Degenkolb completed the seismic evaluation and designed the seismic retrofit for two buildings on the Mt. Vernon High School campus, and assisted the District with a successful FEMA Grant Application for $3 million.
A new multi-story academic building with five seismically separate structures and a steel special moment frame lateral system at Mangini Ranch Elementary School.
Degenkolb is the prime consultant and structural engineer for the retrofit at this school, part of the OSPI school seismic safety retrofit grant projects. Our work at Boistfort includes a seismic retrofit of the gymnasium and cafeteria.
UC System Seismic Evaluations
Degenkolb designed the renovation and retrofit of this one story concrete masonry library building.
Degenkolb Engineers performed a seismic upgrade and renovation of the historic Architecture Hall at the University of Washington.
Project JOE included districtwide modernizations for San Juan USD. Our work was focused on the new design and modernizations at Cowan Elementary and Greer Elementary School.
Degenkolb designed the seismic retrofit of this 34,600 square foot, two-story structure with a new one-story addition and new elevator core/stairwell.
Degenkolb designed the renovation and retrofit of this one story concrete masonry library building.
Adaptive re-use of a 1903 concrete, 4-story chemistry building into a modern day combined chemistry and biology teaching hall.
Originally built in 1939, the wood-framed two-story structure over a concrete partial basement is the only remaining building from the original Kentfield campus.
Designed the seismic retrofit and modernization of four buildings that comprise the physical education complex including the men’s and women’s locker room buildings, an office/exercise room building and a gymnasium.
Designed the 18,000 square foot stand-alone building in the center of campus
Historic renovation of the performing arts center at C.K. McClatchy High School campus to expand its performing and fine arts curriculum.
Phased Design-Build delivery of comprehensive campus-wide upgrade and new classroom buildings, administration, and multi-purpose at Greer Elementary.
Designed a new science classroom center on the campus of the James Rutter Middle School in Sacramento.
Designed the renovation improvements to the existing 6,000 square foot culinary arts facility along with a seismically separated 13,600 square foot addition housing new culinary instruction spaces and a full-service restaurant.
Designed the replacement of existing off-site facilities for the nursing program at Sierra College.
Designed a state-of-the-art performing arts center with capacity for more than 460 people.
Designed the new centralized district administrative headquarters for the Folsom-Cordova USD.
Performance-based design methodologies were implemented to ensure that the structure would be able to resist a Cascadia earthquake while having sufficient capacity to resist subsequent tsunami inundation forces.
Degenkolb designed the separation of the fifteen-story plus basement concrete Moffitt Hospital and the Medical Sciences Building of similar size to satisfy SB 1953 requirements.
Degenkolb developed a retrofit scheme for the Bancroft Library, using a seismic strengthening approach that protects the contents of the space, as well as its occupants
Designed the reconstruction and seismic strengthening of the historic library core after the demolition of the central stack area.
Seismically strengthened and expanded the 42-year-old existing, original two-story reinforced concrete building, using ASCE-41.
Designed the renovation of UCSC’s Merrill Cultural Center and a portion of the Crown Dining Commons buildings.
Degenkolb designed the seismic retrofit of the $55 million renovation of eight wood framed residence halls at University of California, Santa Cruz’s Crown College.
Degenkolb served as the construction means and methods engineer, converting the 1930s era facility into an 83,000 square foot world-class museum.
Degenkolb developed a comprehensive program for the renovations of over 500,000sf of existing university housing facilities as part of a team of consultants.
The building features a 400-seat Hauck Auditorium and Blount Hall, a dining-multipurpose room for 400.
The 65,000 square-foot, $64 million project includes a three-story office building with three wings surrounding a central elevated garden terrace over law conference space and an architecturally exposed cast-in-place concrete Rotunda entry structure.
This new lab creates a collaborative building for interdisciplinary studies.
A gateway to the campus, Bing has a wrap-around lobby that doubles as an atrium, filled with light.
A showcase for over $500 million of modern and post-modern artwork, including works by Wayne Thiebaud, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollack.
Made possible through a landmark gift by the Weill Family Foundation, the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences leverages UCSF’s bench-to-bedside excellence.
The LEED Gold facility includes research laboratories and offices, analytical facilities, classrooms, and informal academic spaces.
To minimize disruption to the student occupants and symbolize the building’s modernization, innovative exterior strengthening schemes were developed and utilized.
Degenkolb peer reviewed a one-story 32,000 square foot art museum building with an extremely complex curving geometry.
Designed the seismic retrofit of this 100,000 square foot Chemistry Annex Building
Degenkolb retrofitted this three-story classroom building, which was previously determined to be “very poor” under the University of California Seismic Safety Policy.
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 2007
B.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2006
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5943
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 75002
My high school physics teacher, Doc Michaels, and grandfather, Harold Holman. Doc Michaels was an incredibly dynamic and a bit eccentric teacher who first exposed me to statics and dynamics and how you could calculate how long it would take a bowling ball to fall from the top of our high school gymnasium. My grandfather was a lifelong contractor who let me tag along and help out on many small projects around his house. I even asked my parents to call me “Little Harold” for a couple years.
