While many of us strive to make our own place in history, there are few who are able to play a critical role in the iconic structures that shape the landscape of New York City. Through his leadership, humility and drive, Konstantinos “Gus” Maimis ’84CE succeeded in playing a critical role in the World Trade Center site.

Gus Miamis '84CE

As project executive for the World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial Project, his professional experience connected him to the prominent structure commemorating the day 10 years ago when our nation was besieged. The culmination of his work and dedication to this particular project took center stage for the world to witness at the 10th anniversary ceremony remembering those lost when the World Trade Center towers were destroyed.

After spending his childhood in Carle Place, Long Island, he enrolled for a brief time at the University of Maryland’s school of engineering. He wanted to return to New York, but with one caveat. He wanted to attend a university with a stellar reputation in civil engineering. Enrolling at Poly met both criteria.

In the late 90s, he began thinking about striking out on his own. “I always wanted to have my own company and I wanted the challenge.” Like any new business, it had its fluctuations. “It was truly an eye-opening experience,” he says. “One of the first things I learned was that being a good project manager or being knowledgeable in the industry doesn’t make you a good businessperson. It was, at times, very humbling.” As if starting his own company was not enough to occupy all of his time, he also began teaching construction management courses at New York University—something he continues to do to this day.After graduating, he went to work for one of the industry titans, Lehrer McGovern Bovis. “I had an opportunity to learn from some great people on some major projects like the Westchester County Airport Terminal and the restoration of Grand Central Station,” says Maimis.

“ Being a part of the memorial project is an experience I will never forget.”

In 2008, he joined STV, an employee-owned, award-winning professional firm offering engineering, architectural, planning, environmental and construction management services. His first day on the job, the firm’s president, Milo Riverso, introduced him to the client at the WTC and the STV/Memorial team as the project executive with responsibility for the oversight and management of the memorial project’s construction activities. “I knew it was either ’sink or swim,’” says Maimis. “If it were not for our team, I would have sunk. They were the best! It is a tribute to all of the individuals who worked at the site—tradespeople, designers, contractors, consultants and clients—that we were able to reach this milestone.”

The project took Maimis and his team through a range of emotions. “At times it has been enjoyable…frustrating…humbling,” says Maimis. “The sheer size of the project was challenging and required sensitivity to everyone involved. The memorial is a place of
remembrance and a place to honor those who died in the attacks and the first responders—heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Being a part of the memorial project is an experience I will never forget.”