Robert Otani,

P.E., LEED AP BD+C

CTO and Managing Principal at Thornton Tomasetti and Founder of CORE Studio

A structural engineer, technology leader, educator, and Chief Technology Officer at Thornton Tomasetti, Robert K. Otani, P.E., LEED AP BD+C brings deep expertise in automation, computational modeling, research and development, advanced analysis, and structural innovation.

With a career rooted in civil engineering, construction management, structural engineering, and design technology, he helps the built world apply scientific and engineering principles to solve complex challenges across buildings, infrastructure, special structures, and emerging project delivery methods.

His work connects structural engineering, software development, advanced computational modeling, applications development, and firm-wide innovation, helping project teams turn complex design problems into smarter systems, stronger workflows, and more informed technical decisions.

Robert specializes in advancing automation, computational modeling, and research-driven technology across structural engineering and the built environment.

As CTO and Managing Principal at Thornton Tomasetti, Robert oversees work focused on applications development, advanced computational modeling, and research and development. As founder of CORE Studio, Robert also helps guide the firm’s CORE Lab and advising its innovation accelerator, TTWiiN.

His background at Thornton Tomasetti, Arup, Parsons Brinckerhoff which is now part of WSP, Pratt Institute, Columbia University, and the Structural Engineers Association of New York gives him a sharp perspective on how engineering practice, education, professional leadership, and technology adoption shape the future of complex project delivery.

He understands that innovation in the built environment must be grounded in technical rigor, structural performance, interdisciplinary coordination, and the ability to translate advanced tools into real project value for designers, builders, owners, and communities.

Robert’s work reflects a deep passion for engineering, computation, research, education, and high-performance design. He continually brings technical depth, creative problem-solving, analytical precision, and innovation leadership to the conversations shaping the future of the built environment.

Robert K. Otani Joins DATM 2026 As An Automation, Computational Modeling, and Structural Innovation Voice Empowering Built World Leaders Through Research-Driven Technology.

By connecting engineering, software development, advanced analysis, and firm-wide innovation, Robert helps the built world turn complex challenges into smarter systems, stronger structures, and more intelligent project delivery.