METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Recognized transit architect joins HNTB

Thomas Grassi's experience included leading the reconstruction and restoration of the World Trade Center’s transit facilities immediately following 9/11.

October 6, 2016
Recognized transit architect joins HNTB

Thomas Grassi

2 min to read


Thomas Grassi

Thomas Grassi, AIA, PMP, has joined HNTB Corp. as senior project manager for infrastructure and transportation architecture. He is based in the firm’s Empire State Building offices in New York City.

Grassi comes to HNTB from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where his efforts included leading the reconstruction and restoration of the World Trade Center’s transit facilities immediately following 9/11.

Ad Loading...

He brings more than 30 years of experience in managing the planning, design, and construction of some of New York City’s programs, including the iconic World Trade Center Transportation Hub. He also led the planning and design of the AirTrain systems at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

At HNTB, Grassi is working on multiple transit and intermodal station planning and design projects with a focus on transit clients in the New York region, as well as pursuits throughout the country.

A graduate of the Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Grassi is a registered architect in New York and New Jersey, and a certified project management professional. He serves as an adjunct professor of construction management at New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate, and as an adjunct professor in urban placemaking and management at the Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture.

Grassi is a member of the American Institute of Architects, recipient of numerous awards including the AIA’s “Architects of Healing” Presidential Citation for rebuilding work at the World Trade Center, and author of many professional articles.

HNTB’s architecture practice is involved in the design and construction of many rail- and transit-related programs including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s South Station expansion, the Newark Liberty International Airport’s AirTrain replacement for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the reconstruction of Chicago Transit Authority’s Wilson Station. 

More Management

New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Rod Diridon Sr. speaking at a podium wearing a brown blazer.
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87

See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffApril 10, 2026

SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffApril 10, 2026

Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF

The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.

Read More →
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →
METRO Buyer's Guide art
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 8, 2026

Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide

The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blurry TransLink R2 rapid bus
Managementby StaffApril 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Read More →