Forensics Engineering

• B.S., Civil Engineering, Seattle University, 2015

• WA, Professional Engineer

Why did you go into Engineering?

I come from a family of structural engineers, and they heavily influenced my decision to go into structural engineering. Also, I've always wanted to become a natural disaster first responder volunteer!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

To have a recreational pilot license!

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Architect, graphic designer, or the devil in the Devil Wears Prada.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington
• M.S., Structural Engineering, University of Washington

• OR, Professional Engineer, License No. 91410PE
• WA, Professional Engineer, License No. 57454

Why did you go into Engineering?

My parents were constantly remodeling our house growing up and my dad owned a construction company, so I was always helping with some construction project of sorts—and, if not, I usually had my own design project going on (forts, mazes, etc.). My path to structural engineering and forensics was a very natural one. I've always loved solving problems and a good whodunit, and now my job makes me figure out "what-dun-it"! I feel like a detective!

Little Known Fact

My dream growing up was to be a professional soccer player or astronaut! Unfortunately, injuries prevented me from achieving my soccer goals, but I still think maybe one day I'll get to experience outer space! Also, if I could own 100 horses I probably would!

What is your unusual talent?

I can play the violin.

• B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Irvine
• M.S., Structural Engineering, Stanford University

Little Known Fact

I can recite pi to 50 digits!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Working at Degenkolb of course!

• B.S., Civil Engineering, California State University, Sacramento, 2021

• CA, Engineer-In-Training, License No. 174859

Why did you go into Engineering?

Growing up on construction sites from an early age, cemented my passion for engineering and construction. From sweeping floors, framing walls, and hanging gypsum board during weekends and summer vacations, I found a skill in reading plan sets at 15 and from then on I knew I wanted to be an engineer. In high school, the trade and engineering academy further pushed me towards structural engineering. With the combined experience from construction and the education from Sac State, Forensic Engineering was the right choice.

Little Known Fact

I love to snowboard and surf!

Apple or Samsung?

Apple, for the ecosystem!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I would be in the Sierra Nevada snowboarding during the winter.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an astronaut growing up!

• B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2001

• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68386

Why did you go into Engineering?

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 lucritive profession.

Little Known Fact

To this day, Dragonball is my favorite anime cartoon.

Apple or Samsung?

Apple... I don't think I could switch over as I have been brain-washed to think that Apple governs over all.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2015

Why did you go into Engineering?

I grew up building and fixing things around the house with my dad. In school, I enjoyed math and science, and engineering seemed to be a perfect marriage between them. As I grew older, I developed a true a passion for structures: how they are built and the various challenges associated with designing them.

Little Known Fact

I was a member of the national champion UC Davis Student Steel Bridge team in 2015.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

A baseball player; I still play in a recreational league in Sacramento!

• B.S., Civil Engineering, California State University, Chico
• B.A., German Language, California State University, Chico

Why did you go into Engineering?

My dad started taking me out to his geotech job sites when I was 8 years old. I became interested in bridges and skyscrapers and how they are made. Once I developed an affinity for STEM there was no going back.

Little Known Fact

I studied abroad in Germany for a year and became fluent in German.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

A new hobby I am jazzed about is creating my own overlanding rig. I'm looking into different Toyota trucks and SUVs to build out.

What’s your favorite way to get to work?

Currently enjoy crawling out of bed and walking about 11 ft to my office. Once the office is open again I am excited to bike into work.

• AA in Education

Why did you go into Engineering?

I didn't. I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity and found my niche within the industry.

Little Known Fact

I'm a military brat. We moved all over the United States.

What is your unusual talent?

I can tell a great story about the most mundane situation.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2005
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2007

• WA, Professional Engineer, License No. 47029
• ID, Professional Engineer, License No. 18656

Why did you go into Engineering?

Without any external influences or experience in construction, I decided at the age of 15 that I would become a Civil Engineer. I was fascinated with buildings and wanted to understand the intricate details of building design and construction.

Little Known Fact

I started playing the piano at age 8; I started playing the viola at age 9; I started playing the guitar at age 28; I started taking voice lessons at age 29; and I have written and recorded five songs.

