What is Commercial Engineering?
Commercial structural engineering requires understanding of complex building codes, accessibility requirements, fire-life safety, and business operational needs. Our engineers deliver efficient, cost-effective structural solutions for commercial projects of all scales.
Why Choose Our Commercial Engineering Services
Experience with Type I-V construction and occupancy groups
Fast-track scheduling to meet business timelines
Value engineering for budget-conscious projects
Tenant improvement and renovation expertise
Coordination with architects, MEP, and civil engineers
Building department experience across California
PE-stamped plans and structural calculations
What We Provide
Comprehensive commercial engineering services with complete documentation
Structural Analysis & Design
Complete structural engineering for commercial buildings using steel, concrete, masonry, and wood systems.
Construction Documents
Comprehensive structural drawings including foundation plans, framing plans, details, schedules, and specifications.
Code Compliance Analysis
California Building Code compliance including accessibility, fire-life safety, and jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Tenant Improvement Engineering
Structural engineering for commercial TI projects including demising walls, mezzanines, and equipment support.
Seismic Evaluation
Seismic assessment of existing buildings and retrofit design to meet current standards.
Construction Administration
Shop drawing review, RFI response, site observations, and coordination during construction.
How It Works
Our streamlined process for commercial engineering
Project Kickoff
Review project goals, schedule, budget, and coordination requirements with full project team.
Proposal Development
Detailed scope of work, fee proposal, and schedule tailored to your project needs.
Structural Design
Engineering analysis and design of structural systems optimized for constructability and cost.
Construction Documents
Production of construction-ready structural plans, details, and specifications.
Quality Control
Internal review and coordination with architectural and MEP disciplines.
Permit Submittal
PE-stamped drawings and calculations prepared for building department submittal.
Plan Check Response
Response to building department corrections and coordination for approval.
Construction Phase
Shop drawing review, RFI response, and site visits as needed during construction.
Common Applications
We provide commercial engineering for a wide range of projects
Cost Information
Transparent pricing for your project
Typical Range:
0.5% - 2.0% of construction cost, or $5,000 - $50,000+ fixed fee
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Building size and complexity
- Construction type (Type I-V)
- Structural system selection
- Number of floors
- Seismic design category
- Schedule requirements
Commercial structural engineering fees are typically based on percentage of construction cost or hourly basis.
Timeline
What to expect for your project
Design Phase
2-6 weeks for design development
Permitting
4-12 weeks for plan review
Total Timeline
6-18 weeks from start to permit approval
Timelines vary based on project complexity, jurisdiction requirements, and information availability. We provide detailed schedules during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about commercial engineering
What building types do you design?
We design all commercial building types including office, retail, industrial, medical, hospitality, mixed-use, and special-use structures. Our experience covers Type I through Type V construction and all occupancy classifications.
How much does commercial structural engineering cost?
Fees typically range from 0.5%-2.0% of construction cost, or $5,000-$50,000+ for fixed-fee projects. Tenant improvements may be $3,000-$15,000. We provide detailed fee proposals after understanding your project scope.
Can you handle fast-track schedules?
Yes, we regularly work on fast-track projects with aggressive schedules. We can provide accelerated services, phased deliverables, and extended hours when needed to meet your timeline.
Do you provide construction administration?
Yes, we offer construction phase services including shop drawing review, RFI response, site visits, and coordination with contractors. These services can be included in our initial agreement or added as needed.