Cody Lambert, Senior Engineer

In the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, we get to know Cody Lambert, PE, a Senior Structural Engineer based in WGI’s Austin, Texas office. With a laid-back attitude, a passion for mentoring, and a knack for complex design challenges, Cody brings his thoughtful and collaborative spirit to everything he does, whether it’s leading structural efforts on a unique residential build or fostering a learning culture among his teammates.

Growing Up in Cypress

Originally from Cypress, Texas (a large suburb just outside Houston), Cody describes his upbringing as classic suburban - playing basketball in the street, riding his bike around the neighborhood, and earning a reputation for missing curfews despite his mom’s best efforts (and watch purchases). While he played traditional sports early on, Cody eventually traded team athletics for something a little more daring: BMX biking. Though he wasn’t part of an official team, he spent much of his free time at skateparks and backyard halfpipes.

Discovering Austin and the Path to Engineering

After visiting his older brother at the University of Texas at Austin, Cody instantly fell in love with the city’s energy and set his sights on becoming a Longhorn. Though he entered college undeclared, a transformative architecture course and a growing interest in design led him to architectural engineering.

Ultimately, he found his niche in structural engineering, drawn to the challenge of solving tough technical problems. That realization set the course for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at UT, where he specialized in structural design.

Early Career and Joining WGI

Cody continued on to earn his master’s degree at UT, then launched his career through a series of impactful internships, including one where he worked on a toll kiosk project at Austin’s airport, and ultimately, a long-term position at a structural firm. That journey eventually led him to WGI, thanks to former colleague and now-supervisor Forrest Bratton. Since joining the firm, Cody has become an integral part of WGI’s Buildings division, known not just for his engineering expertise but for his dedication to mentoring younger team members.

In fact, mentorship and knowledge-sharing are Cody’s favorite parts of the job. He helped implement a biweekly “Lessons Learned” session in the Austin office, creating space for engineers to reflect on project experiences, share mistakes, and grow together as a team. His philosophy? Teach others so well that you make yourself obsolete.

Standout Projects

Cody also shared some highlights from his project work, including a complex private residence in Telluride, Colorado, where his team designed a two-story basement structure underneath a suspended historic cottage, an incredibly intricate feat of coordination and engineering. He also contributed to the recently completed Jacksonville Transportation Authority's Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC), helping navigate tricky soils and deep foundation design.

Away From His Desk

Outside of the office, Cody is an avid rock climber, often hitting the gym several times a week. He’s also passionate about cooking, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with his two dogs—Kade and Bonita—who he and his girlfriend brought together to form one very quirky (and lovable) pet family.

From his early days in Cypress to tackling world-class projects and championing team growth, Cody brings a humble, people-first approach to structural engineering—and it’s clear his impact at WGI stretches far beyond the drawings and calculations.