Remembering Our Founder
Frandina Engineering and Land Surveying, PC is proud to honor its founder, Philip F. Frandina, whose leadership and vision have shaped the company since its inception. His gentle and respected guidance within the engineering community continues to influence the values that drive our work today.
About Phil
The eldest of seven children, Philip began his career in construction at an early age. His father, who emigrated from Sicily, became a concrete contractor, and Philip and his four brothers were expected to contribute to the family business. In 1956, after working in various construction roles, Phil started working toward a degree in engineering at the University of Buffalo’s Millard Fillmore College. He worked during the day in roles such as a welder, a City of Buffalo Engineering Inspector, and an Erie County Highway Department Engineering Assistant, while attending night school for eight years. In 1964, he proudly earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Background and Experience
Phil worked his way up the ranks and held every engineering position within the Erie County Department of Public Works, culminating in his appointment as Commissioner of Public Works from 1982-1988. After retiring as Commissioner following 30 years of outstanding service, he joined his son, Joseph, in the family’s consulting engineering and land surveying firm, Frandina Engineering. When Joe joined the staff of the NFL Buffalo Bills, Phil continued to operate Frandina Engineering, gaining recognition as a highly regarded structural engineer, bridge designer, and construction dispute arbitrator. In his later years, he worked alongside his daughter, Rosanne Frandina, who now owns Frandina Engineering and Land Surveying, PC.
Awards and Recognitions
Phil’s contributions were recognized through numerous accolades, including Engineer of the Year by the Erie-Niagara Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers in 1987 and the Meritorious Service Award in 1994 and 1997. He was also a past president of the Technical Societies Council and the Buffalo Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 1988, the state chapter of the American Public Works Association named him one of the Top Ten Public Works Officials.
An Inspiring Legacy
In 1978, Phil founded the local chapter of the Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD) and served as its first president. In November 2012, ABCD honored him with a Founder’s Medallion, which is proudly displayed in the Frandina Engineering and Land Surveying, PC offices. He also endowed ABCD with a scholarship fund in his name to inspire future generations of engineers with his passion for bridges and civil engineering. Sadly, Phil passed away on February 26, 2013, at the age of 84, following a short illness. His legacy continues to inspire future engineers, particularly his children, grandchildren, and all who benefit from his generosity and dedication to the civil engineering profession.
Firm History
Frandina Engineering and Land Surveying, PC, provides high-quality land surveying and civil engineering services throughout Western New York. Our history began in 1976, when Philip F. Frandina, PE, LS founded Frandina and Frandina. The company operated part-time until 1988 when Phil retired from his position as Erie County Commissioner of Public Works. At that point, Phil and his son, Joseph S. Frandina, PE, incorporated Frandina Engineering, PC. Together, they designed several highways, bridges, and buildings, including the luxury suites for the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. In 1996, Joe was hired by the Bills as the team’s Director of Operations, and Phil transitioned the company to Frandina Engineering.
Rosanne’s Expertise
Meanwhile, Phil’s daughter, Rosanne Frandina, was making her mark in Buffalo City Hall, holding senior positions and overseeing the design and construction of major commercial projects, including the Waterfront Village townhouses, Key Center, Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza, and the downtown overhead walkway system. In 1992, Rosanne became Executive Secretary of the Buffalo Sewer Authority and later Treatment Plant Administrator for the Bird Island Waste Water Treatment Plant. She left public service in 2000 to join her father at Frandina Engineering.
WBE and DBE Certification
Rosanne, a licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, established Frandina Engineering and Land Surveying, PC as a wholly-owned Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) in 2005 and also obtained certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). In July 2011, Rosanne hired three former employees of Deborah A. Naybor, PLS, PC, including Mark Childs, LS, and survey crew members Corey Mitchell and Eric Zimmerman. These experts brought their extensive experience from working on some of the largest projects in Western New York, including NFTA Airports, State University Construction Fund projects, Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo Public Schools Reconstruction, and Buffalo Waterfront.
Structural Engineering and Land Surveying
Both Frandina Engineering, led by Phil, and Frandina Engineering and Land Surveying, PC, led by Rosanne, shared office space at 589 Delaware Avenue and later at 1807 Elmwood Avenue. Phil focused on structural engineering while Rosanne pursued land surveying. Her son, Timothy Van Oss, a civil engineering student at UB, worked under Phil as he pursued his degree. Phil continued to work passionately in his field until his death at 84 in February 2013. Retirement was never an option for him.
Providing the Highest Level of Service
The Frandina family is deeply respected in the engineering profession. Rosanne, her two brothers, and her father were named 2001 Engineers of the Year by the University of Buffalo Engineering Alumni Association in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the engineering community. All are past presidents of the Erie-Niagara Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers and highly esteemed in their field. Today, the firm operates from our office at 1701 Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo, NY, ensuring we provide the highest levels of service and technical expertise.
Past Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients:
Our Service Offerings
We offer a wide range of expert civil engineering and land surveying services to meet the unique needs of each project. Whether you're looking for bridge design, land surveying, construction inspection, or any other specialized service, our team is here to provide exceptional solutions. Discover more details about our offerings.