Thomas Krawitz, PE, Joins IEA as Senior Project Manager in Austin
A Career Dedicated to Strengthening Texas Communities
When the devastating Central Texas floods happened in July 2025, there was no time for business as usual. Communities needed to be reconnected, and they needed it fast.
During the floods, Cow Creek Bridge in Travis County was damaged. The community surrounding it needed a solution quickly. Thomas Krawitz, PE, knew that the solution was bigger than just a design deadline. It was about restoring a connection between two communities torn apart.
The same commitment to serving communities has helped shape Thomas’s career. From emergency response projects like Cow Creek Bridge to rural safety improvements, his focus has been on making a difference in people’s lives. After 28 years of designing and delivering transportation projects across the state of Texas, Thomas brings that same dedication to IEA as Senior Project Manager for the Austin office.
“What stood out about Thomas was his deep understanding of the TxDOT delivery process and his proven success managing complex transportation projects,” said Shakeel Ahmed, PE, IEA’s CEO and Principal. “With more than 150 projects delivered throughout his career, he brings the experience, leadership, and credibility that help clients achieve successful outcomes.”
Delivering When Communities Need It Most
One of the clearest examples of Thomas’s leadership came during the RM-1431 Cow Creek Bridge Emergency Replacement Project. Following the floods, Thomas’s team faced a quick timeline to develop plans that would allow construction to begin and restore an important connection for the surrounding community.
Thomas quickly brought together a multidisciplinary team of roadway designers, bridge engineers, hydraulics specialists, utility coordinators, and other technical experts. To keep everyone aligned, he developed a plan for responsibilities and coordinated closely with the team throughout the accelerated design process.
“The biggest challenge was making sure everyone understood exactly what pieces they were responsible for,” Thomas said. “Being able to work together in person, move from designer to designer, and solve issues in real time was critical.”
The team delivered a plan set in just 10 days, allowing construction to move forward quickly. The project was completed in 29 days with minimal change orders during construction.
For Thomas, the project represented more than a successful delivery. It was an example of what transportation engineering can accomplish when people come together to solve a problem and serve a community in need.
“Thomas is the type of leader who inspires confidence when challenges are at their greatest,” said Shakeel. “He combines technical expertise with a calm, collaborative leadership style that brings out the best in his teams. His successful leadership of the emergency RM-1431 Cow Creek Bridge Replacement demonstrated not only his ability to deliver under extraordinary circumstances, but also his commitment to serving communities when they need it most.”
While high-profile transportation projects often receive the most attention, some of Thomas’s most meaningful work has come from projects that quietly improve everyday life.
“The big stuff gets all the attention,” Thomas said. “But a lot of my low-profile projects were some of my most rewarding ones.”
Thomas points to safety improvements as some of the projects he is most proud of, including efforts to address roadway safety concerns and improve mobility for smaller communities. These projects may not always have the visibility of major corridor improvements, but their impact can be significant for the people who use those roadways every day.
This can be seen in the SH-29 at CR-252 near Burnet, Texas, which widened the roadway and installed a continuous left-turn lane following a fatal crash. The project was developed to improve safety and reduce conflicts along the corridor.
“I really took pride in fixing and improving the safety and mobility of slightly more rural locations that don’t get the accolades that the bigger or high-profile projects get,” said Thomas.
That perspective has guided Thomas throughout his career by listening to the challenge, bringing the right people together, and developing solutions that improve safety and mobility for the communities that depend on them.
As IEA continues to grow across Central Texas, Thomas brings experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for strengthening the communities that infrastructure connects.
Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and camping, riding his Harley, and cheering on his son at baseball games.
Please join us in welcoming Thomas to IEA. We look forward to the leadership, experience, and community-focused perspective he will bring to our clients, our team, and the communities we serve.
