What sets raSmith's Structural Engineering team apart
raSmith’s structural engineering team delivers efficient, code-compliant solutions for building design, renovations, adaptive reuse, structural evaluations, repairs, and specialty structures, partnering with architects, developers, manufacturers, and contractors across Wisconsin and throughout the United States. We collaborate on projects nationwide, including a strong regional presence in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. We focus exclusively on commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family projects. raSmith does not provide structural engineering services for single‑family homes.
With decades of combined experience and a long track record across diverse building types, our licensed engineers have earned recognition from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Structural Engineers Association (SEA), Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), and The Daily Reporter’s Top Projects. They are known for technical precision, trusted collaboration, and structural solutions that perform reliably in the field.
raSmith's Structural Engineering Services
- Building Design: Structural design for new buildings using concrete, steel, masonry, wood, and cold-formed steel, including post-tensioned concrete for multi-story and podium construction.
- Bridge Inspection: Structural inspections for pedestrian and vehicular bridges to assess condition, safety, and compliance with DOT and FHWA requirements.
- Canopies and Unique Structures: Custom structural engineering for canopies, trellises, signage supports, and other specialty structures requiring both visual appeal and sound structural performance.
- Cold-Formed Steel Engineering (CFS): Cold-formed steel design for load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, joists, and trusses for mid-rise and commercial projects.
- Existing Structure Inspection and Evaluation: Structural inspections and evaluations for aging or damaged buildings to support repairs, renovations, and code compliance improvements.
- Renovation and Reinforcement of Existing Structures: Engineering solutions for renovations, reinforcements, adaptive reuse, vertical expansions, and load capacity upgrades.
- Parking Structure Design: Structural engineering for above- and below-grade parking structures with a focus on durability, safety, drainage, and long-term performance.
- Retaining Wall Design: Structural design for gravity, cantilevered, and mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls that support grading and manage soil loads.
- Tilt-up Structural Engineering: Tilt-up engineering services including panel layout, connection design, and erection planning for commercial and industrial construction.
- Utility Support Design: Structural design for utility supports such as pipe racks, equipment pads, transformer foundations, and custom steel framing.
Materials We Use for Structural Design Services
No two structures demand the same solution. At raSmith, our structural engineers bring a deep understanding of material behavior, load paths, and real-world construction constraints to create designs that are efficient, practical to build, and fully code-compliant. We bring proven expertise to a wide range of structural systems, including:
- Cast-in-place concrete and post-tensioned concrete – foundations, slabs, and elevated structural systems
- Precast concrete and tilt-up concrete – wall panels, diaphragms, and connection detailing
- Structural steel – moment and braced frames, long-span systems, and composite
floor assemblies
- Masonry systems – load-bearing CMU walls, reinforced shear walls, and hybrid systems
- Wood and mass timber – conventional framing, glulam, CLT, and multi-story wood structures
- Cold-formed steel (CFS) – interior and exterior framing, load-bearing walls, and specialty detailing
Markets We Serve
The structural design expertise of our structural engineers spans a variety of markets. We apply consistent technical rigor, regardless of project type, size, or material. raSmith’s Buildings Group supports clients across the following markets:
- Athletics
- Higher education
- K-12
- Mixed-use
- Multi-family
- Senior living
- Health care
- Religious
- Retail
- Restaurant
- Industrial
- Institutional
- Utility
Who We Work With
raSmith’s structural engineers collaborate across the industry. We work closely with:
- Architects – integrating structural solutions that support design intention
- MEP and civil engineers – coordinating systems that align with broader project requirements
- Developers and owners – delivering efficient, code-compliant solutions aligned with project goals
- General contractors and design-build teams – ensuring constructible, cost-effective structural systems
- Specialty contractors – providing delegated design and thorough shop drawing reviews
Why Partner with raSmith's Buildings Group?
Working with raSmith’s structural engineering team means partnering with a firm known for engineering precision, responsiveness, and practical solutions. We bring both technical depth and field experience, delivering value across all phases of design and construction.
- Engineering foresight – anticipating potential design and/or construction challenges early.
- Regular communication – keeping owners, architects, subconsultants, and other project stakeholders informed.
- Clear understanding of project complexity – applying technical rigor, appropriate creativity, and careful attention to design details.
- Thoughtful evaluation of practical, cost-effective design alternatives – supporting constructability, performance, and project goals.
- Detailed plans and specifications – supporting competitive bids and helping manage construction costs.
- Flexibility and responsiveness– adapting to project changes and coordinating design revisions as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Engineering
Does raSmith work on commercial and multi-family residential projects?
Yes. raSmith’s structural engineers support a wide range of building types, including multi-family residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. We do not provide structural engineering services for single-family homes. For multi-family developments and commercial buildings, our team can support new construction as well as evaluations and modifications of existing structures.
Where does raSmith provide structural engineering services?
raSmith is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, with a strong regional presence in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. We work on projects across the United States and are equipped to support clients wherever their projects are located.
