Converse San Francisco Opens on Market Street

Sierra Engineering Group is pleased to have been a part of the design team for the new Converse Store in Downtown San Francisco, one of their largest. The space is located on the ground and mezzanine levels of an existing four story building which includes a full basement below. It is a store featuring an exposed structural steel circular stair linking the ground floor to the mezzanine at the center of the space as their signature aesthetic component.  Our work included structural design of the stair along with the removal and reconfiguration of the mezzanine slab openings, re-work of both the Ellis Street and the Market Street entrances and a variety of other elements including the retrofit of existing building members and connections.  Sierra Engineering Group worked closely with the store design Architect to assist them in achieving the desired aesthetic effect, not a small feat considering that much of the structure is exposed and incorporated into the design. 

For more information see: http://play.converse.com/blog/2013/06/17/converse-store-in-san-francisco/

Project:  Converse Store – San Francisco
Owner:  Converse
Structural Engineer: Sierra Engineering Group
Architect: Jennifer Carpenter Architects
Contractor: Timberwolff Construction

More Professionals at SEG

Julio

Jessie



Francis
 

Sierra Engineering Group would like to congratulate all those at our office that have successfully sought and passed their P.E. examinations. This includes Francis Franco this year, Jessie Cruz two years ago and Julio Silva a little over three years ago.  We figured that it’s never too late to celebrate career achievements. Our office can boast that the design staff with the exception of one (we fully expect him to pass the last section of the exam this year) is now entirely composed of licensed engineers.  We believe licensing speaks to the intellectual investment, integrity, commitment and professionalism that each of these individuals brings to their work. Their continued dedication is a credit not only to our office but more so to the structural engineering community. We are proud to have them as part of our staff and look forward to continue to support their professional and personal growth.

Aloft Hotel in Cupertino Opens

 

On March 8, 2013, a grand opening celebration was held at the Aloft Hotel on North De Anza Blvd in Cupertino, California. It is the first hotel built in Cupertino in the last ten years. The brand is most notable for its style, which is different from the majority of hotel brands. The hotels offer a modern design, with unique technical aspects, and an atmosphere that encourages socialization. Sierra Engineering Group was the Structural Engineer of Record for this new 4-story, 125 room hotel. The work included an underground cast-in-place concrete structure which houses parking and supports a stepped post-tensioned concrete deck which in turn supports 4 levels of a wood and structural steel superstructure.

The project was originally designed as a different brand however the owners decided to change flags after construction had already begun on the original design.  The design team was challenged to make the required revisions to the first design without delay to the overall construction schedule, including obtaining all required approvals from the various jurisdictions. The design and construction team working closely and with the same goals in mind was able to meet the owner’s demand and achieve the expected opening date.  Sierra Engineering Group is proud to have been a part of such an arduous yet ultimately rewarding project.

Project: Aloft Cupertino – A Vision of W Hotels

Owner: Shashi Corporation
Structural Engineer: Sierra Engineering Group
Architect: RYS Architects
Contractor: SD Deacon General Contractor

KATO Road Grade Separation Retaining Walls Under Construction

 

 

 

 

As part of the BART South Bay Extension Project (SVRT) structural design team, Sierra Engineering Group is the engineer-of-record for the design the DSM (Dense Soil Mix) retaining walls for the subject project. Ultimately the concrete wall facing will act compositely with the steel soldier piles which are anchored to the wall with headed welded studs. Due to the sensitive nature of adjacent properties and utilities, we were charged with examining the wall behavior at various stages of construction. Our extensive analysis made use of the latest design software to accomplish this task, namely PYWALL as well as others. Construction is currently proceeding with the tiebacks already detensioned and the walls behaving as anticipated.  The majority of the concrete struts which span under the width of the future roadway are in place and placement of wall reinforcement under way.

Sierra Engineering Group Now Licensed in Michigan

Due to the continuing demand from clients that operate nationwide, Sierra Engineering Group continues to add capabilities by gaining licenses to offer our engineering services on as many states as our clients demand.  To that end, we are now licensed in the State of Michigan. Please take a look at our website for a comprehensive list of all the states in which we are licensed to practice. 

