Civic
- (415) 392-6952
- rpekelnicky@degenkolb.com
Education
B.S., Civil Engineering with Honors, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2000
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2001
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. S5083
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. C64989
TN, Professional Engineer, License No. 6419
Why did you go into structural engineering?
I had always been interested in how things are put together. My mom tells a story of how I took apart a clock when I was 3 or 4 to see how it worked inside. So, I was probably always destined to be an engineer. I chose structural engineering specifically because the scale of buildings and bridges interested me more than things electrical and mechanical engineers work on. I picked when I was a senior in high school and have found myself loving it more and more with each passing year!
Little Known Fact
I feel like our dog is my master, rather than I being his.
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
Walk along the Embarcadero.
- (206) 340-8102
- cash@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of Illinois, 2003
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 2001
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5305
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68913
WA, Civil Engineer, License No. 44835
Little Known Fact
I have climbed three of the five volcanoes in Washington: Mount Baker (10,781 ft), Mount Adams (12,276 ft), and Mount Rainier (14,411 ft). Still on the list: Mount St. Helens (8365 ft) and Glacier Peak (10,541 ft).
Why did you go into Earthquake Engineering?
During graduate school I travelled to Taipei, Taiwan as part of a reconnaissance trip after the 1999 Chi Chi earthquake. Observing the damage firsthand led me to focus my career on reducing the impact of future earthquakes.
Question of the Day
What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would definitely get into private aviation and have a small plane to travel up and down the West Coast with my family. There are so many beautiful areas to explore and what better way to see them than from the sky!
- (206) 340-8115
- dsloat@degenkolb.com
Education
B.S., Rice University
M.S., University of Washington
Registration
WA, Civil Engineer, License No. 55820
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 86004
Why did you go into structural engineering?
I have always had a passion for designing and constructing. Structural engineering in particular really clicked for me when I went on a job shadow of a structural engineer as part of a middle school project. I saw a SAP model for the first time and toured the new Seattle Transit Tunnel, and I knew the field was a perfect fit for me.
Little Known Fact
I am an amateur board game designer.
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
Running.
- (213) 596-5014
- dzepeda@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S, Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2003
B.S., Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, 2002
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5260
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68493
- (213) 596-5001
- dwidran@degenkolb.com
Education
BA, Art, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
M-Arch, University Of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Why did you go into AEC industry?
I am a licensed Architect and worked in that capacity until 2009. I was fortunate to have been involved with proposal preparation, Interviews and most of all client relationships and development at my past firms. I was able to shift that experience into a Business Development role and have thoroughly enjoyed the transition.
Little Known Fact
I always had a passion for art and architecture, especially after spending my junior year of college in Florence. I was, however, horrible in math and absolutely detested the subject. After graduating from college, I became determined to get a Master’s degree in Architecture. In order to do well on the GRE and succeed in the program, I spent a year learning the entire math curriculum that I had not taken in college. I not only did well enough on the GRE to get in to an excellent M-Arch program, I received straight A’s in structures throughout the program!
Question of the Day
What were you going to be when you grew up?
Artist, Architect, Author, Rock Star, Veterinarian.
- (206) 340-8111
- hyang@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2009
B.S. Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2008
Registration
WA, Structural Engineer, License No. 51786
WA, Professional Engineer, License No. 51786
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 83735
- (213) 596-5021
- jrojo@degenkolb.com
- B.S. Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2017
- M.S. Structural/Earthquake Engineering, UCLA, 2019
- E.I.T.
Why did you go into Engineering?
I realized that I wanted to have a career where I could see my physical impact on the world around me.
Little Known Fact
I can play the violin.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut until I realized space is scary.
- (206) 340-8110
- ksalisbury@degenkolb.com
Education
B.S., Environmental Science, Willamette University, 1999
Certifications
Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)
Honors
Fellow, Society for Marketing Professional Services (FSMPS)
Why did you go into AEC industry?
Like many marketing and business development professionals, I fell into it. I always planned to attend law school. I had a friend who was working an internship for an architectural firm. When the architect decided to make the position permanent, she recommended me for the job. I started out sorting 35mm slides and worked my way up, learning along the way. Why have I stayed in the A/E/C industry? I like the people, I appreciate their passion, and I want to help them achieve their strategic dreams.
