Shasta G. Good, M.S., P.E.

Background

With an educational background in architecture and civil/structural engineering, Ms. Good is an expert in the forensic engineering evaluation of civil, structural, and building envelope claims and disputes. Her critical thinking, organizational skills, and attention to detail are key components to the success of a vast range of projects from single-family residential to diverse and complex, multi-structure projects.

Ms. Good has conducted hundreds of engineering evaluations and analyzed civil, structural and building envelope failures at single- and multi-family residential, commercial, institutional, educational, athletic, healthcare, agricultural, and industrial buildings, resulting in the determination of the cause and extent of damage and the development of scopes of repair due to collapses, construction defects, design errors, earthquakes, explosions, foundation movement and failures, fires, hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, tree impacts, vehicular impacts, water intrusion, windstorms, and wood deterioration, among many others.

Ms. Good is a licensed professional engineer in multiple states and has extensive experience in the comparative engineering analysis of existing and as-designed conditions; the evaluation of applicable building codes and engineering standards; and the communication of clear and concise engineering opinions through written and verbal reporting. Her clients vary between attorneys, insurance companies, contractors, and property owners, for which she has provided expert testimony and has gained extensive experience in the property claims appraisal process. 

What is your most interesting project or accomplishment?

Personally, my proudest achievement is my children. As a mom to four young kiddos, watching them learn new skills, be brave, problem solve, laugh, and be kind to others makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.

Professionally, my proudest accomplishment is being recognized by my peers as a leader in this industry, whose attitude and abilities positively influence those around me. When it comes to the job, it’s hard to determine what has been my most interesting project; but what I do know is that I thoroughly enjoy complex projects that require me to really dive deep into the investigation and analysis to determine the solution.

What do you love about your job?

I love puzzles, always have and always will, but what I love most about this job is that each new project is a new puzzle to solve. No two projects are the same, even if they have similar pieces. I excel at taking what I have learned and the skills I have developed from one project and applying them to future projects.

I enjoy the mentally stimulating work that is required to investigate, analyze, and solve each new project. I love that I am always learning on this job! This job is never stagnant, and there is always something to learn or someone to learn from.

Why did you follow your career path?

How did I get here? Well, it all stems from a decision made for me by others. Too bad I do not know who exactly because I would really like to thank them! You see, when I showed up to register for my first semester of undergraduate classes, the school was under the impression I had declared a double major in architecture and civil engineering, when at the time I was convinced getting my degree in architecture was what I wanted to do. Thank the Lord for this clerical error, because I quickly figured out my passion was rooted in engineering principles, and the conceptual architectural design studios were not my cup of tea. It was not until the last month of my last semester of my undergraduate program that I was introduced to the world of forensic engineering. It was a guest lecturer for a construction management class that gave me a glimpse of this world, and it was one I jumped into feet first.

At that point, I knew I was headed to get my Master’s degree focusing in structural engineering, but I took that time to explore forensic engineering as well. I had found my niche and have never looked back! I now live in a world of structural engineering that applies my passion for problem solving in a hands-on way, where the problems and projects are always changing. A component to this career I really enjoy, and that I was unaware of when choosing this path, is the legal aspect. Working with attorneys and getting a glimpse into the legal realm from an engineer’s perspective is something I never considered but find absolutely fascinating.

What are your interests outside of work?

I enjoy mom-life and all the craziness that entails, spending time with my family, a wide array of outdoor activities, exploring new places, reading, and watching tv/movies.

Who or what motivates you?

Self-motivation is at the top of this list. I would say I have a healthy level of competitiveness in me, which motivates me to be my best in all aspects of my life.

Who do you love to work with?

Happy people! I enjoy working with people who have a positive attitude, a good sense of humor, and a smile on their face. Sometimes this job requires us to get our hands dirty, get sweaty (hello attic spaces in the Texas summers!), or even work in a not so aromatically friendly environment; and what makes those situations fun and keeps me working hard, is working with positive people who help me laugh my way through those, dare I say, sticky situations.

Favorite Quotes:

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

 

“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Albert Hubbard

Years of Experience:

I have over twelve years of forensic engineering experience. Time sure flies by when you are having fun!

Awards, associations, organizations, etc.:

Associations:American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE), Structural Engineering Institute (SEI)

Organizations: Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering Honor Society) , Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society)