In Honor of National Poetry Month - For Engineers

The Sons of Martha
by Rudyard Kipling


THE Sons of Mary seldom bother, for they have inherited that good part;
But the Sons of Martha favour their Mother of the careful soul and the troubled heart.
And because she lost her temper once, and because she was rude to the Lord her Guest,
Her Sons must wait upon Mary's Sons, world without end, reprieve, or rest.
It is their care in all the ages to take the buffet and cushion the shock.
It is their care that the gear engages; it is their care that the switches lock.
It is their care that the wheels run truly; it is their care to embark and entrain,
Tally, transport, and deliver duly the Sons of Mary by land and main.
They say to mountains, " Be ye removèd" They say to the lesser floods " Be dry."
Under their rods are the rocks reprovèd - they are not afraid of that which is high.
Then do the hill tops shake to the summit - then is the bed of the deep laid bare,
That the Sons of Mary may overcome it, pleasantly sleeping and unaware.
They finger death at their gloves' end where they piece and repiece the living wires.
He rears against the gates they tend: they feed him hungry behind their fires.
Early at dawn, ere men see clear, they stumble into his terrible stall,
And hale him forth like a haltered steer, and goad and turn him till evenfall.
To these from birth is Belief forbidden; from these till death is Relief afar.
They are concerned with matters hidden - under the earthline their altars are
The secret fountains to follow up, waters withdrawn to restore to the mouth,
And gather the floods as in a cup, and pour them again at a city's drouth.
They do not preach that their God will rouse them a little before the nuts work loose.
They do not teach that His Pity allows them to leave their job when they damn-well choose.
As in the thronged and the lighted ways, so in the dark and the desert they stand,
Wary and watchful all their days that their brethren's days may be long in the land.
Raise ye the stone or cleave the wood to make a path more fair or flat;
Lo, it is black already with blood some Son of Martha spilled for that !
Not as a ladder from earth to Heaven, not as a witness to any creed,
But simple service simply given to his own kind in their common need.
And the Sons of Mary smile and are blessèd - they know the angels are on their side.
They know in them is the Grace confessèd, and for them are the Mercies multiplied.
They sit at the Feet - they hear the Word - they see how truly the Promise runs.
They have cast their burden upon the Lord, and - the Lord He lays it on Martha's Sons !

Our word

Often we are asked how we market Sierra Engineering Group (SEG). Our response is simple; our marketing efforts are based on a single tenet: Trust.  Most engineering firms share similar claims; they provide quality work, excellent service, timely delivery and unparalleled expertise.  These proclamations are not likely to distinguish one firm from another.  Certainly they are all capable of all that they pronounce about themselves. We have no doubt about the integrity and ethics of our profession and remain proud to have chosen structural engineering as a career.  We all strive for the same thing. But how do we separate ourselves from others, how do we stand out.

At SEG marketing is about building relationships. However, in today’s economic climate, most end users tend to seek multiple proposals, a practice that has resulted in the commodization of engineering services. Our approach has seen diminishing returns yet we believe in its value and remain committed to it.

Years ago, I was recommended to an Architect by a contractor.  When I visited the Architect’s office, I noticed a number of multistory building drawings hanging on the walls.  After SEG successfully completed the project, I approached the Architect about the possibility of doing more work for them.  I asked specifically about the project types that were hanging on the walls.  He asked about our experience level with multistory concrete construction. I responded that ours was a young office and that although I personally had the experience, our staff was still evolving and their experience was not to the level required.  I was honest that as Principal of the firm my own time was limited and I was not able to lead the project myself. Impressed by my honesty, passing on a truly substantial project, he simply asked me to let him know when we were ready.

True to his word, about two years later I approached him again and simply told him we were ready.  He immediately awarded us with a project. To this day that Architect remains as our best and most loyal client.  Simple honesty gained their trust. 

At SEG, we consider our word to be invaluable. It is how trust is founded.  And trust is how lasting business relationships are built.

