I'm fascinated by the idea of enabling the impossible.

Amy Patrick
Graduate Engineer, Houston
Joined Walter P Moore in 2007
Home state: Texas

Why are you an engineer?
I’m fascinated by the idea of enabling the impossible. As a kid, I read about Disney Imagineers, who took the most creative, exciting, impossible ideas and figured out how to make them work in reality. What we do here is not much different—we work with some of the most creative architects in the world and figure out how to bring their visions to fruition. I love the challenge and responsibility that comes with that.

What’s the most interesting work you’ve done here so far?
On my first day at Walter P Moore, I started all the preliminary analytical work on a gigantic two-level, elevated pedestrian bridge that will sweep around and connect three Texas Children’s Hospital buildings while spanning the light rail system underneath. It was challenging, and it’s going to be gorgeous when finished.

How does engineering make a difference in the world?
Engineering is a behind-the-scenes profession. I love to listen to people make small talk about our projects while I’m riding the bus or sitting in waiting rooms. They probably haven’t heard of Walter P Moore, and they may not even be able to tell you what a structural engineer does. But the things we create here are the topics of their everyday conversation. To me, influencing human connection is a lot more exciting than just physically altering the cities we live in — it shows the lasting difference we truly make.

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