Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Structural Engineering Partner in Austin
MLAW Engineers is recognized as one of the most respected structural engineering firms in Texas, with over 54 years of experience delivering superior engineering services. Our expertise spans residential and commercial projects nationwide, supported by a seamless integration of soils analysis and structural engineering through our sister company MLA Labs, Inc. We specialize in light frame structures, having pioneered the first residential post-tensioned slab-on-ground in Central Texas in the 1960s. Our team of seasoned professionals combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to provide site-specific foundation designs, framing solutions, and forensic evaluations.We emphasize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, ensuring projects meet rigorous industry standards while minimizing material waste and construction delays. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 400,000+ completed projects and partnerships with leading builders, contractors, and architects across the U.S.
Services
Framing Design
Foundation Design
Program Consulting
Inspections
Forensic Services
Energy Efficiency
Commercial Services
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We have over 54 years of experience in structural engineering and foundation design.
- Our sister company provides 51 years of Central Texas soil data for precise designs.
- We offer a one-stop shop for engineering, inspections, and energy audits.
- Our team authored nationally recognized design manuals and industry standards.
- We deliver site-specific solutions to minimize over-design and under-performance.
What people say
Highly recommend
Extremely satisfied
Professionalism and service
Kept us updated
Saved from legal issues
Services
Framing Design
MLAW Engineers provides precision framing design services for wood or steel structures, ensuring efficiency and structural integrity. Our team optimizes material use to reduce waste while meeting load requirements and deflection criteria. Clients benefit from clear, concise plans that streamline construction schedules and minimize delays.
Foundation Design
Our foundation design services integrate 51 years of Central Texas soil data to create site-specific solutions. We specialize in post-tensioned slabs, steel-reinforced foundations, and pier lift systems, balancing durability with cost-effectiveness to prevent over-design and under-performance in expansive soil conditions.
Program Consulting
MLAW's team-based consulting approach ensures tailored solutions for project conception to completion. We offer value engineering reviews, scope clarification, and seamless coordination between stakeholders, leveraging decades of expertise to meet budget and timeline goals while maintaining compliance.
Inspections
Our inspection services cover foundation, framing, and energy compliance evaluations. We perform fill and beam observations, concrete testing, and third-party code inspections to verify adherence to design specifications and regulatory standards, ensuring structural safety and project success.
Energy Efficiency
MLAW Energy provides HERS ratings, energy audits, and code compliance services for residential and commercial projects. Our evaluations identify energy inefficiencies and recommend cost-effective improvements, helping clients achieve certifications like Energy Star while reducing utility costs.
People
James C. Conner
President, CEO and Chairman
Jay Conner joined MLAW in 1984 and has held every corporate role, gaining hands-on expertise in engineering, operations, and sales. He leads MLA Labs, Inc. and co-founded MLAW Forensics, leveraging 40+ years of industry experience to drive strategic growth.
Dr. Robert L. Lytton
Senior Consultant
Dr. Lytton, a Texas A&M faculty member, revolutionized expansive soil engineering and pavement analysis. His contributions to the PTI Manual and ASCE guidelines established national standards, combining academic rigor with practical application for over 50 years.
Kirby T. Meyer
Co-Founder
Kirby Meyer, a Harvard-trained engineer, authored foundational texts on soil mechanics and forensic engineering. His work on failure investigations and design manuals shaped industry practices, earning him fellowships in ASCE and leadership roles in major engineering societies.
Questions
What services does MLAW Engineers offer?
We provide foundation design, framing solutions, inspections, forensic evaluations, energy audits, and program consulting for residential and commercial projects.
How long has MLAW Engineers been in business?
We have over 54 years of experience, established in 1964, with a legacy of innovation in structural engineering.
Do you serve areas outside Texas?
While based in Texas, our services extend nationwide, with expertise in Central Texas soils and adaptable solutions for diverse regions.
What makes MLAW Engineers unique?
Our integration with MLA Labs' soil data, authorship of industry standards, and one-stop-shop approach ensure tailored, efficient engineering solutions.
Can you handle forensic engineering cases?
Yes, our MLAW Forensics team evaluates structural failures and provides expert testimony to identify causes and remediation strategies.
