How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

Almost 8 years.

What drew you into the industry?

Ironically, when I was in college, HVAC was the last industry on my list. However, being in Reno, HVAC jobs were the most prominent ones available. It wasn’t until I started the job I have now that I really started to appreciate the engineering effort required to design HVAC systems for many different types of buildings. Now I can't imagine myself working in any other industry.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

Applying what I have learned over the years to new projects. It goes without saying that as someone progresses in their career, they pick up skills and lessons learned along the way. This industry is no different. After creating a set of plans, getting out on site to learn about things that don’t quite work or things that work better from the people who are building the system is priceless. Passing down this information to the next generation is another added benefit.

What motivates you every day?

The thrill of figuring things out. I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and using my skills to solve difficult problems. On top of that, one of my favorite classes in school was a CAD drafting class. As a mechanical engineer in the HVAC industry, I get to both solve problems and draft every day. I couldn’t ask for more.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

How much effort goes into designing HVAC and plumbing systems for a building. It requires a huge amount of coordination between the architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, civil engineers, mechanical and plumbing engineers to create an extensive set of plans that will eventually turn into a building. Most people take for granted how nice a building feels on the inside, or how you can go to the bathroom with ease without understanding what lives above the ceiling or in the walls or in the big central mechanical room.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

Having managed the mechanical and plumbing design for a 232,000 sf CTE high school in Reno. The facility has six separate buildings and is outfitted for courses consisting of: Culinary Arts with Hospitality and Tourism, Engineering & Manufacturing, Marketing and Multimedia, BioMedical, Practical Nursing and Nursing Assistant, Natural Resources & Animal Sciences, Welding and Metalworking, Building Construction and Technology and Teaching & Training. After a three-year design window, the project took another two years to get built. Throughout the design and construction phases, there were multiple engineering and logistical hurdles to overcome, and seeing the building open in August of 2025 marked a turning point in my career as a mechanical engineer and plumbing designer; I feel that I can design anything if I focus my mind and heart.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I really enjoy playing ping-pong. Growing up, my dad and I would play for countless hours on our patio table that he and his dad used when he was growing up. I even signed up for a ping-pong club in college. I practiced for several weeks for the club tournament and ended up placing last! That didn’t ruin my love for the game, though.