Integrated Structural Engineering & Design Services

A residential structural engineer evaluates and designs the load-bearing elements of a home, including foundations, walls, beams, roof systems, lateral-force resistance, and seismic detailing. In high-risk environments, the role may also include coordinating fire-resistive assemblies, non-combustible systems, and structural integration with envelope, mechanical, water, and energy strategies.

You should involve structural engineering and design coordination as early as possible, ideally before selecting major materials or finalizing architecture. Early input helps align wall systems, roof assemblies, seismic strategy, fire-hardening measures, energy performance, and permitting requirements. It also reduces the risk of redesign, cost escalation, and incompatible product decisions later.

tect works through multiple delivery paths. In Path A, tect assembles a fully aligned team from concept through construction. In Path B, tect advises alongside a homeowner’s existing architect, engineer, and contractor. tect also collaborates directly with independent architects and structural engineers on fire-hardened detailing, documentation, and manufacturer-informed specifications.

tect’s projects may include pre-insulated concrete masonry, insulated concrete forms, autoclaved aerated concrete, steel-framed assemblies, hybrid concrete and steel systems, Class A roof assemblies, and non-combustible eaves. The right system depends on site conditions, seismic requirements, envelope goals, fire exposure, budget, and the intended service life of the home.

Yes. tect’s structural design coordination considers California seismicity alongside wildfire, flood, envelope, and lifecycle performance. Structural concepts may include concrete masonry shear-wall design, hybrid concrete and steel approaches, reinforced wall systems, and coordinated roof-to-wall connections. The goal is a home that performs as an integrated system rather than separate components.

Yes. tect’s Earth’smart™ Advisory Path B is designed for homeowners who already have an architect, engineer, or contractor but want stronger system coordination. tect can review decisions, advise at critical project stages, coordinate with manufacturers, support fire-resilient detailing, and help improve documentation without taking over the entire project team.

tect helps assemble documentation that may support broker, MGA, surplus-lines, or underwriter review. This can include fire-resistive assembly descriptions, non-combustible material specifications, integrated suppression engineering, defensible-space coordination, on-site water supply details, manufacturer specifications, and alignment with standards such as CAL FIRE Chapter 7A and IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home.

The first step is a discovery call to discuss your site, project stage, hazard exposure, goals, team structure, and budget range. From there, tect can recommend the right path: turnkey delivery, advisory support, or collaboration with your existing architect, structural engineer, or builder. Call (310) 913-5000 to begin.