Doral Buick-GMC Expansion Nearly Complete





Sierra Engineering Group (SEG) served the structural engineer-of-record for this major addition and interior remodel of the Doral Buick-GMC Dealership in Miami, Florida, currently nearing substantial completion. The expansion calls for an additional 7,000 square feet of enclosed space to increase the showroom size as well as the service area.  It also included the expansion of a second level parts storage mezzanine.  SEG provided structural engineering design services as well as construction administration services during construction of the project.   SEG worked closely with Offerle-Lerner Architects and the City of Doral as well as the ownership to expedite the permit process.   The structural system includes the use of CMU perimeter walls and open web steel joists for the roof and floor framing systems.  Despite the unique phased construction, the contractor, AutoBuilders Inc. has managed to maintain schedule with minimal disruptions to day to day business operations.  It’s an example of how a good working relationship between the design team and the construction group can make for a successful project.

Structural Engineer: Sierra Engineering Group

Architect:  Offerle-Lerner Architects

Contractor: AutoBuilders Inc.

Client: Doral Buick-GMC

Construction Cost: $1.8 million

Yes!! A Belated Moving Announcement

After 19 years in Union City, Sierra Engineering Group has moved. Fortunately, we didn’t go too far, our new offices are located in Fremont, about five miles south of our old location.  The new lease deal allowed us to renovate the existing ground level space to incorporate a new conference room, new lighting system, kitchen and all new finishes. The windows all around the perimeter of the new location lets the natural light flood the interior space creating a much more comfortable and energetic working environment. We’ve signed a five year lease and look forward to staying a while.  Please feel free to stop by any time, we’ll be glad to show you around.  Our new address and contact information:

Sierra Engineering Group

39812 Mission Blvd.

Suite 100

Fremont, CA 94587

510-445-0550 ph

510-445-0440 fx

info@sierraeng.com

2995 Middlefield Completed

Sierra Engineering Group was the structural engineer-of-record for the recently completed office building at 2995 Middlefield in Palo Alto, CA.  Hayes Group Architect’s distinctive modern approach has resulted in a unique structure.  Though the footprint is limited, the lines expressed by the use of horizontal shade elements along the front façade and recalled along the south elevation’s triangular trellis evokes the image of a much larger structure, giving it a sense of belonging without overpowering the surroundings. Varying roof lines and the architect’s desire for shallow structure at the overhangs presented some unique structural opportunities.  Working closely with Hayes Group, we chose a horizontal steel truss system to brace the full height round steel columns along the Middlefield elevation. In keeping with the steel brace theme, the building’s lateral load resisting system makes use of a concentric braced frame system concealed within the elevator and stair walls, leaving plenty of room for the use of glass along the exterior walls resulting in an inviting interior space.

Structural Engineer: Sierra Engineering Group

Architect: Hayes Group Architect’s

Contractor: South Bay Construction Inc.

Owner: GVA Kidder Matthews

SEG Now Licensed in Utah

In order to better server our clients Sierra Engineering Group is now licensed to practice structural engineering in the state of Utah expanding our capabilities to 30 states.  Please refer to our website for a complete listing of the states in which we are licensed to practice structural engineering.

299 Valencia Begins Construction

It will rise five stories above the intersection of 14th and Valencia Streets in San Francisco and will provide this thriving community with additional retail and restaurant space at the ground level along with four stories of residential condominiums above. The design includes an underground parking garage which will accommodate all of the residents and minimize impact on street parking. Due to the slope along 14th street the building design incorporates a number of elevation changes as it steps its way down from Valencia down to Mission. The foundation makes use of a poured-in-place concrete mat slab over a grouted soil base. The ground and second floor decks use post-tensioned slab construction to minimize the structure thickness and meet the building height restrictions. At the second floor the structure transitions to wood framing. The design will also accommodate a roof deck for use by all the tenants. The 14th street and Valencia Street elevations will also include floor to ceiling windows. Currently the mat slab has been poured, the perimeter retaining walls have been shotcreted in place, parking level walls and columns are slated to be poured by mid-April.

Sierra Engineering Group Now Licensed to Practice in Iowa and Minnesota

In our continuing effort to expand our services throughout the United States, Jesus Sierra, President at Sierra Engineering Group has obtained his license to practice structural engineering in the states of Iowa and Minnesota.  We are now able to provide structural engineering services in 29 states.  Please refer to our website for a complete map. 

