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About the Firm & Our Team

who we are

Linchpin Structural Engineering is proud to be one of the most respected structural engineering firms in the region. Our leading team of exceptionally experienced structural engineers built Linchpin to embody greatness by empowering employees to participate in professional affiliations and continuing education opportunities, prioritizing accuracy and quality in client deliverables, and setting high standards through actions. From the beginning, we set out to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what was possible in the industry.

We are passionate about creating safe, sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for our clients. We leverage the latest technology and design tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Revit Structure and computer simulation, to optimize our designs and ensure the best possible outcomes. As a firm, we continue to grow and evolve, taking on new challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our field.

Whether you’re planning a new building, retrofitting or remodeling an existing structure, or need expert advice on a complex engineering challenge, Linchpin Structural Engineering is the partner you can trust. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your project vision.

Our People

Project Highlights

Our Work

see our work

Our Values

Quality

We review every deliverable at each stage with exacting standards, ensuring accurate, code-compliant engineering built to last.

Employee Wellbeing

It is our goal to provide the best work environment and a strong work-life balance, supporting each employee's goals, growth, health and wellness.

Professionalism

We commit to open and prompt communication with all members of the design team: owners, designers, contractors and subconsultants.

Equity and Diversity

We are equitable, non-discriminatory, and supportive for our employees of all backgrounds and personal circumstances.

Sustainability

We're among the first 50 firms to sign the SE2050 agreement, committing to eliminate embodied carbon from our designs by 2050.

SE2050 →

Our story

2013
Linchpin SE

Founded Linchpin SE

In 2013, Doug Gadow independently founded Linchpin in Truckee, CA. He brought on key partners Michael Nicklin and David Hodder within the first year. They each bring 20 years of specialty structural experience. We became a trusted partner in the design of complex and challenging projects across multiple sectors.

2017-2022
Forbes-Linchpin SE

Merger: Forbes Engineering

Linchpin merged with Forbes Engineering in 2017, expanding our expertise and capabilities and adding a second office in Reno, NV. This led to exponential growth with a larger team of highly skilled engineers and a wider variety of project scope and clientele — and added a wealth of knowledge and experience.

2022 – Current
Linchpin Now

Continually Growing

Today we maintain a single Linchpin brand for one cohesive team.  Linchpin continues to grow and expand with additional project and associate engineers, interns, many internal promotions for excelling team members, and an ever-growing clientele and portfolio. We continue to pursue excellence in everything we do.

Affiliations