Derrick Roorda

Derrick Roorda is the director of Buro Happold west coast structural engineering group. With over 20 years of experience, he is an expert in the topic of seismic engineering and performance based design.

Derrick participated on a number of expert committees charged with the advancement of seismic design regulations, including those responsible for the development of PBD guidelines for Tall Buildings in San Francisco and Los Angeles. More recently he served on the NEHRP consultants joint venture that published recommendations for seismic design of concrete buildings following the 2010 Maule, Chile earthquake.

Derrick has a strong resume of commercial, entertainment, and cultural projects around the US and internationally. He holds a reputation for maintaining balance between design ambition and construction practicality. Having worked with a broad spectrum of the world’s great architects including Renzo Piano and Frank Gehry, Derrick has shown a prowess to advance creative solutions within the confines of restrictive technical regulation.