What’s your favorite band?

There are so many great bands in the Pacific Northwest, however, the best live show, by far, is Pearl Jam. Stereo Embers is a close second.

• B.A., Architecture, University of Washington, 1985
• M.S., Engineering, University of Washington, 1989

• WA, Professional Engineer, No. 30695
• WA, Structural Engineer, No. 30695
• CA, Civil Engineer, No. C57864
• CA, Structural Engineer, No. S4237
• AK, Professional Engineer, No. 9750
• HI, Structural Engineer, No. 12483
• OR, Professional Engineer, No. 84174PE
• ID, Professional Engineer, No. 14371
• NV, Civil/Structural Engineer, No. 18524
• FL, Professional Engineer, No. 70110
• IL, Structural Engineer, No. 81.006559
• IA, Professional Engineer, No. 18618
• TX, Professional Engineer, No. 97604

Why did you go into Engineering?

I have always loved buildings. I have an aptitude for mathematics and three-dimensional spacial ability.

Little Known Fact

I have ten screws and a metal plate in my body.

What’s your favorite band?

Pink Floyd

• B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of California Davis

• CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 4901
• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 61830

Why did you go into Engineering?

It suited my way of thinking.

Little Known Fact

I built portions of my own house.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Golfing and fishing all day long!

Apple or Samsung?

Samsung

• B.A., Graphic Arts, California State University, Sacramento, 2006

• Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

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.

Little Known Fact

I'll pretty much try anything to eat, once. Also, I'm very competitive. Two very different but important things to note.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I'd own restaurant/s (which is a dangerous business), designing both the menu items and the interior.

• A.A.S, Computer Aided Design, ITT Technical Institute, 1992

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

Growing up the son of an electrician, I spent my childhood on construction sites. This gave me a rare insight to how structures fit together. During elementary school, I had a teacher see my ability and recommend I go into drafting/design. Following that advice, I did 4 years of drafting in high school, followed by college, and have been in in the different sectors of the A/E/C industry ever since.

Little Known Fact

When not behind a PC, I spend my time on woodworking projects.

Apple or Samsung?

Although I currently have Apple devices, my preference has always been Samsung. The gift of an Apple watch is what brought me to the dark side, temporarily.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, California State University, Sacramento, 2018

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

I love to design and create. The AEC industry is a way for me to express my love for design and have the chance to collaborate and learn from some brilliant people.

Why did you go into Engineering?

I like problem solving, I enjoy maths, and I like creating/building things. Engineering seemed to be a good fit.

Little Known Fact

I have a ton of hobbies, some of which are Origami, Bonsai, and playing musical instruments.

What’s your favorite way to get to work?

I like to ride my bicycle into work.

Apple or Samsung?

Windows Phone!! ^_____^

• B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1990

• CA, Civil Engineer, 56782
• CA, Certified Access Specialist, 433

Why did you go into Engineering?

I have always looked at the world around me—the buildings, the vehicles, even my pencil at school, and wondered, "How exactly did they build that?" And now in my career, I am using what I have learned to "deconstruct" those things and find the truth behind architectural and structural damage.

What was your career like before joining Degenkolb?

I've been in the Sacramento construction industry for more than 30 years. I started doing forensic engineering investigations after joining Barrish Pelham in 2003. My first investigations involved settlement damage, cause & origin reports, and burned truss repairs. Since then, the types of investigations have broadened to include moisture intrusion and building envelope issues, equipment failures, foundation salvageability studies, and ADA/Accessibility condition assessments. Since Barrish Pelham became part of Degenkolb, I've been excited to broaden that expertise and service a much larger client base along the entire West Coast.

Little Known Fact

I am an avid rugby fan and played for about 14 years! I also enjoy throwing darts. I may have been English in a former life!

What’s your favorite band?

AC/DC

• B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2006

• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. C76586

Why did you go into Engineering?

I have always enjoyed creating and problem-solving. Engineering gives me this opportunity while also serving my community.

Little Known Fact

I am working on visiting and touring every MLB ballpark.

What’s your favorite team?

I have two. The San Francisco Giants... and any team that beats the LA Dodgers.