The structural engineering process is both fulfilling and fascinating from start to completion. We take a nearly blank canvas, brainstorm strategic ways to lay out elements and combine materials, and then, through continued coordination, we begin to witness how our technical designs impact people’s experiences within those spaces.”
Salma joined DCI as an intern between earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Southern California (USC). After interning with the firm throughout her master’s program, Salma started as a project engineer in 2019. In addition to managing projects across California, supporting DCI’s sustainability efforts, and serving as a resource to new technical staff, Salma is deeply connected to her clients and communities. She has built a network of close relationships and has done impactful work on permanent supportive housing, residential, and mixed-use projects across the region.
Salma co-leads DCI’s internal sustainability group, leveraging her knowledge to offer sustainability presentations to architecture, developer, and contractor clients, as well as to organizations such as the Carbon Leadership Forum, the America Institute of Architects, the University of California Office of the President, and the USC Architectural Guild.
What was your favorite class in college?
Sailing – we got to voyage to Catalina Island and spend the night on the boat!
If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be?
A poet and/or a full-time yoga teacher
Where is your hometown?
Newark, California
