Manuel Aldaco Lopez began his engineering career in Mexico while studying as an undergraduate. During his senior year in college, he interned at an engineering firm in Mexico and was eventually hired full-time after he graduated. He stuck around until he decided to move to the U.S. and get his master’s degree.

Since joining DCI, Manuel has been a key player in growing DCI’s LA office into what it is today. He began at DCI like many of our Engineers in Training, designing specific elements of projects and gradually improving his skills to the point where he was designing entire buildings. Now, Manuel helps new Engineers in Training develop and grow their own skills like he once did while managing larger projects.

When it comes to his work, Manuel’s is diverse and filled with projects ranging from renovations and single-family Homes to mixed-use podium buildings for offices, hotels, and high-rises all over the west, from Spokane to Seattle, to Oakland, Irvine, and San Diego with a few in Texas to boot.

When he’s not changing city skylines, he loves to play competitive soccer, and says if anyone wants to join, “Let me know.”

What was your favorite class in college?
Either structural analysis or reinforced concrete design.

What is your dream project location?
Durango or Guadalajara, Mexico.

What is your favorite thing about the DCI work environment?
The fact that I work with highly talented and hardworking people and that, for being engineers, we can have a great time too!!