Our Expertise

Bay Area Structural Engineering

Building safe, efficient, and innovative structures in the Bay Area requires specialized structural engineering expertise that accounts for seismic activity, complex soil conditions, and stringent building codes.

ZEM Engineers Inc. provides comprehensive structural engineering services with extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects. Our licensed structural engineers combine cutting-edge analysis techniques with practical construction knowledge to deliver cost-effective, code-compliant solutions for projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Residential Solutions

Structural Engineering for Residential Projects

From single-family home additions to complex multi-family developments, our residential structural engineering services ensure your project meets all safety requirements while optimizing design efficiency and construction costs.

Single-Family Homes

Complete structural design for new construction, additions, and remodels including foundation, framing, and seismic retrofits.

Multi-Family Housing

Wood-frame apartments, condominiums, and townhomes up to Type V construction with podium and parking structures.

Accessory Dwelling Units

ADU structural design including detached units, garage conversions, and second story additions to maximize your property value.

Seismic Retrofits

Strengthening existing structures to meet current seismic standards and improve life safety performance.

Foundation Design

Conventional spread footings, post-tensioned slabs, and specialized foundation systems for challenging site conditions.

Retaining Walls

Cast-in-place concrete, segmental block, and timber retaining walls for slope stability and site development.

Commercial Solutions

Structural Engineering for Commercial Projects

Our commercial structural engineering services cover office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. We specialize in efficient structural systems that maximize space utilization while meeting stringent performance requirements.

Office Buildings

Steel and concrete frame structures with efficient floor systems, designed for flexibility and future tenant improvements.

Retail & Mixed-Use

Ground-floor retail with residential or office above, optimized for both structural efficiency and architectural flexibility.

Parking Structures

Precast concrete and cast-in-place parking garages with efficient structural layouts and durable design details.

Industrial Facilities

Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers with long-span structural systems and heavy load capacity.

Tenant Improvements

Structural modifications for commercial tenant spaces including demising walls, openings, and mezzanine structures.

Seismic Upgrades

Mandatory and voluntary seismic strengthening of existing commercial buildings to improve life safety and reduce business interruption.

Specialized Solutions

Advanced Engineering Services

Beyond traditional structural design, we offer specialized engineering services to address unique challenges and optimize project performance.

Structural Assessments

Existing building evaluations, condition assessments, and structural feasibility studies for renovation projects.

Advanced Analysis

Non-linear dynamic analysis, performance-based seismic design, and specialized computer modeling for complex structures.

Equipment Anchorage

Seismic anchorage design for mechanical equipment, storage racks, and specialty installations per OSHPD and IBC requirements.

Peer Review

Independent structural design review and third-party verification services for quality assurance and due diligence.

Construction Support

Construction administration, RFI responses, field observations, and structural problem-solving during construction.

Permitting Assistance

Navigating plan check processes, responding to reviewer comments, and ensuring code compliance for faster approvals.

Materials & Systems

Structural Materials Expertise

Our engineers are experienced with all major structural materials and systems, allowing us to select the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for each project.

Wood Frame Construction

Conventional light-frame, engineered lumber systems, mass timber, and specialized wood connections for seismic resistance.

  • Conventional Stick Frame
  • Engineered Lumber (LVL, PSL, LSL)
  • Mass Timber (CLT, Glulam)
  • Shear Wall Design
  • Lateral Force Resisting Systems

Concrete Construction

Cast-in-place, precast, and post-tensioned concrete systems for maximum durability and seismic performance.

  • Cast-in-Place Concrete
  • Precast Concrete Systems
  • Post-Tensioned Slabs & Beams
  • Tilt-Up Construction
  • Concrete Podium Structures

Steel Construction

Structural steel frame systems optimized for constructability, with expertise in seismic design and connection details.

  • Moment Frame Systems
  • Braced Frame Systems
  • Composite Construction
  • Light-Gauge Steel Framing
  • Seismic Connection Design

Masonry & CMU

Reinforced masonry design for both structural and architectural applications, with focus on seismic detailing.

  • Reinforced Masonry Walls
  • Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
  • Brick and Stone Veneer
  • Masonry Retaining Walls
  • Seismic Detailing
Why Choose ZEM

Our Advantages

Licensed Professionals

All work is performed by or under the direct supervision of California licensed structural engineers with decades of experience.

Local Expertise

Deep understanding of Bay Area seismic conditions, soil characteristics, and local building department requirements.

Efficient Delivery

Streamlined design process and strong relationships with local plan checkers for faster project approvals.

Collaborative Approach

We work closely with architects, contractors, and owners to optimize designs for both performance and constructability.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Our designs balance safety, performance, and economy to deliver maximum value for your construction budget.

Responsive Service

Quick response to RFIs, field questions, and design modifications to keep your project on schedule.

Get Started

Partner with ZEM Engineers Inc.

Our structural engineering expertise and commitment to excellence ensure your project is built on a solid foundation of innovative design, code compliance, and construction efficiency.

Contact Us Today