Staff Spotlight: Michael Ekenstam

Meet Michael Ekenstam, PE, a structural engineer at FOCUS. Driven by curiosity and a passion for learning, Michael chose engineering because he loves solving problems and figuring out how things work. After high school, he gained hands-on experience in construction by building custom homes in Midway, UT. This experience sparked his interest in structural engineering, as he became fascinated by the purpose behind how each component fits together as part of the overall project.

Bringing Visions to Life

Michael has a clear passion for education, which is reflected in his thoughts on the mentors who have influenced his professional development. He believes good mentors are crucial in engineering. His mentors always took the time to explain the “why” and “how” behind solving problems and finding creative solutions. Inspired by their example, Michael now mentors others at FOCUS and seizes opportunities to teach engineering courses at Utah Valley University. He loves teaching and continues to participate in engineering organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineers Association of Utah.

Reflecting on some of his favorite projects, Michael recalls his experience working alongside Highland Group and Centre Sky Architecture to design stunning custom homes, such as the Three Branch Ranch and the Cocoa Cabin. His favorite part of these unique projects was the creativity and teamwork involved in bringing the homes to life. He enjoys helping his team turn clients’ visions into reality.

A Look Ahead

When asked about the future of the industry, Michael sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a substantial role in engineering. While he acknowledges concerns about AI taking jobs, he believes AI will primarily serve as a tool to handle monotonous tasks. This would free up time for engineers to focus on more creative ideas that can push the field forward and accelerate progress.

Outside the office, Michael’s hard work and drive are evident in his recent passion for running. While training, he listens to audiobooks and sets goals to accomplish. In just one year, Michael has already competed in two half marathons, achieving progressively faster times with each race. We anticipate many more accomplishments from Michael through his consistent hard work, leadership, and passion for learning—both inside and outside of the office.

Future Goals and Vision

Reflecting on the influences that have shaped his career, Jake highlights the tenured contractors and detail-oriented surveyors who have taught him valuable tricks of the trade, as well as the morals and ethics surrounding construction and development. He emphasizes the importance of these lessons, stating, “As a young professional, these seeds of wisdom are not only important in understanding the business, but also aid in comprehending the impact that our work can have on our communities.”

Jake aims to become a licensed surveyor in the state of Idaho and acknowledges the efforts of his teammates who are working to fulfill state board requirements. He holds high hopes for his team, expressing, “I envision a group that supports and mentors each other to achieve our collective goals.” Jake continues to prove himself as a key member of the team and integral to the growth of FOCUS teams as they navigate the local landscape of Idaho.