No black boxes. Here's exactly what happens at each stage, how long it typically takes, and what we need from you.
A short call or site visit to understand your goals, constraints, and what's already been done. No charge, no obligation.
30–45 minutes
A rough description of the project and any existing plans or photos, if available.
A clear sense of scope and next steps.
Field assessment of existing conditions — structure, foundation, visible damage or risk — so design decisions are grounded in reality, not assumptions.
1–2 hours on-site · written summary within 3–5 business days
Site access and any prior reports or surveys.
A written site assessment.
We develop the structural approach and architectural plan in parallel, so the design and the engineering aren't fighting each other later.
Typical range: 2–4 weeks depending on scope
Sign-off on the design direction and any revisions.
Preliminary plans ready for engineering development.
Full structural calculations, stamped drawings, and a permit-ready set prepared for Bay Area jurisdiction submittal.
Typical range: 2–4 weeks after design direction is locked
Nothing — this stage is on us.
An engineer-stamped, submittal-ready drawing set.
On-call advisory through construction completion — RFIs, field questions, and inspection coordination, so nothing stalls because of a structural question.
Through project completion
A heads-up when questions come up in the field.
A completed, inspected, code-compliant structure.
It depends on scope and jurisdiction, but most residential projects run 8–16 weeks from consultation to permit-ready drawings, then continue into construction support. Inspections typically deliver in 5–7 business days; a focused plan set often lands in 3–8 weeks. We’ll give you a realistic range after the first call.
We handle plan-check comments as part of the engagement. If the jurisdiction requests revisions, we respond, update the drawings, and resubmit — typically within one review cycle for residential work.
Tell us what you're working on. The first conversation is free — and it's the fastest way to see if we're a fit.