He and John Gould formed a firm in 1956 that evolved into present-day Degenkolb Engineers, which has provided structural designs for many San Francisco Bay Area buildings.
His first job (1936 to 1939) was performing analysis for the engineers preparing for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.
Today Degenkolb Engineers provides comprehensive design, rehabilitation, and consulting services to architects, building owners, hospitals, educational institutions, corporations and government agencies.
Degenkolb Engineers has been involved in many innovative projects and a leading firm in seismic design and retrofit.
He served on the President's Task Force on Earthquake Hazards Reduction, consulted for the California Seismic Safety Commission and received many awards.