Smoothing the Road Ahead:
Brian Metcalf
Senior Design Engineer
Published September 2026
Seeing around corners to keep complex projects moving forward.
29
Years in Industry
Seeing Around the Corner
For Brian Metcalf, great engineering is as much about designing a system that works as it is about anticipating what comes next.
As a Senior Design Engineer at Diversified, Brian has built his approach around the simple philosophy: “Smooth the road for everyone downstream of us.” That means identifying complexities, limitations and small details early—before they become bigger challenges for the teams responsible for bringing a project to life.
It’s a mindset developed over decades in AV, but his instinct for figuring out how things work started much earlier.
5
Years with Diversified
From Basement Projects to AV Engineering
Brian’s interest in technical design began in his parents’ basement, where he spent his high school years building electronics from Radio Shack parts and project books. Around the same time, a mechanical drafting class introduced him to his school’s new AutoCAD workstation. Instead of working through the two-inch-thick manual, he stayed after school and taught himself by experimenting.
While studying at the University of Connecticut, that curiosity led him to a co-op opportunity as a CAD drafter with HB Communications. Brian spent the next 24 years with the company, progressing from drafting into engineering while gaining experience in programming, commissioning and project management.
1
Bernese Mountain Dog
named Mack
Engineering Beyond the Drawing
Brian owns the drawings that guide teams through project delivery, but his role extends well beyond documentation.
His job is to “see around the corner”—identifying technical complexities, questioning assumptions and considering how decisions made during design will affect installation, commissioning and close-out. When something unexpected happens, experience helps him find another path forward.
That’s also what keeps complex projects interesting. Tight schedules, design changes, procurement issues and unforeseen site conditions create new problems to solve and new opportunities to learn.
But he’s quick to point out that engineering doesn’t happen in isolation. Sophisticated projects draw on expertise from across Diversified, making collaboration essential to finding the right solution.
4
Grown Kids
Making the Team Smarter
That collaborative mindset extends to Brian’s work with Diversified’s Global Capabilities Center (GCC), where he has invested time in mentoring and building relationships with colleagues supporting projects remotely.
He believes teams get out of those relationships what they put into them. Clear inputs, teaching opportunities and one-on-one connections help develop colleagues while expanding the capabilities of engineering teams across the organization.
It’s all part of making each other smarter—and making the road smoother for whoever comes next.
3
States Lived In
The Human Side of Engineering
Brian’s work puts him in conversations with clients, account executives, project managers, engineers and specialists across Diversified. Keeping everyone aligned requires more than technical knowledge.
Clear communication matters. So do empathy, humility and understanding what someone else needs to move forward.
That philosophy shapes his definition of success. Engineering may be only one part of the client experience, but every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate the depth of talent behind Diversified. When clients are impressed not just by the technology but by the people delivering it, he sees that as a win for everyone.
1
Red Bull Per Day
Staying Hungry
After decades in AV, Brian still approaches engineering as a learner.
His advice to someone entering the field is simple: be a hungry learner. Maintain a questioning attitude, accept that you’ll never know everything and learn where to find the answers. Just as importantly, build relationships with the people who can help you find them.
That’s one reason Diversified continues to appeal to him. The company’s depth of expertise, combined with sophisticated, bespoke and large-scale projects, means there is almost always something new to learn or a new challenge to tackle.
Even after decades in the industry, some projects still make Brian think, “Wow, I get to be part of this?”
He doesn’t expect that feeling to get old anytime soon.
Standards of Excellence in Action
Success doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a plan and dedication. At Diversified, our collective success is driven by:
People
The foundation of our organization and community. Without people, there are no actions, ideas or progress. They are the ones who bring skills, creativity and energy to any endeavor.
Purpose
The reason our associates act. A clear purpose provides direction and motivation. It’s the “why” behind actions and efforts, aligning the collective efforts of people towards a common goal.
Performance
The outcome of our associates working towards a purpose. Performance measures how effectively the purpose is being achieved. It’s a reflection of how well people apply their skills and efforts in pursuit of the organization’s goals.
Passion
The emotional drive that fuels our associates’ efforts. Passion enhances commitment and perseverance, making people more engaged and motivated to excel. It can transform ordinary performance into extraordinary achievements.
