Current job: President and principal of Parkin Engineering, Inc., a structural engineering group which is part of the Smith-Root family of companies. We determine the layout and sizing of the framing which supports buildings, bridges and other structures. We work with owners, developers, architects, designers and contractors.
Proudest professional moment: There have been many over my 50-year career. There is a lot of pleasure seeing concepts we have originated fleshed out on paper and then successfully constructed. It has been fun to be a part of some very large projects like Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Glenn Jackson Bridge, and working with very capable contractors like recently Kiewit on the new cable-stayed Willamette River Bridge.
First job: Draftsman intern at the Public Buildings Department, Adelaide, South Australia.
Fun fact: In those days we used india-ink pens to draw on semi-transparent linen (and slide rules to do our calculations).
Favorite spot on a Saturday night: Home in my easy chair.
Favorite movie: Not a movie-goer or TV watcher (except for any kind of sports).
Music of choice: Like it all, but I’m not from a head-banging generation. I play lousy piano in a Dixie group, oboe in the Vancouver Community Concert Band and its Woodwinds chamber group.
Favorite place to eat: I like Tommy O’s, love Woody’s Tacos, Thai Orchid, Jerusalem Cafe.
Motto/Inspirational quote: In structural engineering, get the numbers right, then trust them.
