At Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI), we approach civil site design with a balance of technical precision and real-world practicality. Russ Edens, PE, Civil Site Designer, shares his journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in complex projects, and how thoughtful design helps bring lasting value to the clients and communities we serve.
What first sparked your interest in civil site design, and how has working at CCI helped you grow in this field?
My initial interest in civil site design began in my Senior Design class during college. I was tasked with performing a flood study for raising a pedestrian bridge out of the 100-year floodplain. I enjoyed the technical challenge, but what really piqued my interest was collaborating with the CCI team—my first time working with them. Their commitment to delivering meaningful, practical solutions left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of complex projects, all while being supported by a team that values innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a civil site designer?
For me, a typical day consists of drafting plans, performing drainage calculations, and preparing documents for permitting, such as drainage reports and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). I also regularly meet with clients, utility boards, and local municipalities to ensure our designs both meet our clients’ needs whilst remaining compliant with local regulatory standards.
What’s one project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of, and what made it so rewarding for you?
The first project that comes to mind is a flood study I worked on for road widening along Wilkinson Pike in Maryville. Since Wilkinson Pike crosses a creek, we had to ensure that the road widening would not cause a rise in the 100-year floodplain. After a few design iterations, we were able to find a box culvert size and configuration that would prevent the 100-year floodplain from rising.
There are several reasons why I enjoyed this project. First, there aren’t many firms with the technical experience required to perform flood studies, so I am excited to be part of a team that are able to take on these difficult projects. We can ensure the community benefits from our services while preventing any unintended consequences. Secondly, several teams within CCI were a part of this project, including CCI Survey, Civil Site, and Transportation. I always enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with coworkers I don’t typically work with day-to-day—it brings fresh perspectives to light and broadens my understanding of different engineering disciplines. Finally, this project was especially meaningful to me because flood studies were what first sparked my interest in civil site design—so seeing that come full circle was satisfying.
Site design often requires balancing practical constraints with creative solutions. Can you share a time when you had to solve a particularly tricky design challenge?
Recently, I’ve been working on a proposed apartment complex in Knox County where we faced a unique design challenge. The property includes a historic house near the road frontage, and we needed to preserve the house, its parking lot, and maintain access, all while planning the new development around it.
The challenge came from the original design, requiring the site the site to be raised and necessitating approximately 155,600 cubic yards of fill, which would have made the development cost-prohibitive. After several design iterations, we found a solution: relocating the access driveway from the front of the parking lot to the rear and incorporating a few retaining walls. This adjustment allowed us to lower the rest of the site and eliminate nearly all of the required fill, making the project far more feasible without compromising access or preservation goals.
Civil site design often involves working closely with a team of engineers, surveyors, and other professionals. What’s your favorite part about collaborating with others?
My favorite part about working with others is seeing how different team members approach problem-solving. I enjoy the unique insights and creative solutions they bring to the table. It’s a great way to learn and find better outcomes together!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about civil site design that you wish you’d known when you first started your career?
One lesson I’ve gained a deeper understanding of is the old saying, “The devil is in the details.” In site design, it’s imperative to have a complete understanding of the surrounding area. One small oversight during design can cause major issues in construction. That’s why it’s so critical to stay on top of things like utility locations, landscape buffers, parking requirements, setbacks and other site-specific details from the very beginning.
Russ’s passion for problem-solving and collaboration reflects the heart of CCI’s approach to civil site design—thoughtful, innovative, and community-focused. If you’re interested in building a career where your work contributes to meaningful, real-world impact, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. To see the diverse civil site projects our team has delivered, visit our project portfolio.
