Degenkolb Engineers: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 1940, Degenkolb Engineers is a leading structural engineering firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. With over 80 years of experience, the firm specializes in providing comprehensive structural engineering services, including design, rehabilitation, and consulting. Degenkolb Engineers is renowned for its expertise in seismic design and retrofit, having been involved in the development of every U.S.-based seismic code used today.

Mission and Vision

Degenkolb Engineers is committed to engineering a better future for clients and communities by delivering innovative and resilient structural solutions. The firm's mission emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and a dedication to lifelong learning.

Primary Area of Focus

The firm focuses on structural engineering services, including building design, construction engineering, structural analysis and renovation, and forensic engineering. Degenkolb Engineers serves a diverse clientele, including healthcare institutions, educational facilities, commercial enterprises, and government agencies.

Industry Significance

Degenkolb Engineers is recognized as a leader in seismic engineering, contributing significantly to the development of seismic codes and standards. The firm's innovative structural designs have saved clients hundreds of millions of dollars over the years.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Seismic Safety: Enhancing the resilience of structures in earthquake-prone regions.

Sustainable Design: Implementing strategies to reduce embodied carbon and promote sustainability.

Client Collaboration: Working closely with clients to deliver customized structural solutions that meet specific project needs.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Seismic Evaluations and Retrofits: Assessing and strengthening existing structures to improve earthquake performance.

New Building Design: Creating innovative structural systems for new constructions.

Forensic Engineering: Investigating structural failures to inform design improvements.

Key Technologies Utilized

Seismic Analysis Software: Advanced tools for evaluating structural responses to seismic events.

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Enhancing design accuracy and collaboration.

Embodied Carbon Assessment Tools: Utilizing proprietary tools like EnviCASE to measure and reduce carbon footprints.

Primary Markets Targeted

Healthcare: Designing resilient facilities for hospitals and medical centers.

Higher Education: Engineering solutions for universities and research institutions.

Advanced Technology: Providing structural support for tech campuses and laboratories.

Federal Facilities: Ensuring the safety and functionality of government buildings.

Civic Infrastructure: Contributing to the development of public structures and community spaces.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Degenkolb Engineers is a privately held, employee-owned firm. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. The firm has demonstrated consistent growth and financial stability over its 80+ years of operation.

Notable Investors

As a privately held company, Degenkolb Engineers does not have external investors. The firm's growth is driven by its employee-ownership model and reinvestment of earnings into the business.

Utilization of Capital

Capital is primarily allocated towards:

Research and Development: Advancing seismic engineering technologies and methodologies.

Employee Development: Providing training and professional growth opportunities.

Expansion: Opening new offices to serve a broader geographic area.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Degenkolb Engineers is involved in various projects across multiple sectors, including:

Healthcare Facilities: Designing seismic retrofits for hospitals and medical centers.

Educational Institutions: Engineering solutions for university buildings and campuses.

Commercial Buildings: Providing structural support for office complexes and retail spaces.

Stages of Development

Projects are typically in various stages, from initial design and analysis to construction and post-construction evaluations. The firm employs a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to ensure project success.

Target Conditions

Degenkolb Engineers focuses on structures in earthquake-prone regions, aiming to enhance their resilience and safety.

Anticipated Milestones

Completion of Seismic Retrofits: Ensuring existing buildings meet current seismic standards.

New Construction Projects: Delivering innovative structural designs for new developments.

Sustainability Goals: Achieving reductions in embodied carbon through design and material choices.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

EnviCASE: An embodied carbon assessment tool developed by Degenkolb Engineers to evaluate and reduce the carbon footprint of structural designs.

Significant Scientific Methods

Seismic Analysis: Utilizing advanced software and methodologies to assess structural responses to seismic events.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluating the environmental impact of materials and designs over the lifespan of a structure.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Stacy Bartoletti: President and Chief Executive Officer. Stacy has been with Degenkolb Engineers for over 20 years, leading the firm through significant growth and expansion.

Tricia Ruby: Chief Financial Officer. Tricia joined Degenkolb Engineers in 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in the AEC industry.

Leadership Changes

November 1, 2023: Degenkolb Engineers acquired Ruby+Associates, expanding its geographic reach and service offerings.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The structural engineering market is characterized by a growing emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and technological innovation. Firms are increasingly focusing on reducing embodied carbon and enhancing the seismic safety of structures.

Competitor Analysis

KPFF Consulting Engineers: A multidisciplinary engineering firm offering structural, civil, and survey services.

Toniolo Busnello: Specializes in structural engineering with a focus on complex projects.

GEI Consultants: Provides geotechnical, environmental, and ecological consulting services.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CALMFLOOR: Degenkolb Engineers has partnered with CALMFLOOR to offer advanced vibration control solutions, enhancing structural performance and occupant comfort.

Operational Insights

Degenkolb Engineers differentiates itself through its employee-ownership model, fostering a culture of collaboration and long-term commitment. The firm's focus on seismic safety and sustainability positions it as a leader in the structural engineering industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Expansion: Leveraging the acquisition of Ruby+Associates to enter new markets and broaden service offerings.

Sustainability Initiatives: Continuing to develop and implement strategies to reduce embodied carbon in structural designs.

Technological Advancement: Investing in research and development to stay at the forefront of structural engineering innovations.

Future Business Directions

Degenkolb Engineers aims to expand its geographic footprint, enhance its service capabilities, and continue to lead in sustainable and resilient structural engineering solutions.