Matt Villanueva is Primera’s leading roadway expert possessing all the qualities of a great engineer, teammate, and mentor. He believes in the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to make for a more productive and effective experience for colleagues and clients alike. “When people are learning from each other, it not only builds a sense of community, but it also helps us solve issues quicker and more effectively,” he explains. “I had great mentors as a younger engineer out of school, and I try to pass down what I can to help grow our talented group from within. Having a learning culture really empowers our engineers to make better decisions.” Matt oversees Primera’s major roadway projects and is also our in-house maintenance-of-traffic (MOT) expert. With nearly 15 years of experience in the planning, study, and design of transportation projects, he has mastered the ability to see the big picture and place himself in the client’s shoes to deliver projects at the highest level of quality. He is also well-versed in the development of contract plans and documents including highway geometrics, traffic control and staging plans, signing, traffic analyses, special provisions, quantities and cost estimates, and preparation of public meeting exhibits.

Matt studied civil engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He worked for several years as a roadway design engineer before joining Primera’s Transportation division and quickly moving up the ranks as one of the firm’s strongest roadway designers.

When he’s not looking at roadway designs, Matt is busy looking behind a lens moonlighting as a professional photographer. He owns his own photography business that focuses on family portraits, engagements, and weddings. He’s also an avid bicyclist and coffee enthusiast who enjoys making time to give back to inner city youth programs. He shares his story with students in the hopes of inspiring them to pursue roles in STEM fields as well.