 

Taking Small Steps Towards a Greener Practice

It is not secret that our business generates a lot of paper. After a numbers of years the sheer quantity of paper generated starts to encroach on our work space. It begins to expand to where the need for additional storage space becomes not only evident but imperative. For our office, that took the form of leasing offsite storage space to house our older files. Now even those spaces are filled and the content continues to grow, pushing the limits of the space. It became clear that we needed to adopt a different tact and we considered simply discarding the oldest files. Purging some of the old files is an obvious solution. But how many times have we thrown out an old project only to receive a call soon after regarding that very job. The client suddenly decides to revise the old design or any number of requests. We have to consider a different way.

In our office we have examined every one of our processes to try and come up with a way to minimize paper use. The industry currently will not stand the complete eradication of paper so the goal is to minimize it whenever possible. For example, we do not throw out old prints; we keep the paper and use the reverse side when making check plots. We do the same with old reports, calculations etc. Using both sides of the paper has reduced our consumption of new paper thereby also reducing costs.

Our most recent and most ambitious goal is to scan all the old drawings and project files, including those that are in storage so that eventually we are able to lease less offsite storage space or eliminate it altogether.

Given the state of the technology and all the on-going innovations, it won’t be long before paper becomes archaic. It won’t be long before construction documents are issued in digital form only. We may as well embrace the future of this technology now and position ourselves accordingly.

Besides, we like the idea of saving trees.

The Joys of a Structural Foodie

Perhaps it is my love of food that gives me such satisfaction when we are involved in restaurant design. Our work as structural engineers can contribute to make the restaurant a success by helping the client minimize construction costs, perhaps by devising clever structural solutions or working with the Architect to devise elegant solutions in order to realize their aesthetic vision, especially when the structure is exposed. Such is the case with Yardhouse Restaurants (nationwide), where much of the interior structure is exposed, including open steel and wood trellis elements, exposed concrete walls and patio enclosures. Our restaurant work has been as varied as my own eclectic tastes in food, from PF Chang’s (nationwide)Asian fare to the Rose Pistola’s (San Francisco) and Pasta Pomodoro’(Union City) delicious Italian food to Reposado’s (Palo Alto) savory Mexican cuisine. If you’ve travelled much, you might have seen our handiwork at the Vino Volo wine and tapas restaurant kiosks. It’s no coincidence that work was done in our office by our Associate Sicilian-American engineer, Frank Cozzitorto. I wonder if his own love of wine had anything to do with the firm securing that contract. Sometimes when I to catch that Giants at AT&T Park, I stop across the street to admire our work at Pedro’s Cantina (San Francisco) and of course enjoy a cocktail and perhaps some ceviche to go along with it. Along with a number of other restaurants, we have recently we begun work on a number of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in California and Washington. With the Superbowl coming up, I really don’t think that’s a coincidence. I know good food when I taste it and good service when I experience it. So when I find a restaurant I like, I tend to go back. I’d like to think that our client’s know good work when they see it. Maybe that’s why they keep coming back.

New Project! Leesburg Child Care Facilities

We are pleased to announce that Sierra Engineering Group’s Miami office has been selected as the Structural Engineer of Record for the Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s Child Care facilities. Offerle-Lerner, AIA, Architects and Planners of Miami, Florida will be the Architect of Record.

This project involves the conversion of a 1920’s era structure currently used as a document storage facility into a Child Care Center for accommodating the children of hospital employees. Prior to being a document storage facility, this building was also home to an automotive dealership; Leesburg’s Ford.

This is a 1-story building with timber truss roof framing and clay tile walls. The creative team will be adding a screened-in play area, new window and door openings as well as a new entry porch. In accordance with the design character of the existing building and out of respect for the structure’s history, framing for the new areas shall consist of pre-fabricated wood trusses and masonry columns. Since the original structure is unreinforced masonry, portions of the existing building will also have to be strengthened in order to comply with current codes.

Here's a sneak peek at the site plan, we'll post more updates throughout the design/building process.

Posted By: Sara

SEG is now licensed in New York!

