Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Sign Structural Engineering Solutions
Founded in 1991, R. Scott Lewis PE, PC has dedicated its practice exclusively to sign structural engineering, accumulating over three decades of specialized expertise. Our team of licensed engineers and associates brings deep knowledge in structural analysis, design, and mechanics, supported by a network of consultants in geotechnical engineering, metallurgy, and OSHA compliance. We serve clients nationwide, delivering high-impact signage solutions for iconic brands while maintaining a focus on innovation and code compliance. Our engineers combine theoretical expertise with hands-on field experience, ensuring designs meet exacting safety standards and client specifications. With a legacy rooted in Times Squares evolution as a global signage hub, we continue to pioneer structures for LED displays, 3D sculptures, and complex urban environments.Our commitment to quality is reflected in rigorous site inspections, collaboration with fabricators, and adaptive problem-solving for zoning and material challenges. Leadership includes a founder with over 40 years of engineering experience and academic credentials from Yale, MIT, and NYU. We maintain licenses across multiple states and memberships in professional organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers. Our portfolio spans 200,000+ square feet of signage, including 80% of Times Squares structures, demonstrating our capacity to handle projects of all scales and complexities. Client partnerships benefit from transparent communication, technical precision, and a relentless focus on structural integrity.
Services
Structural Design
Zoning Analysis
LED Conversions
Field Services
Construction Phase Support
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of exclusive focus on sign structural engineering.
- Our team includes licensed engineers with expertise in advanced materials and code compliance.
- We provide nationwide service with deep knowledge of urban zoning regulations.
- Our network includes consultants in geotechnical, metallurgical, and safety compliance fields.
- We maintain a 98% client retention rate through precise project execution.
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design service creates code-compliant frameworks for signage, integrating client aesthetics with engineering precision. We collaborate with fabricators to optimize assembly efficiency while ensuring durability in challenging environments. Projects include complex LED displays and 3D sculptures requiring advanced material solutions.
Zoning Analysis
We conduct detailed zoning assessments to determine project viability, preparing documentation and sketches that align with municipal regulations. This service identifies constraints related to sign placement, height, and structural integration with existing buildings in urban environments like Times Square.
LED Conversions
This service modernizes legacy signage with LED technology while addressing weight and structural challenges. We identify cost-effective retrofit paths for aging signs in prime locations, ensuring compliance with current building codes and energy efficiency standards.
Field Services
Our engineers perform on-site inspections to verify adherence to design specifications and safety standards. This includes structural assessments for DOB compliance, OSHA safety audits, and modifications to existing sign frameworks in high-traffic urban areas.
Construction Phase Support
We provide continuous support during construction, resolving field issues and coordinating with contractors. This service ensures as-built compliance through collaboration with inspection agencies and documentation of quality assurance protocols for complex sign installations.
People
R. Scott Lewis
President
Licensed structural engineer with 40+ years of experience. Founded the firm in 1991 after studying under Times Square's leading sign engineer. Holds degrees from Yale, MIT, and NYU's MBA program. Licensed in six states and active in professional societies since 1975.
Sharon Yao
Senior Associate
25+ years of structural engineering experience. Specializes in 3D modeling and connection detailing for sign structures. Joined the firm in 1998 after teaching theoretical mechanics in China. Expert in translating client visions into actionable engineering drawings.
John Swaby
Drafter
Industry veteran with 30+ years of experience. Focuses on plan preparation and zoning compliance. Holds certifications in construction management and OSHA standards. Joined the firm in 2007 after working on sign projects since the 1980s.
Renee Rajappa
Associate
Structural engineer with 20+ years of diagnostics experience. Licensed in NY and NV, specializing in failure analysis and strengthening of concrete/steel structures. Applies expertise in building enclosures to sign support systems on diverse architectural forms.
Questions
What makes your firm specialize in sign engineering?
We've focused exclusively on sign structures since 1991, developing deep expertise in zoning, materials, and urban installation challenges unique to signage projects.
Can you handle complex LED sign conversions?
Yes, we specialize in retrofitting legacy signs with LED technology while addressing structural weight challenges and modern code requirements for urban installations.
Do you work outside New York City?
We serve clients nationwide, with projects from Boston to Denver, adapting our expertise to local regulations while maintaining national engineering standards.
How do you ensure structural safety?
Through rigorous analysis, on-site inspections, and collaboration with certified consultants in metallurgy, geotechnical engineering, and OSHA compliance for every project phase.
What experience do you have with Times Square signs?
We've engineered 80% of Times Square's sign structures, including the New Year's Eve ball support and complex LED installations at 1 Times Square since the 1990s.
