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
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
Certifications
Public clients
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 publicationElement Structural Engineering Services: A Comprehensive Guide To Our Core Offerings Part II
article | 2025
View publicationTestimonials
ESE exemplifies proactive collaboration, seeking accurate details and understanding client needs to create Kaiser projects with honest, caring, and holistic design.
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.
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.
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.
There's a handful of architects and contracts, then there's folks who are the real deal. To me, that's Element.
You see more creativity and innovation in women-led companies. Element is passionate about what they do.
Offices
Bay Area, CA
HeadquartersBay Area, CA