Get to know Darrell Ripkowski, PGP’s Applications Engineer with 25 years of industry experience. Ripkowski works with architects and glazing contractors to evaluate system requirements, interpret wind loads and test reports, refine project details, and determine when a standard system will perform or a custom solution is needed.
DARRELL RIPKOWSKI:
How long have you been in the industry?
25 Years in the industry, 10 years at PGP
When you first started, what surprised you the most about the industry?
How much testing is done on the products.
What does your role as an Applications Engineer involve throughout a typical project?
I help architects with product selection, System Sizing, and Detailing. I later help the glaziers with the same information, just a more refined level.
How do you determine whether a standard system will meet the project requirements or a custom solution is needed?
I use the projects windloads, and design intent (the distance between Anchor points and what is the spacing between vertical mullions) to see if the standard product will work per the test reports or engineered calculations.
What has been the biggest change you have seen in the construction industry?
The use of AI. We see it in the bidding phase a lot now.
Which changes in codes, performance requirements, and/or technology have had the greatest effect on the industry?
… Thermal performance has been a key factor and the use of Unitized system are more common now compared to 2005 when I started.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
Be the person people want to come to, and don’t be scared to say you don’t know the answer to the question. But make sure you get the answer and get back to them ASAP.
Boots Burger - Rockwall, TX
When you’re not reviewing details or solving project challenges, how do you typically spend your free time?
Going to my son’s baseball and football games, then going to see my daughter dance at drill team and dance competitions.
Favorite Mexican food / bbq spot / hidden gem?
Chiloso Mexican Bistro or Boots Burgers
Most memorable project you've worked on?
There are so many it is hard to name just one. When I worked at a Glazing Sub it was fun to bid the Kyle Field Project at Texas A&M. The buildings out at Legacy West also come to mind.
But at PGP it is always fun to work on [education] buildings my kids will be/have attended.
Working through the technical requirements of an upcoming project? Contact Darrell for assistance with product selection, system sizing, detailing, and performance requirements. Drawing on 25 years of industry experience, Darrell helps project teams evaluate standard and custom solutions from early design through glazing sub-contractor coordination.
Connect with Darrell on LinkedIn or click the button below to start a conversation.
