At RWDI, we owe much of our identity and success to the vision and dedication of our founders. Today, we share the profound loss of one of those remarkable individuals: Peter Irwin. A pioneer in wind engineering and a driving force behind RWDI’s growth, Peter’s influence extends far beyond our organization. His innovations transformed the way the world’s most ambitious structures are designed, and his leadership helped establish RWDI as a global authority in environmental engineering.

A Visionary in Wind Engineering

Peter Irwin’s career began after completing his PhD, when he joined the National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa. Those years were transformative—not only for Peter as a young father, but for the emerging field of wind engineering. His curiosity and ability to find elegant solutions led to groundbreaking work, including the development of the Irwin Spires. This innovation revolutionized wind tunnel testing and remains a cornerstone of wind engineering practice worldwide.

Founding RWDI and Shaping an Industry

In 1986, Peter co-founded Rowan, Williams, Davies and Irwin Inc. (RWDI) alongside other namesakes and senior partners after more than a decade of operating under various entities. Known globally as one of the founding fathers of modern wind engineering, Peter helped move the discipline from theory into real-world application. His work influenced the design of the world’s tallest buildings and most ambitious structures, establishing technical foundations that continue to guide the industry today.

Watch Peter’s contributions to RWDI below:

Global Recognition and Lasting Impact

Peter’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Being appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018—one of the country’s highest civilian honours
• Being elected as an International Member of the United States National Academy of Engineering.
• The Gzowski Medal for Civil Engineering from the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering
• The Jack E. Cermak Medal by the American Society of Civil Engineers
• The Davenport Medal from the International Association for Wind Engineering
• The Fazlur R. Khan Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council on Vertical Urbanism (formerly the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats)
• Fellowships with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society for Engineering, and the Structural Engineering Institute of the ASCE

While not an exhaustive list, these honours, and the over 120 papers Peter published, reflect a career defined by innovation, integrity, and excellence.

Among his many achievements, Peter developed the Irwin wind sensor, a tool now used in laboratories worldwide for pedestrian wind studies. This innovation, along with the Irwin Spires, exemplifies his ability to create practical solutions that have become foundational to modern wind engineering practice.

A Leader and Mentor

Beyond his technical achievements, Peter was a thoughtful mentor and leader. He took genuine joy in helping others grow and understood that RWDI’s purpose was to help clients achieve their design goals. Even at the height of his career, Peter remained humble, always deflecting praise and highlighting the contributions of those around him.

His Enduring Legacy

RWDI was built on the shoulders of giants, and Peter was among the greatest. His influence lives on in the tools we use, the standards we uphold, and the culture of curiosity and collaboration he helped create. Most of all, his legacy endures in the countless people—family, friends, and colleagues—whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

RWDI’s Commitment to Honoring Peter’s Legacy

As we reflect on Peter’s extraordinary contributions, RWDI remains committed to upholding the values he championed: technical excellence, collaboration, and curiosity. We will continue to advance the field of wind engineering with the same rigor and integrity that Peter exemplified throughout his career. His vision will guide us as we innovate and serve our clients worldwide.

“Peter was more than a founder; he embodied the generosity, humility, and quiet confidence that define RWDI at its best. He was a brilliant engineer, yes, but also a deeply thoughtful person who made everyone around him better. His legacy will continue to inspire our teams and future generations of engineers.”

— Michael Soligo, CEO, RWDI

To learn more about Peter’s life and the work he cherished most—his family—please see his official obituary on Passages. Our sincerest condolences to everyone who knew him. Peter will be deeply missed and never forgotten.