Our Story
Who We Are
North Woods Engineering is based in Saranac Lake, New York. We provide our clients with general civil engineering services including water system, sanitary, structural, foundation, and transportation design, as well as planning, design review, environmental permitting, and construction inspection services. Our engineering staff is skilled in the design of new construction, renovations, and expansions. Our client base includes private individuals, local businesses, builders and contractors, and county/regional governmental agencies.
Staff
Joe Garso, P.E.
One of the founders of the firm, Joe received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University, and his Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. His diverse background includes decorated military service as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
His specialties include building and structural design, as well as heavy civil projects such as bridges and dams. A true design engineer, Joe’s strength lies in his practical problem-solving skills and hands-on approach.
Joe is a life member of the 10th Mountain Division Association, a certified Level 1 biathlon official, and a FIS/USSA Certified Homologation Inspector & Professional Course Designer (Nordic). He is grateful to assist in the re-development of the Olympic venues.
Tim Northrup, P.E.
Tim is a Professional Engineer licensed in N.Y.S. and received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from University of New Hampshire.
With North Woods since 2007, Tim’s expertise and work experience with the firm focuses on structural design and project management for commercial and residential buildings, boathouses and waterfront properties—with an emphasis on steel, masonry, concrete and timber design.
Some of Tim’s recent recent projects include structural design on the recently completed US Luge Association Headquarters Improvements, Hotel Saranac renovation and the Adirondack Experience West Exhibit Hall Renovation.
With a background in competitive alpine ski racing, including competing for the NCAA Div 1 ski team while at UNH, Tim takes great pride in North Woods’ work to reinvigorate Lake Placid’s Olympic facilities.
Ben Douglass, EIT
Ben joined North Woods Engineering in 2019 and has quickly become an integral team member focusing primarily on structural design and building code review.
Ben has a keen ability to efficiently model, analyze, and design a wide range of structure types. His project experience includes projects for residential, commercial, institutional, and government clients.
Some of Ben’s recent projects include structural design on the recently completed Olympic Sports Complex Mountain Coaster Buildings and the upcoming Saranac Lake Civic Center Addition and Renovation.
Originally from California, Ben earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining North Woods, Ben worked as a structural engineer in Washington, DC area, focusing on large commercial projects.
Joe Grant
Joe holds a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from Messiah University and is a recent addition to the North Woods team. In addition to his education and engineering internships, Joe applies his hands-on construction experience to provide thoughtful and pragmatic design solutions. At North Woods, he works on a variety of civil and structural engineering projects, and conducts construction observation.
In his free time, you can find Joe out on one of his bikes exploring the roads and trails of the Adirondacks.
Emily McBath
Emily has a Bachelor of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University. She has engineering and problem-solving experience from internships during her undergraduate time. With the North Woods team, Emily works on a range of civil engineering projects, both in the office and in the field.
Emily is a long-term volunteer in her hometown rescue squad. She competed collegiately in softball and continues her athletic pursuits in her free time.