I lived in Plzen, Czechoslovakia as a kid for a year while my parents started an English speaking school.
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
2007 Vespa LX150
M.S, Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2007
B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Catholic University of Peru, 1997
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5580
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 71948
Because buildings are my passion.
Writing.
B.S., Architectural Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2011
M.S., Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2013
The “Imagineer That” commercial on the Disney Channel inspired me to become an engineer during a segment about designing rollercoasters. It taught me that engineering was the combination of math, science, and creativity.
Santiago Calatrava.
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of Illinois, 2003
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 2001
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5305
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68913
WA, Civil Engineer, License No. 44835
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).
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.
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!
I've always wanted to build my own house. Now, all I need is more money.
I grew up 2.5 miles from my wife who I didn't meet until college... through my kindergarten classmate, who was her high school friend.
I used to be able to play two trumpets at once.
B.S., Chemistry, Georgetown University, 2000
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Maryland, 2008
M.S., Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, 2011
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 81567
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 6562
After working in IT for 5+ years, I wanted to do something that produced more tangible results. I always enjoyed building & design in addition to math and science. Structural engineering seemed like a perfect combination of those skills. I love the fact that I can see a building and know that I had a role in creating it.
I spent 3 weeks in Russia as a high school exchange student in February of 1995.
Photography.
B.S., Civil Engineering (BSCE), Seattle University, 2007
M.S., Civil Engineering (MSCE), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010
WA, Structural Engineer, License No. 55185
WA, Professional Engineer, License No. 55185
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 79475
IL, Structural Engineer, License No. 081.007830
I always wanted a job that used what I was best at: math, science, problem solving, etc. I searched through many types of jobs in high school and couldn’t find where I felt like I fit until I drove past a construction site and it clicked. From that moment on I wanted to be a structural engineer, and I never wavered.
I am a professional musician and I play piano at church, weddings, funerals, and special events.
Cooking
BA, Art, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
M-Arch, University Of Illinois, Chicago, IL
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.
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!
Artist, Architect, Author, Rock Star, Veterinarian.
In high school I loved my drafting classes. My teacher told me to switch to the engineering side as he saw it as a more lucrative profession.
To this day, Dragonball is my favorite anime cartoon.
Apple... I don't think I could switch over as I have been brain-washed to think that Apple governs over all.
I have always wanted to have an impact on society. I couldn't think of a better way to do that than create real structures and affect lives. I feel immensely gratified when the buildings I have designed eventually come to life and are opened for occupancy. They are like my trophies on the face of the earth.
I love travelling and want to visit Kenya and Tanzania for the wildlife safaris.
I would want to open an animal shelter to rescue as many animals as possible.
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1991
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1989
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 4107
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 49972
I originally wanted to be an architect. My dad was a structural engineer and he used to teach classes at UC Berkeley’s School of Architecture. I would occasionally go with him. I really liked seeing how things were put together. Dad insisted that I go into structural engineering. It’s been a great career. I still get to work around wonderful architects and I really understand how to put things together.
One of my bucket list items is to do a triathlon. I’m an avid swimmer, so I just need to get the other two.
I’d either be a quilter on Etsy or write crossword puzzles.
Math and design is what drew me. At 14 years I designed my first structure - a two-story playhouse in our backyard.
Video editing is my primary outlet from engineering, where there is no code and is not defined by any law of physics.
Apple all the way.
M.Eng., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1995
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 1993
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 57761
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 4521
I always wanted to be involved with the design of buildings and turn ideas into reality. Structural engineering was the best fit with my academic interests in high school and college.
I immigrated to the United States from Taiwan when I was 13, and grew up in Maryland.
Anything that can be remote controlled.
B.S., Civil Engineering, Cornell University, 2005
M.S., Structural Engineering, Cornell University, 2006
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 72755
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. S5724
LEED AP
I took an intro to structural engineering class with Dr. Hover and that class made me decide to go into structural engineering, rather than biomedical, which is what I had originally gone to school to study.
I played violin in my school orchestra from 4th-12th grade.
Oakland Athletics.
Ph.D., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
M.S., National Taiwan University
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 86363
It’s all because of LEGOs. I get satisfaction seeing structures being designed, built, and fixed in creative ways.
I was the winner in the American Institute of Steel Construction 2010 Student Photo Competition.
Motorcycle.
It’s all because of LEGOs. I get satisfaction seeing structures being designed, built, and fixed in creative ways.
I was the winner in the American Institute of Steel Construction 2010 Student Photo Competition.
Motorcycle.
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.
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.
All bands in which Thom Yorke plays, Olafur Arnalds, and Fat Freddy's Drop.
B.S., Environmental Science, Willamette University, 1999
Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)
Fellow, Society for Marketing Professional Services (FSMPS)
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.
I am a published poet.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
A ballerina, a teacher, a lawyer, a trophy wife – it changes day to day.
