What happens when engineering decisions rely too heavily on software—and not enough on real-world experience?

In this episode of Structural Integrity, Tim Miller sits down with veteran civil engineer Tom Hoover to break down what actually goes into site design, drainage, and development planning. From subdivisions and commercial projects to city approvals and grading strategy, Tom shares what decades in the field have taught him—lessons you won’t find in a textbook or a CAD file.

This isn’t just about computers getting it wrong. It’s about understanding the land, respecting the process, and knowing when experience overrides what the screen says.

What We Talked About

• Why civil engineering is everything outside the building—and why it matters more than most people think
• How dra ...