Directory

Public engineering firm profile

Element Structural Engineers

Bay Area, CA

Engineering the Change We Want to See

Services
13
Offices
1
Projects
12
Leaders
5

Overview

Element Structural Engineers is a full-service structural engineering firm based in the Bay Area. It provides structural consultation, analysis, and design services for commercial, multi-family residential, affordable housing, healthcare, education, and single-family projects throughout Northern California. With over 70 years of combined team experience, Element partners closely with architects, developers, and contractors to deliver creative and economical structural solutions.

Services

Structural Design and Analysis

Comprehensive structural design and analysis for new construction and existing buildings across a wide range of project types and building materials.

Renovation and Adaptive Reuse

Reimagining existing spaces through sustainable and cost-effective structural adjustments that preserve and enhance existing structures.

Structural Condition Assessments

Comprehensive evaluations to safeguard building integrity and ensure structures meet modern safety standards.

Construction Support Administration

Expert RFI management, on-site quality verification, and tailored solutions guiding projects through the construction phase.

Construction Support and Shoring Design

Specialized shoring design to meet project phasing and schedule requirements, ensuring seamless construction through precise contractor collaboration.

Feasibility and Seismic Studies

Comprehensive evaluations empowering clients to make informed decisions about their properties' structural soundness and future resilience.

Retaining Walls and Foundations

Design and analysis of retaining walls and foundation systems for new and existing structures.

Industries

Firm type

Project types

Projects

The Randall at Mill District

Ancora Place

Firehouse Square

Serenity Senior Housing

Shorebreeze Apartments

Fremont Family Apartments

Stevenson Terrace

Kaiser Permanente

Equipment upgrade, CUP upgrade, seismic retrofit for hospital rehabilitation, and tenant improvements.

Lydiksen Elementary School

Fremont High School Fieldhouse

Chavez Supermarket

69 Green Street

Software

Credentials and affiliations

Public clients

Kaiser PermanenteMidPen HousingDahlin GroupStudio MavenWilliam Fisher ArchitectureHomeAid Northern California

Leadership

Thuy Fontelera

Founder and Principal

PE, SE, LEED AP BD+C

George Fontelera

Operations and CAD/Revit Manager

James Enright

Associate Principal and SE 2050 Embodied Carbon Champion

PE, SE, LEED AP

Ian Provan

Senior Engineer

PE

Sarah Aher

Senior Engineer

PE, SE

Publications

Element Structural Engineering Services: A Comprehensive Guide to Our Core Offerings Part I

article | 2024

View publication

Element Structural Engineering Services: A Comprehensive Guide To Our Core Offerings Part II

article | 2025

View publication

Testimonials

ESE exemplifies proactive collaboration, seeking accurate details and understanding client needs to create Kaiser projects with honest, caring, and holistic design.

Jeanine Wernecke, SR Manager Design/Construction Projects, Kaiser Permanente

We've worked with Element on many projects, and they are always a pleasure to collaborate with. Their team truly understands design and consistently delivers high-quality work. They approach every detail with care, ensuring that the final product aligns seamlessly with our design intent. They are knowledgeable, proactive, and always find thoughtful solutions to bring everything together beautifully.

Studio Maven Team, Studio Maven

It's a pleasure to have Element involved in my projects. They are responsive, resourceful and punctual. I enjoy working with everyone there and look forward to having them on many more projects in the future.

Jeff Escott, Senior Architect, Dahlin Group

Thuy and her team consistently go above and beyond in every category, even when consulting on projects that are not yet in contract. They have inventive solutions, very clear communication, and helpful recommendations for other professional contacts with specific experience to the needs of each project.

Elise Neuweiler, Designer, William Fisher Architecture

There's a handful of architects and contracts, then there's folks who are the real deal. To me, that's Element.

Lillian Lew-Hailer, Vice President of Real Estate Development, MidPen Housing

You see more creativity and innovation in women-led companies. Element is passionate about what they do.

Cheryl O'Connor, Executive Director, HomeAid Northern California

Offices

Bay Area, CA

Headquarters