Commercial, Developer, Rehabilitation
- (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.
- (213) 596-5014
- dzepeda@degenkolb.com
- M.S, Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2003
- B.S., Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, 2002
- CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5260
- CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68493
Why did you go into Engineering?
I grew up helping my dad wrenching on his vehicles (ok, mostly holding the flashlight). I was also good in math and science and as a plus I liked to draw so it felt like a very natural thing to do. After so many years in the industry I am happy to say I picked something that I am not only good at but really enjoy doing.
Little Known Fact
I love to work with my hands and therefore own a ton of tools that I use to work on my own cars, bikes, and house. A good weekend for me would involve fixing something.
What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I love to spend my free time off-roading so if I had more time, I would do a lot more of it.
- (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.
- (415) 354-6460
- jwegleitner@degenkolb.com
- B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2017
- M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2018
Why did you go into the AEC industry?
I wanted to be an architect like my Grandpa when I was a kid. He ran his own architecture firm in Minnesota and always told me about the schools he designed. A few twists and turns in my path led me to structural engineering instead of architecture. Like my grandpa, I enjoy working in the AEC industry because of the personal relationships I get to build with the various partners on my projects.
Little Known Fact
I love to bake and cook. Typically I stick to the same handful of recipes for efficiency but I do enjoy trying new recipes as i come across them
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
Riding my fixed gear bicycle through the hills of San Francisco.
What’s your favorite band?
Depends on the day/week/month you ask! It's always changing depending on what I am listening too.
- (213) 596-5961
- jfruiz@degenkolb.com
- M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2005
- B.S., Civil Engineering, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico, 2002
- CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5865
- CA, Profesional Engineer, License No. 73382
Why did you go into Engineering?
When I finished high school, I knew two things: I liked math and I liked being outside, so engineering seemed like the natural fit. I chose structural engineering which currently keeps me in the office 99% of the time, so my vision wasn't quite right, but as I grow older, I appreciate working on engaging work while sipping a warm cup of coffee or tea from the comfort of my desk.
Little Known Fact
Living by the ocean, where there are waves, has had a great influence on my professional career path. Warm weather is a close second. The result is integrating work-life balance while being passionate about my career and professional development.
What’s your favorite band?
All bands in which Thom Yorke plays, Olafur Arnalds, and Fat Freddy's Drop.
- (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.
- (415) 354-6408
- kjohnston@degenkolb.com
Education
B.S., Architectural Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, 1996
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 1999
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 4705
California – Civil Engineer, License No. 59031
HI, Structural Engineer, PE-13675
NV, Structural Engineer, 024251
MA, Professional Civil Engineer, 47874-C
GA, Professional Engineer, PE035944
VA, Professional Engineer, 0402049039
NY, Professional Engineer, 089850 (Inactive)
NJ, Professional Engineer, 24GE04945600 (Inactive)
Why did you go into structural engineering?
I started out interested in architecture and began junior college with the plan to pursue an architecture degree. However, my first year at junior college I really enjoyed the physics courses and the higher-level mathematics. What tipped the scales for me was when I came across the architectural engineering degree at Cal Poly, SLO. The program was primarily structural engineering with architectural design thrown in. It combined aspects of both the things that interested and challenged me. The Cal Poly ARCE program then led me fully down the path to structural engineering.
Little Known Fact:
A classic car and hotrod enthusiast, he enjoys spending time working on his own classic ’56 Chevy he purchased his senior year of high school, and has been restoring ever since.
Question of the Day
What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?
Custom car builder.
- (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) 354-6412
- lwyllie@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1962
B.S. with Highest Honors, Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1960
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 1648
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 17179
OR, Professional Engineer, License No. 12831
UT, Professional Engineer, License No. 7241
NE, Professional Engineer, License No. E-3853
TX, Professional Engineer, License No. 44520
WY, Professional Engineer, License No. 6445
Little Known Fact
I enjoy world travel and spend many weeks a year in exotic and beautiful locations such as Antigua, Paris, and Italy.
- (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.
Creative design solutions for existing building rehabilitation
Degenkolb’s rehabilitation and existing building practice revolves around efficient solutions for commercial property owners, real estate investment firms, and developers seeking to speedily make decision s on the best adaptive reuse of structures.
