Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Services in San Jose
Founded in 1970, our firm has dedicated over five decades to delivering structural engineering excellence across the San Francisco Bay Area. We specialize in comprehensive design and analysis for municipal, educational, healthcare, commercial, and residential projects, with a proven track record of over 5,500 completed projects. Our team of licensed engineers and architects brings deep expertise in seismic upgrades, sustainable design, and code compliance, ensuring safe, innovative solutions tailored to client needs.As active plan-check consultants for South Bay municipalities, we maintain cutting-edge knowledge of evolving building codes and technologies. Our principals personally oversee all projects, guaranteeing timely execution and direct client communication throughout every phase of development and construction.
Services
Structural Design
Plan Checking
Seismic Upgrades
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Commercial Projects
Municipal Projects
Educational Facilities
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of structural engineering experience in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Our team includes licensed engineers and architects with expertise in seismic upgrades.
- We provide direct principal oversight for all projects to ensure timely execution.
- Our plan-check services keep pace with evolving California Building Code requirements.
- We contribute to LEED-certified projects through sustainable material specification.
Services
Structural Design
We provide comprehensive structural design for new construction projects across municipal, educational, healthcare, and commercial sectors. Our services include load calculations, material selection, and code compliance documentation. With expertise in steel, concrete, and timber systems, we deliver safe, efficient solutions tailored to project-specific needs and environmental conditions.
Plan Checking
Our plan-check services evaluate structural, mechanical, and electrical compliance with California Building Code requirements. We act as third-party consultants for municipalities and private clients, ensuring fire/life-safety standards and accessibility regulations are met. This service helps identify design issues early, reducing delays during permitting and construction phases.
Seismic Upgrades
We specialize in seismic evaluations and retrofitting for existing buildings, including historic structures. Our engineers analyze structural vulnerabilities and implement reinforcement solutions to meet current safety standards. Services include post-earthquake inspections, peer reviews, and value-engineered retrofit designs for commercial and municipal facilities.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design services support LEED certification through material optimization, energy-efficient systems integration, and renewable technology compatibility. We focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity, including solar panel mounting systems and resource-conscious construction practices for commercial and institutional projects.
Historic Preservation
We provide structural analysis and rehabilitation for historic buildings, balancing code compliance with preservation of architectural character. Our team specializes in retrofitting older structures with modern safety features while maintaining original design elements, serving municipalities and cultural institutions across the Bay Area.
People
Dennis B. Ahearn
Senior Principal
Founder with 45+ years of structural engineering experience. Oversees business management and ensures project timelines meet client expectations. Previously worked on school designs at Kirk McFarland's firm before establishing AKH in 1970.
William S. Knox
Principal
Licensed architect and structural engineer with 40+ years of school design experience. Joined AKH in 1973 and led over 35 major school projects. Combines architectural and engineering expertise for integrated design solutions across institutional and commercial sectors.
Timothy D. Hyde
Principal
Project manager with 35+ years at AKH. Oversees engineering staff and municipal project designs including fire stations and medical facilities. Led structural plan-check work for corporate campuses and high-rise buildings while ensuring California Building Code compliance.
Questions
What types of projects does AKH Structural Engineers handle?
We specialize in municipal, educational, healthcare, commercial, and residential projects including new construction, seismic upgrades, and historic preservation.
How long has AKH Structural Engineers been in business?
Our firm has provided structural engineering services in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1970, with over 50 years of combined principal experience.
Do you offer plan-check consulting services?
Yes, we provide plan-check services for South Bay municipalities and private clients, evaluating structural, mechanical, and code compliance aspects of designs.
Can you assist with sustainable building projects?
We support LEED certification through material optimization, renewable energy integration, and resource-conscious structural solutions for commercial and institutional clients.
What is your experience with seismic retrofitting?
Our engineers perform seismic evaluations and retrofits for existing buildings, including post-earthquake inspections and value-engineered reinforcement solutions for commercial and municipal facilities.
