, has seen Triplett’s commitment to students through her involvement in the event.
“Kate is an outstanding role model for our students and a wonderful example of what is possible with a Clemson engineering degree,” he said. “We are deeply grateful that she continues to give back to the university by sharing her time, expertise and experience with the next generation of engineers.”
Triplett, who is licensed as a professional engineer, urges civil engineering students to pursue licensure themselves. The credential allows engineers to sign and seal plans, builds credibility with clients and expands their career opportunities.
She advises taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam while coursework is still fresh and beginning the process of earning a PE license as early as possible.
“It gives you a little bit of control, kind of over your own career and destiny too,” she said.
For students hoping to follow her path, Triplett has another message: Accept challenging assignments, develop technical skills and speak up when they see a better solution.
“Take ownership,” she said. “Be willing to solve the problem. Be willing to push back a little bit.”
