Wendy Allen

Simpson Strong-Tie
Senior Field Engineer/Associate Technical Manager

28 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

I was always good at math but becoming a math teacher or a physicist didn’t interest me so I took a chance with an Engineering Degree. To be fair however, my Dad did like to tinker around and build things for fun. He taught my sister and I how to use a circular saw, screwdriver, woodwork and help him make things. I remember that he took me into a large house (3 story mansion really) that was being built so we would walk around. I’m sure it was not exactly legal but I remember thinking how cool it was to see the structure from the inside and that probably started my love affair with building.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

Simpson Strong-Tie had a woman CEO for many years, Karen Colonias. She started as an Engineer with Simpson and was promoted to many positions in the company including the Stockton Branch Manager before becoming CEO. She was fair, smart, innovative and fun to be around. While she wasn’t a direct mentor I could always see a way forward for myself by watching her career path.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

I have been involved in a few Mass Timber Projects to date. They are beautiful projects but at this point continue to be more expensive than traditional construction. While some builders and public projects have the finances to make these Mass Timber project work, I think the industry needs to determine ways to make Mass Timber a more viable solution. Unfortunately, the current political movement does not seem to support sustainability as a goal and the conversations seem to be dwindling.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

Probably hiring four awesome people that used to report to me within the company. They are still with Simpson but most of us have different positions now. During the hiring process there were a few drawbacks on paper but I had a feeling that they would be awesome people to hire and manage and it turned out that they are! I feel happy knowing that I’ve contributed to their successes and the success of the company in this way. Currently, I’m more of a Technical Manger now but I still mentor and train people which is fulfilling work and something I enjoy doing.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

As a Field Engineer, I have been involved in BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) tunnel retrofit project, the Bay Bridge East Span pedestrian pathway and Chico State University Service Building (USB) which was Mass Timber.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

Stick with it and trust yourself. You’ll have days where you feel like everyone knows more than you do or you don’t know what you’re doing and then one day you’ll figure out that you know more than you think you do! Perhaps you’ll even have a day when you realize that you do know what you’re doing and the others don’t! I remember a specific meeting where I realized that I had walked in the meeting feeling insecure but then realize that I was the expert in the room. That said, I still have days where I feel insecure in my knowledge but with persistence, effort and people around to help, I can get back to a confident place. Keep putting in the effort, it will pay off.