Join us for the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, as we get to know Cody Lambert, PE, a Senior Structural Engineer based in WGI’s Austin, Texas office.
With a laid-back attitude, a passion for mentoring, and a knack for complex design challenges, Cody brings his thoughtful and collaborative spirit to everything he does, whether it’s leading structural efforts on a unique residential building or fostering a learning culture amongst his team.
Growing Up in Cypress
Originally from Cypress, Texas (a large suburb just outside Houston), Cody describes his upbringing as classic suburban – Playing basketball in the street, riding his bike around the neighborhood, and earning a reputation for missing curfew despite his mom’s best efforts (and watch purchases).
After playing traditional sports early in life, Cody eventually traded team athletics for something a tad more daring: BMX biking…. And although he wasn’t part of a team in the traditional sense, Cody still spent much of his free time engaging with friends at skateparks and backyard halfpipes, and in turn, creating a ‘team’ of his own.
Discovering Austin and the Path to Engineering
After visiting with his brother at the University of Texas, Cody fell in love with the city of Austin’s energy and set his sights on becoming a Longhorn – And although he entered college with an undeclared major, a transformative architecture course and a growing interest in design led him to architectural engineering.
Ultimately, Cosy found his niche in structural engineering, drawn to the challenge of solving tough technical problems. With this realization, he set the course for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas, where he specialized in structural design.
Early Career and Joining WGI
Cody continued on to earn his master’s degree, and upon completion, launched his career through a series of impactful internships, including one where he worked on a toll kiosk project at Austin International Airport (AUS), and ultimately, a long-term position at a structural firm.
These early decisions proved to quickly pay off, ultimately leading him to WGI, thanks to a former colleague and now-supervisor, Forrest Bratton. Since joining the firm, Cody has become an integral part of WGI’s Buildings division, known not just for his engineering expertise but for his dedication to mentoring younger team members.
In fact, mentorship and knowledge-sharing are Cody’s favorite parts of the job as he’s helped implement a biweekly “Lessons Learned” session in the Austin office, creating space for engineers to reflect on project experiences, share mistakes, and grow together as a team.
His philosophy? Teach others so well that you make yourself obsolete!
Standout Projects
Cody also shared some highlights from his project work, including a complex private residence in Telluride, Colorado, where his team designed a two-story basement structure underneath a suspended historic cottage, proving to be an incredibly intricate feat of coordination and engineering.
He also contributed to the recently completed Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC), helping navigate tricky soils and deep foundation design.
Away From His Desk
Outside of the office, Cody is an avid rock climber, often hitting the gym several times a week. He’s also passionate about cooking, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with his two dogs, Kade and Bonita, having formed a very quirky (and lovable) pet family.
From his early days in Cypress to tackling world-class projects and championing team growth, Cody brings a humble, people-first approach to structural engineering…. And it’s clear his impact at WGI stretches far beyond just drawings and calculations.
Tune In
This episode is full of thoughtful insights, surprising stories, and inspiring moments – So, tune in, and as always, stay curious, stay driven, and keep unleashing your full potential!
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