Structural Engineering for Tenant Improvements and Small Commercial Buildings.

When units are heavier than what was there, are placed where no unit existed, or the jurisdiction requires it — which in California is most of the time. The review covers the roof framing under the unit and its seismic anchorage to the structure. Provide the unit cut sheets and the roof plan, and we will scope the evaluation.

Yes. The design addresses the load above the opening, the jamb framing, the connection to the panel and the effect on the wall's role in the lateral system. Openings in tilt-up panels usually require steel jamb and header framing detailed to the existing reinforcing; we design and detail that work.

Floor framing and columns for the platform, connections to or independence from the existing building, a lateral system for the platform, and new footings or slab checks at the columns. The architect sets the area and occupancy limits; we design the structure and coordinate column locations with the existing layout.

We specify the special inspections the work requires — epoxy anchors, structural steel welding, high-strength bolting, concrete and masonry — on the structural sheets, following CBC Chapter 17. The inspections themselves are performed by an approved agency retained by the owner or contractor.

Yes. Team members can be added to the project to upload drawings and see status. We coordinate equipment weights, opening locations and framing so the same information shows on every discipline's sheets, and we issue structural sheets numbered to fit the set.

The California Existing Building Code ties evaluation requirements to the type and extent of alteration, to changes in occupancy and to added mass or demand on the lateral system. Most tenant improvements stay within limits that require only the affected elements to be checked, but rooftop additions and occupancy changes can cross a threshold. We identify that during scope review, not after plan check.