6-30-2021
Just a few miles from Parametrix’s Bend, OR office there is a village of small homes coming together that will provide transitional housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. Employee-owners got involved in this project during the summer of 2020, providing both pro bono and donated services.
Aerial view of village layout
The Bend Heroes Foundation is leading the “Central Oregon Veteran’s Village” project, which is being built on county-owned land. This is a first of its kind project for Central Oregon. The facility will include a total of 15 individual housing units and a community center. The shelters are equipped with a bed, sink, toilet, sitting area, and heater. In addition, t... (more)
6-17-2021
Congratulations to the following employee-owners who recently earned their Professional Engineer’s (PE) license, a major career milestone. Clara Dubow, Kendra Ely, Armando Mendoza, Will Smythe, and Tyler Van Meter share what inspired them to pursue a career in civil engineering, projects they’re working on, career goals, and advice for others working toward their PE license.
Clara Dubow | Puyallup, WA
Clara earned her degree in Civil Engineering with a focus in transportation and structures at Georgia Tech at the end of 2013 . She went straight into the transportation field and started on highway and ramp designs. She has graduall... (more)
6-15-2021
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has announced that community water systems that serve more than 3,300 people are required to complete a risk and resilience assessment and develop an emergency response plan by June 30, 2021. (This is according to Section 2013 of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.) Are you prepared?
What is a Risk and Resilience Assessment?
According to the EPA, risk and resilience assessments “evaluate the vulnerabilities, threats and consequences from potential hazards.” These must be reviewed every five years and resubmitted to the EPA. They include elements such as natural hazards and malevolent acts; resilience of water source treatment, and distribution system infrastructure; monitoring practices; security and resilience of financial, electron... (more)
5-26-2021
May is American Wetlands Month, a time when we celebrate and recognize the importance of wetlands. Not only do wetlands help improve water quality and supply while reducing flooding, they also provide critical habitat for plants, fish and wildlife.
Learn more about wetlands from a few of the wetland scientists of Parametrix: Kaylee Moser, Josh Wozniak, and Taya MacLean.
What do wetlands scientists do?
Josh: Wetland scientists look at plants, soils, and groundwater to understand the legal limits of wetlands; study features such as topography and outlet features to estimate wetland functions, and work with design teams to develop sustainable infrastructure that meets project needs, preserves wetland functions, and complies with local, state and federal regulations!
Tell us about the history of wetlands in the United States.
Kaylee: Wetlands we... (more)
5-24-2021
In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’re featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employee-owners who will discuss their careers, families, culture, and more. Today, learn more about Lauren Jones, a Senior Project Coordinator from our Puyallup, WA office.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time hanging out with my family. We like to be outside going on bike rides, hikes, playing at the beach when it’s nice, and of course playing at home. My son enjoys riding dirt bikes, putting together legos, and going to the skate park. My daughter likes cooking in her play kitchen, going to the park, and getting frozen yogurt treats. I’d say my free time is dedicated to doing whatever my... (more)
5-21-2021
By Hailey Brey and Kai Tohinaka
May is National Bike Month, a time when communities highlight the range of individual and communal benefits that come from this mode of mobility. National Bike Month sings the same tune as many of the Core Values that we, as employee-owners, uphold, and is right in line with our purpose:
Helping clients and partners create vibrant, sustainable communities and restoring the health of the planet for future generations.
Transportation is a core business line for Parametrix and we see it as fundamental to achieving this purpose. Active transportation is particularly important in this effort, as we seek to create efficient, equitable, and healthy transportation systems. The bicycle is a key component ... (more)
5-20-2021
In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month we’re featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employee-owners who will discuss their careers, families, culture, and more. Today, learn more about Jason Ceralde, a landscape architect based out of our Bremerton, WA office.
What are some projects that you are proud to have worked on?
Early in my career at Parametrix, I was a drafter/CAD Lead and have had the opportunity to work on many projects in a wide range disciplines. The projects that really stand out for me are the Duwe’iq Treatment Wetland and Stormwater Parks (more)
5-18-2021
In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’re featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employee-owners who will discuss their careers, families, culture, and more. Today, learn more about Rachel Yonamine, an Engineer I with our Portland Transportation team.
Tell us something about yourself that many people may not know.
I grew up in Hawaii, so I didn’t see snow until my early 20s! It was like 3 am and I was so excited I walked outside and took pictures of literally everything I could. My hands were so cold when I got back I couldn’t open my door for 5 minutes.
Is there an accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
When I was in college, I helped to create a sense of community in the club I was involved (Engineers Without Borders). Was it huge? No. Was it the “It” club everyone was dying to be a part ... (more)
5-13-2021
In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’re featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employee-owners who will discuss their careers, families, culture, and more. Today, meet Alvin Valencia, a Designer from our Puyallup, WA office.
What’s your role at Parametrix, where are you located, and what are some projects that you are proud to have worked on?
I’ve been at Parametrix going on my 15 years now and it’s the best career move I’ve ever made; I love our company. I’m a structural detailer for the Bridge Group in Puyallup and ... (more)
5-06-2021
By Richard Roché
Oregon’s 2020 Labor Day fires were the largest and most expensive disaster in the state’s history, burning over 1 million acres and destroying over 5,000 structures. Initial estimates put the debris cleanup at over $600 million, including $326 million for ash and debris removal and $295 million to remove hazard trees.
Parametrix employee-owners are working alongside Maul Foster & Alongi and CDR Maguire staff in eight affected counties to clear residential and commercial sites of asbestos and soil contamination. The testing is done free of charge to property owners. After crews remove ash and debris and the soil is deemed safe, property owners can start the long process of rebuilding their home.... (more)