August Member Profile: Eric Focaraccio

Eric Focaraccio // Facility Design Specialist, Transit & Rail Architecture at WSP

Eric has a Master’s degree in Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. Since graduation, he has worked at WSP for 7 years initially as an Architectural Consultant on the NYC Transportation Facilities Group and is currently a Facility Design Specialist on the Fleet & Facilities division of the national Transit & Rail business line. His focuses have ranged from transit station ADA upgrades to the transition towards zero emissions bus maintenance facilities. He has great passion in the design towards a more inclusive, accessible, and healthier environment. With this passion, he has pursued the promotion of a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace through his involvement as a national Vice Chair of WSP Developing Professionals Network (DPN), committee member of WSP VIBE (Visibility & Inclusion in the Built Environment), member of the national WSP Inclusion & Belonging (I&B) Council, and currently the national Chair and founder of WSP APIC (Asian & Pacific Islanders Collaborative). He also has held board of directors and committee positions on Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) International and Build Out Alliance.

Witnessing the inaccessibility of all these stations first-hand, I would love to change all infrastructure instantly with a snap!

Why transportation?

I’ve been passionate and dedicated to the transportation industry since graduation. My summer internships and semester in Manhattan provided me with the first-hand experiences of utilizing public transit to accessibly navigate a huge city for its numerous opportunities. I grew up in the suburbia of California, where everyone needed a car and public transit wasn’t a viable option. I was excited to move across the country, where my experiences changed for the best and I was truly provided with the opportunity to understand the importance of public transportation to the livelihoods of millions of people.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

Ferry because it’s amazing to be out on a boat and be able to view the skyline of our different boroughs.

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

Who inspires you?

My mother is the most compassionate, hardworking, and supportive person that I know. I can only strive to be as amazing as her.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Never give up on your dreams and you don’t have to prove your worth just to fit in. You are worthy, seen, and we are proud of you.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

The energy transition for various transit agency bus fleets

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact?

The word “bus” comes from the Latin word “omnibus,” meaning “for all”