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.

Doug Robertson

Doug Robertson

Principal, P.E., S.E.

Doug is the Founder of Daedalus and brings more than 35 years of experience as a practicing structural engineer. He is a passionate advocate for engineering as a catalyst for great architecture, consistently positioning structure as an enabler of ambitious design. His system-based, rather than component-based, approach fosters innovative solutions that often reveal possibilities others might consider unattainable. Doug continues to advance the industry through the development and application of his own design ideas, challenging conventional standards and expanding what is achievable through structural engineering. He is known for crafting thoughtful strategies around critical design details while maintaining a clear focus on budget, schedule, and constructability.

A graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, Doug was drawn to California for its dynamic design culture and seismic complexity. Outside the office, he enjoys woodworking, cooking, and exploring great food. He is equally at home in the mountains or by the ocean, whether hiking alpine trails, skiing, or spending time along the California coast.

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.