IN MEMORY OF ANDREW W. BOOTH: THE FOUNDER WHO BUILT AWB ENGINEERS

We are deeply saddened to share that Andy Booth (Andrew W. Booth), the founder of AWB Engineers, has passed away.

Andy was, first and foremost, a husband, a father, and a man shaped by his origins. Born and raised in Laeger, West Virginia, in the heart of coal country, he carried with him a quiet strength, a deep sense of responsibility, and a work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. Those who knew him saw it in everything he did—he showed up, he worked hard, and he believed in doing things the right way.

He studied engineering at the University of Maryland, where he met his wife, Marilyn. Together they built a life and raised a family, creating the kind of steady, lasting foundation that Andy believed in so deeply—both at home and in his work. Engineering wasn’t just a career for Andy—it was something he truly loved. He had a natural way of understanding how things fit together and how to make them work, not just in theory, but in the real world. He believed in solutions that lasted, that made sense, and that people could depend on.

In 1979, Andy started what would become AWB Engineers, working out of his basement with one draftsman. He never made a big show of it—that wasn’t who he was. He simply kept building, step by step, with patience and consistency. Over time, that small beginning grew into something much larger, but Andy himself never really changed. What people remember most about Andy isn’t just what he built, but how he treated people along the way. He created an environment where people felt comfortable, respected, and part of something steady. There was no ego—just a genuine belief in doing good work and taking care of the people around him.

Even after stepping back from day-to-day work, Andy stayed close. For years, he would still come into the office—often with his dog, Riley—checking in, saying hello, and staying connected. Those small moments meant a lot, and they’re the ones people remember now. Andy took pride in many things—his family, his work, and the life he built over the years. But he never needed recognition for it. He was content knowing things were done right, that people were taken care of, and that what he built would last.

We are incredibly grateful for Andy’s life and for the quiet, lasting impact he had on so many people. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be deeply missed.