I help people see their vision become reality so they can better the lives of people they influence and affect. That is the mission of Urban James.
When I look at a set of plans, investigate an existing home, or evaluate an existing building, I see people. I see people using, moving, meeting, resting, and celebrating in spaces supported by a silent sentinel. This silent sentinel is usually made up of steel and concrete, designed by a structural engineer that loves sound, code complient, safety ensuring, vision supporting STRUCTURE.
If this vision resonates with you, contact me. I would love to work with you.
I provide structural engineering services for the enrichment of the people who interact with and within the built environment.
Every home owner wants their home to be a wonderful sanctuary. Sometimes home construction requires something more elaborate than typical residential methods. You need an engineer to step in and design the bones that support the beautiful spaces of your home. That is where I come in.
“I just need a footing design.” “The city wants an engineeer to design this header.” “I just need a frame for a new door.” If you’ve ever had a thought like this, give me a call. I would be glad to help provide the engineering that solves your dilema.
You need someone with the right understanding to look things over and give you direction. Sometimes the issue is peace of mind. Do you need someone to look over a set of house plans? Do you need an engineer to evaluate a potential new home? I am able to provide residential services as well as evaluate the structural capacity (or integrity) of existing commercial buildings.
Of course we are more than a list of the institutions we've graced, but such things give us a place to start a deeper conversation! Experience comes in two ways, planned and unplanned. Put both together and you get this thing called LIFE. It's in the unexpected places of perserverence and perplexity where we can gain deep character and wisdom.
September 2017 - Present
A little engineering firm based on trust and excellence for the sake of contributing to a positive human experience in the built environment.
It is my privilege to perform structural engineering services on behalf of one of the best kept secrets in Oklahoma City - GUERNSEY. This AEC firm can design any kind of project concerning the built environment. From architectural design to civil engineering to environmental design to chemical process management, this firm can literally do it all.
January 2010 - November 2015
I chose to open a CrossFit "box" because I wanted to directly help people have a better life. I learned a TON about myself, life and leadership. I also gained a great amount of respect and sympathy for the entrepeneur and business owner. Hardest I ever worked in my life with more soul searching than I thought possible. Ground Zero CrossFit doesn't exist anymore, but the community continues as Crossfit 405 South. I regret nothing.
By far the most competent and hardest working structural engineering firm in Oklahoma City. I really enjoyed working with the KFC crew. I grew tremendously as a technically proficient engineer under their watch. Plus the owners are just good dudes.
A great firm with a great reputation. It was quite the culture shock going from a "mom and pop" kind of engineering firm to a large AEC firm deeply entrenched in a corparate culture. I successfully became a registered engineer while employed at Benham.
September 1997 - June 2000
Garland Pendegraf is one of the humble founders of what is now the structural engineering community in Oklahoma City. Most engineers over the age of 40 interned under Garland Pendegraf, Ed Sturm, or Bob Cornforth. I will always be grateful that Garland gave me a chance to intern in his firm.
January 1992 - May 1997
College was a great time. I learned a lot more than Engineering and Architecture, but the reality is I only learned enough to be dangerous. I still love to learn and greatful for the opportuinty to learn a new thing (or two) and new way of doing things. I hope to die a life long learner.
For personable, competent engineering services you can contact me using the form below, call one of the numbers below, or even write a letter and drop it in the mail! I look forward to meeting you.
505 Jean Marie Dr.
Norman, OK 73069
Phone: (405) 757-7540
Mobile: (405) 243-0672