Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Civil Engineering Partner in San Francisco
Urbandesignce was formed in 2005 by industry professionals committed to delivering civil engineering excellence through client-focused collaboration. Our firm prioritizes project success by fostering strong relationships with clients, architects, and agencies while maintaining a culture of innovation and problem-solving. As a certified local small business, we bring deep expertise in urban site development, stormwater management, and joint trench design to projects ranging from affordable housing to cultural centers. Our team of registered engineers and construction specialists combines over 28 years of civil engineering experience with meticulous quality control to navigate complex regulatory environments. We differentiate ourselves through transparent communication strategies that ensure all stakeholders remain aligned throughout project lifecycles.Our professionals hold advanced degrees from institutions like UC Berkeley and maintain active certifications in stormwater pollution prevention. By focusing on both technical precision and community impact, we've built long-term partnerships with developers and municipalities across the Bay Area. Our commitment to continuous learning ensures we apply industry best practices while maintaining our passion for civil engineering fundamentals. This approach has enabled us to successfully deliver projects valued at $600M+ while maintaining our core values of local pride and technical excellence.
Services
Civil Engineering
Joint Trench Design
Stormwater Management
Site Development
Grading and Drainage
Utility Services
Streetscape Design
Water Retention
Creek Improvements
Permitting Services
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 28+ years of civil engineering experience in complex urban environments
- Our team includes State-Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Developers
- We provide end-to-end project advocacy through regulatory approvals
- Our QA/QC processes are led by a licensed general contractor with 35+ years experience
- We maintain active partnerships with 15+ Bay Area municipalities and agencies
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering team delivers comprehensive solutions for urban development projects. We specialize in site assessment, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure design for mixed-use developments and public spaces. With expertise in navigating complex municipal requirements, we ensure projects meet technical standards while maintaining budget efficiency and schedule adherence.
Joint Trench Design
We provide specialized joint trench solutions for utility infrastructure projects. Our approach optimizes underground space while coordinating multiple utility systems. By proactively managing agency requirements and existing infrastructure conflicts, we deliver cost-effective designs that minimize construction disruptions in dense urban environments.
Stormwater Management
Our stormwater management services include permanent and temporary solutions for urban sites. We design systems that meet regulatory requirements while enhancing site sustainability. Our team coordinates with landscape architects to implement water retention, infiltration, and reuse strategies that improve project environmental performance.
Site Development
We offer complete site development services from initial assessments to final permitting. Our expertise includes grading plans, drainage solutions, and streetscape design that balance functionality with regulatory compliance. We work closely with developers and municipalities to transform challenging urban sites into successful projects.
Permitting Services
Our permitting specialists navigate complex approval processes across multiple jurisdictions. With deep knowledge of Bay Area regulations, we manage submittals, agency coordination, and compliance documentation. This expertise accelerates project timelines while ensuring all technical and regulatory requirements are thoroughly addressed.
People
Jason J. Ling
Principal/Founder
With 28+ years of civil engineering experience, Jason leads Urbandesignce's technical direction. He holds a UC Berkeley degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and specializes in complex urban projects.
Dean Pontzious
QA/QC Construction Expert
Licensed general contractor with 35+ years in construction. Dean oversees quality control for construction documents, ensuring technical accuracy and constructability across all projects.
Dana Hymel
CFO/Agency Liaison
With 20+ years in permitting and utility coordination, Dana manages financial operations and complex agency interactions. She specializes in multi-agency utility projects and client relations.
Nicholas Lawrus
VP of Operations
Nick leads dry utility and joint trench design. With expertise in landscape architecture and civil engineering, he coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver efficient utility solutions for urban sites.
Questions
What types of civil engineering projects does UDCE specialize in?
We specialize in urban development projects including mixed-use towers, schools, affordable housing, and public infrastructure across Northern California.
How does UDCE handle complex regulatory requirements?
Our team proactively navigates approvals through experienced permitting specialists and established relationships with Bay Area municipalities and agencies.
What stormwater management solutions do you offer?
We provide comprehensive stormwater solutions including retention systems, infiltration basins, and compliance with State QSD/QSP requirements for construction and permanent systems.
Can you assist with joint trench design for utility projects?
Yes, we offer complete joint trench design services that coordinate multiple utilities while minimizing conflicts in dense urban environments.
What sets UDCE apart from other engineering firms?
Our combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and collaborative approach ensures successful project delivery from concept through construction.
