Leading Structural and Geotechnical Engineering in CA
Rutherford + Chekene (R+C) is a California structural and geotechnical engineering practice founded in 1960 by John Rutherford and Constantine Chekene in San Francisco. The approximately 50-person organization provides structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and building systems engineering primarily in California. It is known for complex seismic engineering, base isolation systems, historic preservation, and complex institutional projects including hospitals, university buildings, courthouses, science and research facilities, airports, and cultural institutions. Representative completed projects include the de Young Museum, San Francisco Ferry Building renovation, Sutter Health Mills-Peninsula Replacement Hospital, Pixar Animation Studios Steve Jobs Building, Stanford University Main Quad renovations, UC Davis Health 48X Complex, and San Francisco International Airport Harvey Milk Terminal 1. R+C is headquartered in San Francisco with a second office in Sacramento.
David BleimanCEO / President
Ellen LeongChief Financial Officer
Laura EllingtonPrincipal | Director of Business Development
Gyimah KasaliPrincipal Geotechnical Engineer
Bret LizundiaExecutive Principal
Francisco ParisiExecutive Principal
Angela WengExecutive Principal
Afshar JalalianExecutive Principal
Ayse CelikbasPrincipal
Jamison CurryPrincipal
Laurel JiangPrincipal
Wayne WongPrincipal Structural Engineer
Design of new structures and seismic retrofits for complex institutional, healthcare, cultural, and research buildings, featuring advanced analytical and material innovations.
Advanced seismic performance evaluations and structural strengthening to ensure resilience and historic preservation.
Implementation of advanced base isolation systems, including friction pendulum bearings and damping technologies, to protect historic and high-value structures.
Structural solutions that preserve historic facades and character while integrating modern seismic performance upgrades.
Supports geotechnical engineering work documented by R+C
Includes comprehensive geotechnical investigation within geotechnical engineering work.
Includes analysis within geotechnical engineering work.
Includes foundation design integrated closely with structural performance requirements within geotechnical engineering work.
Supports building systems engineering work documented by R+C
Includes specialized seismic bracing within building systems engineering work.
Includes anchorage design for nonstructural systems within building systems engineering work.
Includes mechanical within building systems engineering work.
Includes electrical within building systems engineering work.
Includes plumbing within building systems engineering work.
Anchorage and bracing design for critical building equipment.
Healthcare · Education · Research Facilities · Life Sciences · Justice & Corrections · Arts & Culture · Airports · Multifamily Residential · Affordable Housing · Commercial · Historic Preservation · Laboratories
San Francisco, CA · Arts & Culture · 2005
Structural and geotechnical engineer for the base-isolated museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. SEAOC Excellence in Structural Engineering, Award of Excellence.
Burlingame, CA · Healthcare · 2011 · Client: Sutter Health
First base isolated hospital in Northern California using sliding friction pendulum bearings (171 bearings). 441,000 sf, six-story steel brace-framed structure designed for immediate occupancy after major seismic event.
Emeryville, CA · Commercial · 2001 · Client: Pixar Animation Studios
220,000 sf building with base isolation system for 48-hour post-seismic resumption of operations. Structural engineering for exposed steel system.
San Francisco, CA · Historic Preservation · 2003
Structural engineering for renovation of the historic 1896 Ferry Building. California Preservation Foundation Design Award and ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award.