Forell/Elsesser Engineers, Inc.

Full-service structural engineering for new construction and retrofits of all building types, with a specialty in seismic design and innovative structural systems.

• New building structural design
• Seismic retrofit and rehabilitation
• Office and commercial conversions
• Historic building renovation and retrofit
• Construction administration

Specialized seismic analysis, design, and post-earthquake reconnaissance for buildings requiring enhanced performance levels or compliance with seismic codes and ordinances.

• Seismic evaluation and assessment
• Post-earthquake reconnaissance
• Seismic strengthening and upgrade
• Base isolation design
• Non-ductile concrete consulting

Seismic safety screening and compliance consulting for non-ductile concrete buildings subject to mandatory retrofit ordinances, including San Francisco's Non-Ductile Concrete Ordinance.

• Tier 1 and Tier 2 seismic screening
• Retrofit design for non-ductile concrete

Independent structural peer review services for projects requiring third-party technical review of seismic or structural design.

Plan checking for local jurisdictions and the Division of the State Architect (DSA), reviewing structural drawings and calculations for code compliance.

Cost and constructability optimization to provide the most efficient structural solution without compromising safety or performance.

Review of structural designs for ease of construction, sequencing, and practical buildability before documents are issued for bid.

Embodied carbon reduction and sustainable structural design strategies, including mass timber framing and material efficiency optimization.

• Mass timber structural design
• Embodied carbon reduction strategies
• Renewable energy structure support (solar, fuel cells)

Structural engineering delivered within Design-Build and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) frameworks, enabling early collaboration with architects and contractors.

• Design-Build structural engineering
• Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
• Progressive design-build

Structural feasibility studies and cost/benefit analyses to evaluate new construction, retrofit, or adaptive reuse options before design commitment.

Applied structural research into seismic performance, innovative structural systems, and advanced engineering methods.