Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Services in San Jose
Founded in 1970, AKH Structural Engineers has been a cornerstone of structural engineering excellence in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our firm specializes in comprehensive structural design, analysis, and plan check services for commercial, educational, municipal, and institutional projects. With over 50 years of experience, we have completed more than 5,500 projects, including schools, hospitals, retail centers, and custom residences. Our team of licensed engineers and architects brings decades of expertise in seismic upgrades, sustainable design, and code compliance. We maintain deep ties to the South Bay Area through long-standing plan check partnerships with municipalities and private clients.Our principals remain directly involved in all projects, ensuring timely execution and adherence to evolving building codes. Recognized for award-winning work like the Sobrato Center for Humanities and the Arts, we combine technical precision with client-focused service. Our LEED-certified sustainable designs integrate energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible materials. Through four decades of service, we have built a reputation for reliability, technical innovation, and community impact in structural engineering.
Services
Structural Design
Plan Check Services
Seismic Upgrades
Sustainable Design
Commercial Projects
Educational Facilities
Municipal Buildings
Custom Residences
Historic Preservation
Expert Witness
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of structural engineering experience in the Bay Area
- Our team includes licensed engineers and architects with specialized expertise
- We provide comprehensive plan check services aligned with evolving building codes
- Our sustainable designs contribute to LEED certification requirements
- Principals maintain direct project involvement for timely, quality delivery
Associations and certifications
- SEAOC Excellence In Structural Engineering Awards
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design services cover new construction and renovations for commercial, educational, and municipal buildings. We create safe, code-compliant solutions tailored to each project's unique requirements. Our engineers combine technical expertise with practical experience to deliver efficient, durable structures.
Plan Check Services
We provide comprehensive plan check services evaluating structural, fire safety, and code compliance aspects. Our team acts as third-party consultants for municipalities and private clients, ensuring projects meet current building regulations. This service helps identify potential issues early in the design process.
Seismic Upgrades
Our seismic upgrade solutions enhance building safety through structural reinforcement and code-compliant retrofits. We specialize in evaluating existing structures and implementing cost-effective upgrades. Services include seismic evaluations, retrofit design, and post-earthquake inspections for various building types.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable practices into structural design through energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible materials. Our LEED-certified solutions support solar/wind technology implementation and resource conservation. This approach helps clients achieve sustainability goals while maintaining structural integrity.
Historic Preservation
Our historic preservation services maintain architectural integrity while ensuring modern safety standards. We specialize in structural analysis and reinforcement of historic buildings, balancing preservation needs with code requirements. This includes seismic upgrades and adaptive reuse solutions for heritage structures.
People
Dennis B. Ahearn
Senior Principal
Founder with 45+ years of structural engineering experience, specializing in business management and project oversight. Former associate at Kirk C. McFarland Structural Engineer before establishing AKH in 1970.
William S. Knox
Principal
Licensed architect and structural engineer with 40+ years of school design experience. Joined AKH in 1973, contributing to over 35 major school projects and numerous institutional buildings across California.
Timothy D. Hyde
Principal
Project management expert with 35+ years at AKH, overseeing municipal projects and plan check operations. Specializes in seismic design and structural evaluations, managing complex projects like Santa Clara County Medical Center upgrades.
Questions
What types of projects does AKH Structural Engineers specialize in?
We specialize in commercial, educational, municipal, and institutional projects including schools, hospitals, retail centers, and custom residences.
How long has AKH Structural Engineers been in business?
Our firm has provided structural engineering services in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1970.
Do you offer sustainable design services?
Yes, we provide LEED-certified sustainable design solutions integrating energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible materials.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Morgan Hill.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Yes, our team includes licensed structural engineers and architects with decades of combined experience.
Do you provide plan check services?
Yes, we offer comprehensive plan check services for municipalities and private clients across the South Bay Area.