Little Known Fact:
I am a published poet.
Question of the Day
What were you going to be when you grew up?
A ballerina, a teacher, a lawyer, a trophy wife – it changes day to day.
- (206) 340-8108
- ksteuck@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, 2007
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2004
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5965
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 76269
WA, Structural Engineer, License No. 48423
Why did you go into structural engineering?
Problem solving has always been a good fit for me, and in school I loved working in a field where we can touch the materials that we’re working with. Being entrusted with solving problems in the buildings where people live and work and run their businesses is a privilege.
Little Known Fact
I got to ride my bike alongside Robin Williams for a short stretch. He was funnier than I could ever hope to be, and it turns out he could ride faster too.
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
By bike – especially on a Tuesday night in the summer passing by Lake Union.
- (415) 802-9336
- lkaiper@degenkolb.com
Education
B.A., International Relations, University of San Diego
Why did you go into AEC industry?
The recession of the early 1990’s meant I was going to lots of Informational interviews without any full time job offers. A small civil engineering firm out in Clayton, CA hired me for my first full-time position. Half-time Marketing and Half-time Office Assistant. I was promoted to Marketing Coordinator one year later. Since 2001, I’ve worked in Business Development for Structural Engineering, MEP Engineering, and one large General Contractor.
Little Known Fact
During my college years in San Diego, I played in two original rock bands and made a run at trying to become a rock star. I learned many of my grass root Marketing skills from this experience.
Question of the Day
What were you going to be when you grew up?
Hollywood Stunt Man.
- (415) 354-6422
- rparra@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Structural Engineering – University of California, Berkeley, 1994
B.S., Civil Engineering – University of California, Berkeley, 1992
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 4510
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 57543
CA, Professional Engineer, License No. 78302
Little Known Fact
I have one of the most enviable Degenkolb client’s around, as a project manager, I oversee work for the Constellation Brands.
- (213) 595-6471
- shohener@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Civil Engineering Stanford University, 2009
B.S., Civil Engineering Stanford University, 2008
Registration
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 78559
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 6186
Little Known Fact
Once upon a time I was an All-American Water Polo player at Stanford. Now I’m relegated to rec league basketball where I struggles to make it up and down the court.
Question of the Day
What were you going to be when you grew up?
I was going to be a golf course designer but it turns out that’s a pretty difficult gig to get.
- (510) 250-1289
- thill@degenkolb.com
- B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2018
- M.S., Structural Mechanics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2019
Why did you go into Engineering?
I have always loved engaging with infrastructure and the built world. Whether that means visiting a famous dam or adventuring on public transport, it's all fascinating. Above all, I love exploring new buildings—here I get to do that every day!
Little Known Fact
I was a registered EMT-B for two years at which time I worked running calls on a volunteer ambulance service... wasn't for me, but I met a lot of great people.
What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would definitely jump at the opportunity to grab a van and a few friends and become a full-time travelling funk band.
- (206) 340-8118
- tla@degenkolb.com
- B.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2018
- M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2019
Why did you go into Engineering?
It's a field that lets you combine math with creative problem-solving, and I think that's fun. That and I love spreadsheets.
Little Known Fact
I have a twin sister! No, we're not identical.
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
I really enjoy walking to work, plus it's a lot faster than taking the bus.
Building safer communities
Degenkolb pioneers development of seismic and tsunami building safety measures. We are involved throughout the country in code development to enhance resilience design measures. On the West Coast we work with researchers to implement evidence based design on first of their kind structures.
In recent years, many communities have recently elected to institute seismic ordinances designed to improve the expected performance of certain classes of buildings during a seismic event. The goal of these ordinances vary from city to city but generally include better protection for the life safety of the public and are also expected to improve the seismic resilience of their communities. We have and will continue to serve cities by assisting them with the development of their seismic programs. In addition, we serve our clients by providing current information on these ordinances and expert advice and counsel on how best to comply with them.
The 2018 IBC contains provisions for tsunami design and building evaluations. Degenkolb is developing first of their kind tsunami evacuation structures around the Pacific Coastal region.