I delved into engineering thanks to childhood adventures in the AEC world with my dad, a residential contractor. From lumber yards to job sites, I was hooked. In high school, I began assisting him more with the business, deepening my affinity for the industry! This steered me toward pursuing a career in structural engineering, a seamless fusion of technical expertise and aesthetic appreciation!
More travel! I love travel planning and going to new places! My dream travel location is Japan!
I met someone at a party, who knew someone, who needed someone…. That was nearly two decades ago. Degenkolb challenges me.
There isn’t much left with which to surprise people. I have a metal plate in my left ankle and a tattoo on the right ankle.
A dentist. I was definitely influenced by “Little Shop of Horrors.”
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1962
B.S. with Highest Honors, Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1960
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
I enjoy world travel and spend many weeks a year in exotic and beautiful locations such as Antigua, Paris, and Italy.
I figured out at UC Davis that I wanted to be an engineer and not a chemist rather quickly. I then tried to transfer to the College of Engineering. As part of the application to transfer, I had to pick an engineering field as my specialty. Because it was an impacted department, the only time the University would let me enter civil engineering was when I transferred into the College. I loved architecture and buildings so I said “why not” and applied to be a civil engineer. I then took statics and from that point on, I knew I had found my calling in structures.
My longest walk to date is almost 250 miles long. If you have never taken a walk in the woods on the John Muir Trail, do it. it is an experience that will change your life.
Bikepacking and Hiking
I met someone who worked in commissioning and after asking a lot of questions they advised that I join the industry. I followed that advice and joined an MEP firm and then, when I moved to San Diego in 2022, I joined Degenkolb.
I moved to San Diego to help my sister out while her husband was deployed with the Navy and then decided to never leave.
Golf. Truth be told I already golf, but I would spend more time and money doing it, if available.
B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2004
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2005
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5569
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 71576
LEED Accredited Professional, 2008
Assoc. DBIA™ Professional, 2014
DBIA™ Professional, 2017
I enjoy building things, and understanding how they work. I also come from multiple generations of contractors that had me growing up in the construction industry.
Although my last name sounds German it is actually English. The name has direct ties back to the 1400’s from a small town in southwest England called Buck Mills.
Steelers.
I love that there is tangible evidence of a job well done. There's no better feeling than driving by a building or structure that you helped create.
I spent most of my childhood working on our family farm in Central California. There are a lot of parallels between farming and construction and I can appreciate how challenging it is to build something from the ground up.
Stanford Cardinal. All right now!
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1987
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1989
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 3968
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 48086
I grew up working construction in my father’s business. He relentlessly insisted I not “do what he does and ruin your body AND that I go to college”. And so I did, and Structural Engineering was what came most naturally.
I enjoy boating and tinkering on projects at our ‘family’ cabin at Shasta Lake.
Vegetarian.
Reuse is a hobby, and it’s not hoarding.
Salvage/Reuse Company.
As soon as I finished school, I got a job as a graphics assistant at a wastewater civil engineering firm. By that time, I already knew that I probably didn't have a flourishing career in graphic design, but the engineering industry was a stable place to be, and graphics meant working in the marketing department! I went from creating icons for membrane bioreactors to graphic icons for process flow diagrams—and I guess I was hooked. This eventually led to crafting proposals, coordinating, and managing. Being a part of creating something, whether a pump station or a hospital building, and the process of developing a concept through to reality is exciting! After spending a few years at an architecture firm, I found my way to Degenkolb.
I'll pretty much try anything to eat, once. Also, I'm very competitive. Two very different but important things to note.
I'd own restaurant/s (which is a dangerous business), designing both the menu items and the interior.
B.S., Civil Engineering, Washington State, 1999
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of Washington, 2001
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. C65047
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. S5113
NV, Structural Engineer, License No. 021252
My father is an architect who taught and encouraged me to build things. That interest in building developed from personal construction projects, to going to school to understand how building work, to helping my clients design the projects they need and desire.
I enjoy running and doing my own construction projects at home.
Casual Carpool as you can often have an interesting conversation with someone you wouldn’t normally get to meet.
I grew up wanting to be an architect but it wasn't until I was already in college that I realized it was architecture that really fascinated me about buildings. It was the structure and the understanding of how it was designed that I was actually more interested in! I switched majors from communications to Civil Engineering, and rest, they say, is history!
I've traveled to 5 different continents and 16 countries—and counting!
LA Lakers
I currently do photography as a hobby, but I would love to go deeper into videography and have the chance to make a film complete with a film crew, actors, etc.!
M.S., Civil Engineering Stanford University, 2009
B.S., Civil Engineering Stanford University, 2008
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 78559
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 6186
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.
I was going to be a golf course designer but it turns out that’s a pretty difficult gig to get.
I have taught English in Kyrgyzstan and China.
I really wanted to be a train conductor. Inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine.
We aim to design next generation, sustainable, learning facilities and rehabilitate those that define an institution and enhance the learning experience. Libraries, student life centers, laboratories, and technology-driven classrooms are the backbone of Degenkolb’s education practice. These technically complex facilities demand early collaboration across the entire design team. We work closely with the design team, facility committees, campus architects, and administration to develop a facility that meets all needs.
MSIRobot