Charles Mitchell served as Civil Project Engineer under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract supporting Smithsonian Institution facilities across the DMV region. His responsibilities included site investigation and analysis, grading and drainage design, stormwater management planning, utility coordination, and preparation of construction documents. He applied AutoCAD Civil 3D and hydrologic modeling tools to develop stormwater designs compliant with the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), Virginia DEQ, and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regulations. Charles also utilized site optimization software to achieve balanced earthwork and reduce construction costs across multiple sites.

Key projects included:

Dulles Swing Space Module – NASM Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA

Charles developed design documents for a major building expansion to support museum storage at the National Air and Space Museum. His work included demolition planning, grading, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and utility design. Due to the site’s proximity to active airspace, he ensured compliance with FAA and Dulles Airport regulations. He also contributed technical input toward the project’s LEED certification, focusing on sustainable site strategies.

Cheetah Conservation Facility – Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), Front Royal, VA

Charles led civil design for an approximately 80,000-square-foot cheetah containment area on steep, undeveloped terrain. He prepared site plans for grading, utilities, and erosion and sediment control, securing ESC permitting through Virginia DEQ. His use of site optimization software helped achieve a balanced grading design, minimizing earthwork and construction costs.

Gates 2 & 3 Roadway Improvements – SCBI, Front Royal, VA

For this roadway safety enhancement project, Charles coordinated final design documents and provided construction phase services. The improvements included upgrades to two vehicle entrances and a one-mile segment of a major VDOT roadway, incorporating turn lanes, shoulders, guardrails, and drainage systems to improve access and safety for visitors and staff.

Pod 6 Expansion – Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD

Charles developed conceptual site design documents for a major building expansion to support museum storage. His scope included demolition, grading, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and utility planning. He ensured compliance with MDE stormwater regulations and supported the project’s LEED certification pursuit by advising on sustainable site design strategies.

Across all assignments, Charles demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable design, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective engineering solutions that support the Smithsonian’s mission and operational needs.

Charles Mitchell served as Senior Project Engineer under the Architect of the Capitol’s Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, supporting civil/site design and engineering services for high-security and infrastructure improvement projects across the Capitol complex. His work involved site investigation, utility coordination, grading and drainage design, and preparation of construction documents in compliance with AOC standards and federal regulations. Charles collaborated closely with architects, MEP consultants, and AOC stakeholders to deliver technically sound and context-sensitive solutions within constrained urban environments.

Key projects included:

D Street Traffic Calming and Security Enhancements – HB18005, FHOB & OHOB, Washington, DC

Charles led civil engineering design for a high-priority initiative to improve pedestrian safety and security near the House of Representatives Child Care Center. The project involved traffic calming measures, ADA-compliant pedestrian access, and integration of security infrastructure including K-12 rated barriers, bollards, and guard kiosks. He oversaw topographic and utility surveys, coordinated with DC Metro and municipal agencies, and developed multiple schematic and full design options for directional traffic flow. His work supported the development of construction documents aligned with the AOC A/E Design Manual, including erosion and sediment control plans, stormwater management strategies, and hazardous materials assessments.

USCP Security Kiosks – Phases 1, 4 & 5, Capitol Complex

Charles provided civil/site design revisions for multiple security kiosk installations across the Capitol grounds. His scope included incorporating updated electrical service connections and revised kiosk footprints into existing site plans, coordinating with MEP consultants, and preparing backcheck and final construction document submissions. For Phase 5, he supported a restart of the 50% design phase, ensuring alignment with new security concepts and minimal disruption to existing site features. His work contributed to enhanced perimeter security while maintaining compliance with AOC design and environmental standards.

As Senior Civil Engineer supporting the architectural prime consultant, I led civil design efforts for the Smithsonian Institution’s NASM Udvar-Hazy Center Collections Storage Module Phase 3—a three-story facility designed to serve as both swing space for artifact storage during the National Mall Building renovation and a long-term solution for housing large air and space artifacts.

My responsibilities encompassed site layout, grading, stormwater management, utility coordination, and vehicular access design, all executed in compliance with Smithsonian Institution and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) standards. I developed erosion and sediment control plans, coordinated with local and federal agencies for permitting, and produced civil engineering deliverables for the 65%, 100%, and Final Bid Document phases.

To support the project’s LEED Gold certification goals, I integrated sustainable site strategies and low-impact development (LID) practices, contributing to the Smithsonian’s broader environmental stewardship objectives. These strategies included minimizing impervious surfaces, enhancing stormwater infiltration, and preserving natural site features where feasible.

A critical component of the project involved close coordination with MWAA to secure necessary permits and ensure regulatory compliance for all activities within airport jurisdiction. I also facilitated utility coordination with Fairfax Water, overseeing the design and execution of utility connections and relocations to support infrastructure improvements. This required navigating complex permitting processes, aligning project timelines with agency requirements, and maintaining clear communication among stakeholders to minimize disruptions and ensure successful implementation.

This project played a pivotal role in advancing the Smithsonian’s collections strategy by enhancing artifact preservation capabilities and operational efficiency at one of the nation’s premier museum campuses.