SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, USA, June 2, 2022–
After more than three decades of shaping skylines, mentoring young engineers, and helping define the culture of PASE, Chris Taplin is officially retiring. One of the original cornerstones of the firm, Chris’s departure marks the end of an era and the celebration of a legacy that continues to echo in the buildings we design and the people we work alongside.
Chris joined PASE in the summer of 1990 when the firm had just been formed by Don Peoples. At the time, he had just left a rigid civil firm where hierarchical management ruled the day. What attracted him to PASE, and what would define his career, was the company’s fresh approach: a bottom-up mindset where Project Managers were empowered to lead, grow, and innovate.
“Don built the company to be the opposite of where we came from,” Chris shared. “He focused on how management could help project managers succeed, not the other way around. That’s the environment I thrived in.”
From his early work in the high-tech and chip fabrication sectors to later becoming a key figure in launching the Multi-Family studio, Chris’s technical excellence and drive for operational clarity helped PASE grow in both size and sophistication. Many of the firm’s CAD standards and workflows are part of his legacy.
Chris’s engineering footprint can be seen across the Bay Area: apartments, townhomes, condos, hotels, and even restored landmarks like the Old County Bank Building in downtown Santa Cruz, a structure brought back to life after the Loma Prieta Earthquake.
“Check out the plaque next time you’re on Pacific Avenue,” he added.
But beyond the buildings, it’s Chris’s commitment to mentorship and thoughtful leadership that resonates most with those who worked with him. His advice to young engineers? Stay rooted in your craft and the people around you.
“Every successful person starts with a natural love for their profession. Without it, things can feel forced,” Chris said. “Tap into the experience around you. Focus on being the best engineer you can be, but never lose sight of your relationships—with colleagues, clients, and their teams. That’s where opportunities grow.”
As PASE transitions into its next phase of leadership and growth, Chris says he’s proud to see the firm embracing process and structure on a company-wide level—something he long championed.
“It’s bittersweet,” he wrote, “because I won’t be there to be part of it. But the future looks bright. I know Azlan, Matt, Bill, Greg, and Dave will lead PASE well, and I’ll always be cheering from the sidelines.”
Today, Chris lives with his wife, Bernadette, on their ranch in Grass Valley, trading concrete and steel for rolling hills, tall trees, and the occasional RC car race.
From all of us at PASE—thank you, Chris. For your leadership, your friendship, and your belief in the people around you. Enjoy the next chapter.
You’ve more than earned it.