People: Principals
Craig Cole
- Registered Structural Engineer, California
Education
- M.B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1989
- M.Eng. Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1981
- B.S. Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1980
Joined the Firm: 2002
Years of Experience at Other Firms: 27
Projects
- Istanbul Schools Seismic Upgrades
- Istanbul Hospital Seismic Upgrades
- Villa Park Merced Tenant Improvements
Craig’s responsibilities have included structural design, seismic assessment and retrofit design of commercial, residential, and industrial structures and equipment, and development of guidelines for the seismic upgrade of structures. He is currently opening new markets for Degenkolb, more than halfway around the world, in Istanbul, Turkey. Through a burgeoning business relationship with two local firms, Craig has landed multiple seismic upgrade projects for the firm and mans the firm’s project office there. Other co-workers are envious any time they hear that Craig has gone to a site visit that will last 2 months in the country. Back in the US, Craig specializes in analyzing our clients’ risks caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Little Known Fact:
I am working on designing a birthing center for a community in Tanzania Africa and will be going to lead the construction of the building in 2008.
Client or Design Philosophy:
Quality seismic and structural consulting provides clients with information on the costs and benefits of seismic upgrades based on a client’s risk tolerance and risk priorities. Early discussions help clients to make informed decisions.
Virtues:
My virtues sometimes become vices. I believe significant involvement in my projects ensures better services for clients.
Vices:
See Virtues above
Favorite Project Story:
About half way through the upgrade design of a multi-story concrete building we re-looked at the column reinforcing steel. The steel was believed to have rebar couplers. On looking closer we found that the couplers only provided for alignment of the steel such that only compressive forces could be transferred. There was truly no tension capacity. This oversight required us to re-look at the overall retrofit design. I now know that such couplers exist and were used at one point in time.
Special Interests:
My passion for woodworking is currently focused on the design and construction of an all mahogany coffee cart for my church. Finding no golf courses in Istanbul, I am looking for investors to tap this market potential of 15 million golfers.