Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Solutions
Since 1948, our firm has delivered structural engineering expertise to architects, owners, and the building community. Founded by Arthur W. Lookup, we bring over seven decades of experience to diverse projects including hospitals, educational facilities, retirement communities, municipal buildings, arenas, hotels, laboratories, and commercial structures. Our team of licensed engineers and CAD/BIM specialists prioritizes prompt, efficient solutions tailored to client needs.We specialize in developing cost-effective structural designs, minimizing construction challenges through detailed documentation, and ensuring project success through collaborative client partnerships. With registrations across multiple states and affiliations with leading industry organizations, we combine technical precision with practical problem-solving to address complex engineering demands.
Services
Structural Design
Foundation Design
Superstructure Engineering
Construction Documentation
Prime Professional Services
Structural Consultation
Building Retrofits
Parking Garage Design
Machinery Foundation Analysis
Structural Condition Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- 70+ years of structural engineering expertise
- Experienced team with multi-state professional registrations
- Specialized knowledge in complex foundation systems
- Proven track record with institutional and commercial projects
- Collaborative approach to client project success
Services
Structural Design Engineering
Our structural design services encompass complete engineering solutions for new construction projects. We specialize in creating efficient framing systems and structural components that meet project-specific requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Our engineers develop comprehensive designs for foundations, superstructures, and specialized building elements, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and standards. This service includes preparation of detailed construction documents and ongoing support during the building process.
Prime Professional Service
As prime professionals, we assume full design responsibility for structural-intensive projects. This service is particularly suited for parking garages, stadiums, and industrial buildings where structural systems form the core of the project. We coordinate all engineering aspects, manage technical specifications, and ensure seamless integration of structural components with other building systems throughout the project lifecycle.
Consultation Studies
Our consultation services address specialized structural challenges through detailed engineering analysis. We provide expert evaluations for litigation support, machinery foundation design, and structural assessments of existing buildings. This includes developing retrofit solutions for aging structures and creating technical reports that document findings and recommended remedial measures for complex structural issues.
Building Retrofits
We specialize in evaluating and upgrading existing structures through comprehensive retrofit solutions. Our services include condition assessments, capacity evaluations, and development of reinforcement strategies for aging or damaged buildings. This encompasses historical restoration projects like Philadelphia's City Hall Tower, where we balance preservation requirements with modern structural standards to extend building longevity.
Construction Documentation
Our detailed construction documentation service produces complete technical drawings and specifications for structural components. Using advanced CAD/BIM tools, we create precise foundation plans, framing details, and reinforcement schedules that facilitate accurate bidding and smooth construction. This service includes ongoing shop drawing review and field observation to ensure proper implementation of design intent during building phases.
People
Paul G. Wiedorn
President
President and licensed professional engineer with advanced degrees from Lehigh University. Active member of multiple engineering organizations, including the American Concrete Institute and American Society of Civil Engineers. Holds registrations in 12 states and specializes in structural systems for complex buildings.
John K. Gares
Vice President
Vice President with advanced engineering education from the University of Virginia. Specializes in structural solutions for commercial and industrial buildings. Certified structural engineer with multi-state registrations and expertise in LEED-certified projects.
Questions
What types of projects does A. W. Lookup specialize in?
We specialize in structural engineering for hospitals, educational facilities, retirement communities, municipal buildings, arenas, hotels, laboratories, and commercial structures.
Do you provide services beyond Pennsylvania?
Yes, our engineers hold professional registrations in multiple states including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia, and Florida.
What makes your structural design approach unique?
We focus on developing economical solutions through detailed construction documentation that minimizes bidding uncertainties and construction challenges.
Can you handle complex engineering challenges?
Our team has extensive experience with special foundation systems, machinery supports, and structural evaluations for complex projects.
Do you offer prime professional services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive design responsibility for projects where structural work is the primary discipline, including parking garages and industrial buildings.
How do you ensure project success?
We maintain close collaboration with clients throughout all project phases, from initial design to construction observation, ensuring complete solutions.
