From my time doing school presentations, my favorite way to describe what we do is comparing structural engineering to the bones of a body: You might not see it, but nothing works without them. Engineers make sure buildings are safe and stable, so people can walk in and live their lives without ever having to think about the building falling down around them.”
Despite growing up in Wyoming where there is, as she puts it, limited “cool” buildings, Katie Bayles discovered them through structural engineering while studying at the University of Wyoming. She quickly found it was the right fit, one that eventually brought her to DCI through a career fair and kept her growing alongside the Denver team since 2018.
Katie is known for leaning into the kinds of projects that don’t fit neatly into boxes. From fast-paced tenant improvements to multifamily and office buildings—and even the occasional curveball like custom civil structures—she brings a practical, problem-solving mindset to every project. Her experience ranges from small, highly tailored scopes to 18‑story towers, with work across Colorado and several other states.
In her day-to-day role, Katie balances project management with hands-on design, coordinating closely with architects, clients, and contractors while staying involved in calculations and technical decision-making. In a smaller office environment, she also takes on business development and the extra responsibilities that help projects—and the team—stay on track.
Outside of project work, Katie is deeply invested in community outreach and mentorship. She serves as a lead mentor with the ACE Mentorship Program and regularly connects with Denver Public Schools, helping students explore careers in engineering and design.
Where is your hometown? Green River, Wyoming (Fun fact it’s the 8th biggest town in Wyoming with a population of 11,000).
What was your favorite class in college? Architectural History - Mostly because I was able to take it as part of a study abroad experience while traveling through London, Paris, and Barcelona.
What is your favorite thing about the DCI work environment? DCI really gives power to all employees to help make DCI successful and gives opportunities and encourages growth of employees through the company.
