Principal at Sams & DeGough Engineers, PLLC

Since 2000, Aaron has been practicing structural engineering. He received his Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Cal Poly’s teaching philosophy of “learn by doing” helped prepare Aaron for practical engineering design and detailing by offering hands-on experience in construction and engineering principles in the lab sections accompanying the in-class instruction.

Aaron began his engineering career in southern California and routinely designed structural systems to resist high seismic demands. He began working with Hume Engineers in San Luis Obispo, CA, designing primarily light-framed wood, and high-end residential homes in Santa Barabara, Montecito, and Malibu.

In addition, he worked with Ehlen Spiess & Haight Structural Engineers in Santa Barbara, CA. His project experience broadened as his projects ranged from commercial, office buildings, educational facilities (Division of State Architect-DSA projects, e.g., K-12, secondary and higher education), religious structures, essential healthcare facilities (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development-OSHPD, e.g., hospitals, clinics, laboratories), essential first responder facilities (police and fire stations), renovation of registered historic structures, and industrial facilities. These projects utilized wood, steel, masonry, concrete, and light-gage steel materials.

Aaron joined Sams Engineering, PLLC in 2019 and collaborated with Logan Sams on a wide variety of projects including educational facilities (K-12), commercial, industrial, storm shelters (complying with ICC-500), hospitality (hotels), entertainment (theaters, auditoriums, sanctuaries), religious, residential, and renovation/retrofit projects.  In 2023, Aaron became a partner in the firm and it became Sams & DeGough Engineers, PLLC.

In his free time, Aaron enjoys reading, hiking, baseball, and traveling with his wife Celinda and three kids, Mason, Calli, and Jessa.  He is actively involved in his church community at Parkway Christian Fellowship in London, KY, and serves as one of the elders/pastors.

Aaron is licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in California and Kentucky.