CHRIS MARTIN
Chris is passionate about effective, economical and constructible structural design. This young professional is moving up in firm leadership and recently crowned “FEH’s Smartest Employee” during the firm’s spirit week (yes, that’s a thing). Chris is serious about safety when it comes to his engineering process… and equally serious about a well-designed chair to compliment his gaming hobby.
How did you decide on your career path?
As a kid, my favorite toys were the ones that you could build with: LEGO sets, Lincoln Logs, and K’Nex. In school, math and physics were always my favorite subjects. Heading into college I was looking for a career that could combine the things I love with what I excelled in – so engineering seemed like the obvious choice.
I chose structural engineering in particular because it is the most critical aspect of a building and has an immense impact on safety. The challenges and responsibilities associated with this type of design are what drive me every day.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love finding the right balance of form and function while coordinating with our architects. It can take some pretty creative solutions to achieve both the right look and a structure that is feasible and safe – and I’m always up for the challenge!
How are you creating vibrant communities through design?
The design work of a structural engineer is often hidden behind the architectural finishes that give a building its defining characteristics. Those hidden attributes ensure the building will be there for a long time and keep the people inside safe. That is the best contribution a structural engineer can make to their community.
What makes Des Moines a great place to live?
Des Moines has a great balance of city life without most of the negative “big city” side effects. It’s easy to catch a baseball game, hockey game, see a musical, or attend a concert without having to deal with crazy traffic or high cost of living. You can comfortably live in any of the growing suburbs and still easily take advantage of all the entertainment options and culinary benefits the greater Des Moines area has to offer.
Des Moines Office
604 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Drink: Mountain Dew.
Hobby: Dungeons and Dragons.
Vacation: U.S. National Parks.
Karaoke: Hotel California.
Quote: If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.
Book: Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Binge: Breaking Bad.
Team: Chicago Cubs.
Music: Fall Out Boy.
Podcast: Critical Role.
Hogwarts House: Slytherin.
Movie: Jurassic Park.
February 2021: The board of directors of FEH Design promoted Chris Martin, PE to associate principal.
Martin, who joined FEH in 2018, is a professional engineer in the firm’s Des Moines office. As an associate principal, Martin’s role will expand to include leadership in business actions. He will continue to be a structural engineer for the firm’s design work.
Martin graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (2012) and Master of Science in Civil Engineering (2013).
“I’m always looking to improve in my career and becoming an associate seemed like the next best step. It gives me more of an opportunity for my voice to be heard and to help guide the company,” said Martin.
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