Thomas & Hutton Expands Charlotte Team with New Hires

Engineering firm welcomes environmental designer and intern to support growing operations in the region.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:27am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a selection of architectural and engineering tools and materials, such as drafting instruments, surveying equipment, and construction materials, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the precision and expertise of Thomas & Hutton's professional services.Thomas & Hutton's new hires in Charlotte bring specialized expertise to support the firm's growing presence in the region.Charlotte Today

Thomas & Hutton, a professional services firm known for its award-winning culture and 80 years of shaping communities across the Southeast, has welcomed Luca Desmond as an Environmental Designer and Melissa Chavez-Ramirez as an Environmental Intern at the company's Charlotte, North Carolina office.

Why it matters

The new hires demonstrate Thomas & Hutton's continued investment and growth in the Charlotte market, where the firm provides consulting services for land development and infrastructure projects. The additions of Luca and Melissa to the Charlotte team will help support the company's mission of Building Relationships and Solutions for Success across the region.

The details

As an Environmental Designer, Luca Desmond will assist in preparing construction plans, specifications, reports, supporting documentation, and cost estimates. He will also contribute to water and sewer utility, drainage, and erosion control design, as well as permit applications. Melissa Chavez-Ramirez returns to Thomas & Hutton after previously interning with the firm's Charlotte Civil and Environmental teams. As an Environmental Intern, she will support project teams across a variety of technical assignments, helping with design plans and gaining hands-on experience in environmental engineering and fieldwork.

  • Luca Desmond joined Thomas & Hutton's Charlotte office in April 2026.
  • Melissa Chavez-Ramirez returned to Thomas & Hutton as an intern in April 2026, and is expected to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May 2027.

The players

Luca Desmond

An Environmental Designer who recently joined Thomas & Hutton's Charlotte office. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Melissa Chavez-Ramirez

An Environmental Intern at Thomas & Hutton's Charlotte office. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with an expected graduation in May 2027.

Thomas & Hutton

A privately held and employee-owned professional services firm with 80 years of experience shaping communities across the Southeast. The company is known for its award-winning culture and provides consulting services for land development and infrastructure projects.

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The takeaway

The addition of Luca and Melissa to Thomas & Hutton's Charlotte office demonstrates the firm's commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in the region, supporting its mission of delivering high-quality professional services and shaping communities across the Southeast.