Gabbart and Woods Structural Engineers
Q&A with Truckee Chamber of Commerce, April 2017
How long have you been conducting business in Truckee?
Gabbart and Woods Structural Engineers has been conducting business in Truckee since 1995. Before that, Woods Engineering had been conducting business in Truckee since 1987.
Who are your clientele?
Architects, builders, developers, and property owners.
What has been your most rewarding project?
As a group we work on a variety of projects, ranging from custom residential to commercial and community buildings. The high end custom residential projects are extremely rewarding. There is a different solution to every project. These projects have amazing views, large spaces and, most often, exposed structure. We are constantly being pushed to come up with elegant solutions that are practical and can withstand the regions unique snow, seismic, and wind forces. It is also rewarding to work on community projects because so many people get the benefit of being able to use the spaces. Projects that come to mind are the new Truckee Airport building, and schools such as Sugar Bowl Academy and the Martis Valley Education Foundation project.
What has been the greatest challenge overall to your business?
The primary challenge was the speculative bubble in the construction industry prior to 2008, with the resulting disruption caused when the bubble burst. Another, totally different kind of challenge, which is ongoing and can be very rewarding, is trying to promote and support building projects which are sustainable in terms of economics, community planning, and environmental resources.
What has been the most beneficial for your business?
Our group's internal collaborative model has been very beneficial. Primarily though, we have benefited by being a part of our region's amazing community of architects, builders, and fellow engineers. Another important benefit for us and for the whole community has been the leadership and collaborative spirit of the Town of Truckee Building Department.
What are your business goals?
Our mission is to create great bones for great building projects. We are structural engineers doing their best to incorporate performance, durability, and resilience into each project. Our company vision addresses things like creating lasting relationships with our clients, providing service to our industry, and being a helpful and active member of the greater design community.
Any tips or pointers for other small business owners in the region interested in continued success like yours?
Probably the most important tip would be to establish strong client relationships by placing a priority on being responsive. For us, this means having open, clear communication to help facilitate the design and construction of the projects we are working on.