About

I’m Jack Shepherd, a homestead engineer with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and 16 years spanning manufacturing, automation, and construction. I live on 60 acres in Yamhill County, Oregon, where I design and build the systems I recommend.

My approach is systems-first — I look at how water, structures, animals, energy, and access connect on your land. Because treating them in isolation is how you end up with a beautiful chicken coop in a flood zone and a garden you can’t water in August.

Where This Comes From

I built my first house with a principle I still follow: only specify what code doesn’t cover. On my first major remodel, I had no idea how to size beams. An engineer mentioned that online calculation tools existed — I figured out the loading paths through a century of additions and used the tools myself. Most people, including capable GCs, would surrender at “I’m not smart enough.” I consider that surrender a design problem worth solving.

That’s the thread that runs through everything I do: lend horsepower to people who want to do the work but lack the technical confidence or breadth to get unstuck.

Credentials

• Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
• Licensed Oregon General Contractor (CCB)
• 16 years — manufacturing, automation, construction
• Active homesteader on 60 acres in Yamhill County

One Red Line

I will not propose any design that makes the environment worse. Transitional clients are welcome — a conventional farmer improving one portion of their operation is a net positive. But I won’t design systems to enable or expand extractive practices.

What I’m Not

Not an architect. Not a designer. Not a coach. I’m the guy you call when the pieces don’t fit and you need someone who can see the whole board.