Eshleman Hall
UC Berkeley, CA | Education
Structural design and performance-based structural engineering at UC Berkeley.
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Public engineering firm profile
San Francisco, CA
Resilient by nature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UC Berkeley, CA | Education
Structural design and performance-based structural engineering at UC Berkeley.
View project sourceBurbank, CA | Commercial
Seismic evaluation and risk assessment for parking structures.
View project sourceExton, PA | Omega Flex | Industrial
Shake-table testing and seismic certification program support.
View project sourceSanta Rosa, CA | Government
Seismic evaluation and structural services for a federal courthouse facility.
View project sourceMonterey, CA | Residential
Forensic engineering and investigation of structural damage.
View project sourceHillsborough, CA | Residential
Structural design and engineering for a custom residential development.
View project sourceUC Berkeley, CA | Education
Seismic evaluation and retrofit assessment for a university facility.
View project sourceVancouver, Canada | Government
Specialty consulting and contribution to structural guidelines.
View project sourceSan Francisco, CA | Arts & Culture
Forensic analysis and engineering investigation for public art installations.
View project sourceFounder
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.