About Daedalus

Engineering that elevates architecture

We partner with architects to make ambitious ideas buildable — crafting structures that serve design with clarity, restraint, and technical precision.

Daedalus team collaboration

Our Story

Daedalus was founded in 2007 by Doug Robertson with a clear vision: to be engineering partners who enable great architecture, not constrain it. 

Named after the legendary craftsman of Greek mythology—the architect of the labyrinth and father of Icarus — we embrace the spirit of innovative making. Like our namesake, we believe that technical mastery should serve creative vision. 

Today, our team of engineers brings that same ethos to every project. Whether it's a hillside residence, a civic building, or a winery pavilion, we approach each structure as an opportunity to solve problems creatively and enable designs that might otherwise seem impossible.

Our Approach

How we work with architects, builders, and owners

Collaborative Spirit

We believe the best structures emerge from genuine partnership with architects, builders, and owners throughout the design process.

Systems Thinking

Rather than isolated components, we approach each project holistically—considering how structure integrates with architecture, budget, and buildability.

Innovation with Purpose

From mass timber to seismic technologies, we embrace innovation when it genuinely serves the project — not for its own sake.

Design Excellence

Technical rigor and aesthetic sensibility go hand in hand. We engineer structures that are as elegant as they are resilient.

Our Team

Who we are

Doug Robertson

Doug Robertson

Principal, P.E., S.E.

Doug is the founder of Daedalus. With over 35 years as a practicing engineer, he is an ardent promoter of engineering as a facilitator for great architecture. His system, rather than component based design approach leads to innovative solutions providing results that are not otherwise considered or thought feasible. Doug takes great care in developing strategies for important project design details while never losing sight or focus on other project values including project budget, schedule, and constructability. He has led many technologically innovative and diverse projects including new building design, seismic evaluation and strengthening, historic renovation and preservation, sustainable design, and implementation of energy dissipation technologies. 

A graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, Doug was drawn to California's vibrant design landscape and seismic challenges. Beyond his professional pursuits, Doug is an amateur wood worker, enjoys cooking and great food, and embraces all outdoor activities.

Careers

Join our team

Join our team We're building an inclusive environment where engineers and design enthusiasts collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible. Whether you're exploring immediate opportunities or future collaborations, we'd welcome a conversation.

Current Openings

(2)

Experienced Professional Engineer

7+ years experience

Lead complex structural projects from concept through construction.

Design Engineer

3-5 years experience

Develop structural designs and details for diverse project types.