Jake brings together his childhood fascination with architectural floor plans and his mechanical engineering expertise to develop effective building systems at Moseley’s Charlotte office. This inventive problem-solver has found his niche designing mechanical systems for projects that stretch from the Carolinas to Nevada and Florida, where he applies both technical precision and artistic flair to every challenge. His patient, diligent approach to interdisciplinary collaboration has helped him thrive in projects that span multiple disciplines and geographic regions.
What attracted you to this profession?
As a kid I was interested in architecture and would draw floor plans for houses on grid paper. When I decided to pursue mechanical engineering, I realized this industry would be a good way to combine my education with my past interests.
What three words would you use to describe your job?
As a mechanical engineer, the work I do is ever evolving and both repetitive but unique. We regularly find more efficient ways to do things, and while every job has its repetitive processes - like calculating loads and selecting equipment, each project brings a unique set of design challenges to keep things interesting.
What are the most important personality traits to have in your profession?
Patience, to understand the needs of the client and other disciplines, and to work fluidly as a team; Diligence, to be careful in your work and make sure things are done correctly and efficiently; and the ability to problem solve for when challenges arise or things don’t go as planned. Perhaps a generic list, but all important as an engineer, a team member, and as person.
What’s a typical week in your job like?
A typical week for me involves mostly production work in Revit. That includes all phases of a project: calculating building loads, selecting/scheduling equipment, designing mechanical systems, writing specs, etc. Throw in a few meetings and submittal reviews.
What’s it like to work in your office?
I work in the Charlotte office which is a medium sized office in Moseley terms. Everyone is friendly and always willing to help, and we have a nice, relaxed atmosphere considering our deadline driven work.
What do you like most about your job?
I like the design aspect the most. I enjoy being creative, so designing the mechanical system layouts is where I can best apply that interest into my work.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part is the deadlines. It seems like all the different projects we are assigned are always due around the same time. Funny how that happens.
How does your work benefit from our firm’s interdisciplinary approach to design?
Working with other disciplines allows me to learn and understand how each discipline affects the others. I can then anticipate the needs of other disciplines and how I might best design my own work to fulfill the overall design goal for each project. Communication is key, and it is really nice having all the disciplines in-house to streamline production.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
I’ve been working with the Baltimore office a lot lately, and while all my past jobs were located in the Carolinas and Virginia, their multifamily housings and senior living expertise have us working jobs across the country including Nevada and Florida, so it’s cool to see Moseley’s impact all across the country.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I have a lot of different hobbies to keep me busy year-round, but the one that combines my interests in nature, the outdoors, sports and mechanics the best is riding dirt bikes. I love getting out in the woods and ripping down the trails.
What’s your favorite film?
My favorite film is Vanishing Point from 1971. It’s now a cult classic car chase movie, and it’s one of the first movies my dad ever showed me since its one of his favorites too. Classic movie for car lovers, and according to my dad (since I wasn’t alive in 1971), it’s a great portrayal of the 70’s culture and times.
What’s your motto or mantra?
My faith is very important to me, so Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” is an encouraging verse to live by.
.avif)
