Charles H. Thornton: A Life of Elegant Solutions: A Memoir by Charles H. Thornton PhDPE with Amy Blades Steward

Charles Thornton is the preeminent structural engineer of his generation, and indeed came up with many Elegant Solutions to structural engineering problems--probably the most prominent is his structural engineering for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is among the tallest buildings in the world, and which enables an exceptionally appealing design. But Thornton is much more than a preeminent structural engineer. He is very much a business builder--he first co-created the Thornton Tomasetti structural engineering firm, the best-known structural engineering firm in the US. He ensured that this engineering business would last beyond him by devising an employee ownership program that kept much of the talent he had assembled, then retired so that the 2nd generation could run the firm. But Charlie is retired only from Thornton Tomasetti. In "retirement," he is running half a dozen structural engineering-related businesses, including TGE Top Down, a firm that is implementing a form of top down construction which reduces overall construction costs by 20-40%, labor costs by 20-40%, and embodied carbon by 48-50% as compared with traditional construction. He is also an educator and philanthropist, and continues as emeritus chair of the philanthropy that he has spent his professional life creating, ACE, which smooths the path of young graduates into the engineering world. After reading this book, you may well want to drop whatever you are doing and become a structural engineer! He is still going strong at 82!

This is quite an inspiring story of dedication to excellence. Well written with lots of humor and wisdom that could be applied by anyone. Every high school and college student, no matter what his or her field should read this account but especially engineering or architectural students.Dr. Thornton explains the principals and values that led him to build one of the most successful structural engineering firms in the world in an interesting narrative voice.Well done.

As an ACE Mentor I really enjoyed learning more about Charles Thornton, the founder of ACE Mentor Program. This book is a great blend of personal, professional, and volunteer works of Mr. Thornton. Mr. Thornton has influenced the lives of many adult professionals and high school students, this book is an extension of those influences. I am both challenged and inspired after reading this book.

If you really want an insight into how to grow a successful business in the engineering, construction industry, you must read this. There is no better guide for how to find, culture and grow clients, and have fun doing it. While making the clients happy.Charlie is unique and driven and we can all learn from his example.And he lives life to the fullest. We need more Charlie Thorntons in this world.And thank you for ACE.

One of the best books I have read in my life.Filled with common sense "which is not common"I highly recommend it for all people interested in the construction industry .Donald LandisPresident, Epic Metals Corp

Simple and truthful. Great book for entrepreneurs in engineering!!

Interesting personal story of the background on one of the most interesting people I have ever known.

I loved the book. I bought copies for all my children. I went to high school with Charlie and am amazed at what he accomplished.

A fascinating insight into the life of a brilliant man. It should be read by all those wishing to take up some form of engineering.and even if they do not, the advice given will set them up for any future career. Young and old will surely benefit from Charles H. Thornton's interesting life and wise philosophy which is written in such a warm and easy style.