Directory

Public engineering firm profile

Kandou Structural Engineering and Testing

San Francisco, CA

Resilient by nature.

Services
21
Offices
1
Projects
9
Leaders
1
Size Estimate
1-9 employees

Overview

Kandou Structural Engineering and Testing is a California structural engineering practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in structural design, seismic evaluations and retrofit, shake-table testing and certification programs, forensic engineering, and peer review. Founded by Saeed Fathali, it combines deep technical expertise with a practical, client-focused approach to deliver resilient, buildable solutions for complex buildings and systems.

Size Estimate
1-9 employees

Services

Design

Grounding the work in sound fundamentals and utilizing advanced analytical methods and performance-based tools, Kandou creates structural solutions that balance safety, ease of permitting, sustainability, and budget. The practice works closely with architects and owners to realize bold architectural concepts without compromising constructability or safety.

Seismic Evaluations & Retrofit

Leveraging command of advanced analysis methods and practical experience with wood, masonry, concrete, steel, and composite materials, the practice delivers holistic, affordable seismic designs. This targeted level of evaluation avoids unnecessary overdesign while fully satisfying the safety and performance demands of owners, investors, and regulators.

Testing & Certification Programs

Utilizing a strong foundation in full-scale testing and experimental mechanics, the practice coordinates shake-table testing of building systems and nonstructural components. By pairing physical laboratory tests with advanced computational analysis, it maximizes the value of testing programs to deliver defensible, compliant results.

Expert Witness & Forensic Engineering

Conducting independent, objective investigations of structural failures, construction defects, and earthquake damage. The practice translates complex structural behaviors and technical findings into clear, credible reports tailored for legal, insurance, and professional stakeholders.

Peer Review & Advisory

Providing constructive, practical structural peer reviews focused on facilitating the goals of the engineer of record. The practice brings deep knowledge across construction materials, risk assessment, and analysis automation to offer valuable, non-disruptive feedback.

Specialty Consulting

Supporting resilience and engineering innovation at a broader scale through portfolio planning, code development, and digital tools. The practice helps organizations implement consistent, scalable strategies to manage structural and seismic risk.

Industries

Firm type

Projects

Eshleman Hall

UC Berkeley, CA | Education

Structural design and performance-based structural engineering at UC Berkeley.

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Burbank Mall Parking Garages

Burbank, CA | Commercial

Seismic evaluation and risk assessment for parking structures.

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Omega Flex

Exton, PA | Omega Flex | Industrial

Shake-table testing and seismic certification program support.

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Shea Federal Courthouse

Santa Rosa, CA | Government

Seismic evaluation and structural services for a federal courthouse facility.

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One Surf Way

Monterey, CA | Residential

Forensic engineering and investigation of structural damage.

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30 Melrose Court

Hillsborough, CA | Residential

Structural design and engineering for a custom residential development.

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MLK Hall

UC Berkeley, CA | Education

Seismic evaluation and retrofit assessment for a university facility.

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UBC Guideline

Vancouver, Canada | Government

Specialty consulting and contribution to structural guidelines.

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Kinetic Wind Sculptures

San Francisco, CA | Arts & Culture

Forensic analysis and engineering investigation for public art installations.

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Leadership

Saeed Fathali

Founder

Combines technical rigor with a practical, client-focused approach and a passion for high-impact engineering solutions. Has more than 17 years of experience in peer review and advanced structural engineering, including four years of full-scale shake-table testing at SEESL at the University at Buffalo.

Offices

Headquarters

Headquarters