Meet Our Staff : Cathy Yan (Burnaby)

I was born and raised in Beijing, China. I have a younger sister who currently resides in New Jersey. Compared to the modern Beijing, the city I grew up in was old and full of history and culture. High rises were non-existent and the primary form of transportation was by bicycle. A lot has changed since then, but every time I return to visit I am reminded of the city I enjoyed throughout my childhood and young adult years.

After I completed university, I worked as a structural engineer for 8 years in one of the largest design companies in Beijing. During my time there I designed a variety of reinforced concrete structures including high rises, residential and commercial developments, stadiums, hospitals and schools.

In August 1990 my husband, daughter and I started our new life in Vancouver, the most beautiful city in the world. My first professional job in my new city was as a draftsperson in a small architecture firm. Soon after I enrolled in the steel detailing program at Vancouver Community College and upon completion of the program in 1996 I became a member of the DOWCO team. During the past 14 years at DOWCO I have added a tremendous amount of expertise and experience to my professional career repertoire. However, the most valuable component of my job has been the wonderful friendships I have established with members of the DOWCO family.

In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, reading and watching Chinese television series. I am also an avid stamp collector and I used to do oil painting. My husband is a structural engineer and my daughter is a city planner in training. My daughter and I are also big Canuck fans and my favourite players are the Sedin twins. Go Canucks Go!