Jesus F. Sierra was recently granted his Professional Engineering License in the state of New York. With the addition of New York, SEG has achieved licensure in 27 states and counting!

Posted by:
Sara

Art and Structural Engineering

Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA
Architect: Frank Gehry, FAIA
Structural: John A. Martin & Associates Inc.
Photo: by Carol M. Highsmith

Art is a form of self expression. Every painting, photograph, sculpture, poem, prose, song, dance, all forms of art, exposes something about the artist. The medium is simply the vehicle by which the artist renders his or her unique perspective. Even a painting depicting a particular moment in history offers in some way, the biased view of the artist, interjecting his own opinion in the piece, making it his and only his. However, most people tend not to think about structural engineering in the same way.
They consider structural engineering as having a set of rules to follow, allowing little room for self expression. Certainly our profession is based on scientific facts and the laws of physics, but those are merely our tools, our brushes, our scalpels, our musical instruments with which we are able to create our own vision.
Structural engineers may be labeled as conservative or liberal. As opposed to the normal political meanings of the terms, conservative in this case is associated with overly cautious design, an entirely subjective view normally related to the cost of the structure. Likewise when an engineer is labeled as too liberal, it is associated with carelessness, again a subjective observation usually associated to a previous experience on the part of the person passing judgment. Rarely is the engineer afforded the same latitude that an artist is granted when expressing his views through his art.
Structural engineering is our art, and simply because we need to work within certain parameters does not imply that our work lacks our unique perception when arriving at a given solution. Like all other art forms our answers are open to interpretation and diverging opinions as they our undeniably our own. Just like the Mona Lisa is not just a painting, just like the Temple of Sagrada Familia is not just a church or the Venus de Milo just a sculpture, neither is the Golden Gate Bridge just a bridge or the Eiffel Tower just a tower.
Our work is often misunderstood or dismissed as the obscure inner workings of an architectural vision, thus negating its contribution to the realization of that vision. But in truth it is no different than an Architect’s design, often described as creative and unique. The structural system used in the Disney Theater in Los Angeles is no less singular than Frank Gehry’s signature design. The lack of visibility of our work should not serve as an excuse to deny its own artistic contribution.
Creativity brings added value, especially in structural engineering. Our thinking is not bound by the rules but rather enabled by them. An artist is not limited by his medium but rather spurred to express himself through it. Those set of rules, the laws of physics, are our medium and using that medium we are able to express ourselves in unique ways. We don’t view these rules as limits but rather tools with which we can create solutions. They are the tools with which we are able to practice the art of structural engineering.

Posted by Jesus Sierra, S.E., President

Sierra Engineering Group welcomes a future engineer!

The SEG family is thrilled to welcome Nicolas Matteo Cozzitorto, brand new son of Frank and Patricia! Nicolas was born happy and healthy on Friday, March 26, exactly one week ahead of schedule. (And yes, we now expect Frank to meet ALL project ‘deliveries’ a week early!) Here are some photos from the office baby shower and Nicolas.












Posted by Sara Dunaway

101 Forest Nears Completion

Sierra Engineering Group served as the structural engineer of record for this office building designed by The Hayes Group Architects, located on the corner of Forest and Alma in downtown Palo Alto.

The structural system consists of a combination concentric braced frames and CMU shear walls in one direction and Special Moment Resisting Steel Frames in the other direction. The L-shaped building also required a seismic joint to separate the more flexible moment frame side of the structure from the more rigid CMU shear wall side. The Hayes Group design expresses the structural elements throughout the building, even exposing the exterior pipe columns along the Alma street elevation. As structural engineers we admit our bias to such systems as opposed to others where our work is hidden behind finishes. In a case like this our work not only has to address the structural requirements but the solutions also have to be particularly sensitive to their visible aesthetic impact. This would not have been successful were it not for a true collaboration between architect and structural engineer.

An intriguing blend of finish materials along with the large glass expanses create a uniquely distinct building with spacious, light interiors which should appeal to a wide range of potential tenants. We are very proud to have been a part of this process. The building is scheduled for completion in the next couple of months.

Posted by Jesus Sierra, S.E.