Forell Elsesser Engineers

Forell|Elsesser Structural Engineers, established in San Francisco in 1960, is a premier structural and earthquake engineering firm renowned for its expertise and innovation. For over six decades, the company has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge solutions for a diverse range of projects across the Western United States. Guided by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the region's unique seismic conditions, Forell|Elsesser has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for clients seeking to construct safe, resilient, and sustainable structures.

A Legacy of Innovation

The firm's founders, Nicholas Forell and Eric Elsesser, envisioned a future where buildings could withstand even the most powerful earthquakes. This vision led to F|E's pioneering role in the development and implementation of seismic base isolation systems. These innovative systems, now widely accepted as a standard practice in seismic-prone regions, effectively decouple buildings from the ground, allowing them to move independently during an earthquake and minimizing damage. Beyond base isolation, F|E continues to push the boundaries of structural engineering by embracing advanced technologies and techniques. The firm has spearheaded the adoption of new strategies, such as buckling restrained-braced frames, passive damped systems, and cross-laminated timber (CLT), demonstrating a dedication to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving field.

Sustainable Solutions for a Changing World

In today's era of increasing environmental consciousness, F|E recognizes the vital importance of sustainable design. The firm seamlessly integrates sustainable practices into all aspects of its work, striving to reduce the environmental impact of building projects. F|E assists its clients in achieving their Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goals by exploring strategies that minimize embodied carbon, improve building efficiency, and promote the use of renewable resources. The firm actively pursues certifications like CALGreen, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), WELL Building, and Living Building Challenge, demonstrating its commitment to creating a more sustainable built environment.

Breadth of Expertise Across Various Sectors

F|E's broad range of expertise extends across diverse sectors, including academic, athletic, healthcare, historic renovation, justice/civic/governmental, multi-unit residential, performing arts/museums/libraries, science and technology, sculptures, transportation, and unusual structures. The firm's deep understanding of building codes, seismic regulations, and sustainable design principles enables it to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project and client. From iconic landmarks to cutting-edge facilities, F|E's portfolio showcases its ability to deliver exceptional results across various scales and complexities.

Service Offerings

Forell|Elsesser Structural Engineers offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to guide projects from conception to completion.

Core Services: The firm's foundational services encompass structural engineering, peer review, plan checking services, value engineering, and constructability review. These services provide the essential framework for ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and efficiency of buildings.

Specialized Expertise

F|E possesses specialized expertise in several key areas: Building Information Modeling (BIM)/Revit, customized solutions, case studies, design/build, integrated project delivery (IPD), earthquake engineering, base isolation, research & development, sustainable design, existing buildings seismic retrofits, and post-earthquake reconnaissance. This extensive range of expertise allows F|E to address a wide range of engineering challenges with innovative and effective solutions.