Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Structural Engineering Solutions in Northern California
ZFA Structural Engineers has been delivering tailored structural engineering solutions since 1974, prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Our team of over 80 professionals across five Northern California offices specializes in addressing complex challenges through technical expertise and client-focused problem-solving. We emphasize sustainable design practices, including participation in the SE 2050 Challenge to reduce embodied carbon in structures. Our portfolio spans seismic retrofits, historic preservation, and cutting-edge material applications, serving architects, public agencies, and developers. Employee-owned since 2001, we maintain a tight-knit culture while working on projects ranging from educational facilities to artistic installations.Our approach combines 50 years of regional experience with advanced technical analysis to create resilient, purpose-driven solutions. Community engagement remains central to our mission, demonstrated through partnerships with organizations like Rebuilding Together and Canstruction. We prioritize transparent communication and continuous learning, ensuring each project aligns with both client aspirations and environmental responsibilities. This commitment has earned recognition through 100+ awards and long-standing client relationships spanning decades.
Services
Structural design
Seismic evaluation
Value engineering
Historic preservation
Emergency assessment
Nonlinear analysis
Peer review
Sustainable design
Construction consultation
Material testing
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of Northern California structural engineering expertise
- Specialized seismic evaluation and retrofit capabilities
- Pioneers in sustainable design through SE 2050 Challenge participation
- Employee-owned firm ensuring personalized client engagement
- Award-winning solutions for complex geometries and historic structures
What people say
Best structural engineer
Creative problem-solving
Proactive engagement
Seismic expertise
Sustainable focus
Services
Structural design
We create customized structural systems for steel, concrete, wood, and innovative materials like CLT. Our designs balance code compliance with architectural vision, ensuring safety and functionality across diverse project types including educational facilities, wineries, and public spaces. This requires 3-5 sentences totaling 40-60 words.
Seismic evaluation
Our experts assess earthquake risks and implement strengthening solutions for existing structures. We combine traditional methods with innovative approaches like eccentric BRB frames to enhance seismic performance while preserving historic elements. This requires 3-5 sentences totaling 40-60 words.
Historic preservation
We specialize in analyzing and reinforcing historic buildings using traditional materials while meeting modern safety standards. Our work includes proof load testing and preserving original architectural features in century-old structures. This requires 3-5 sentences totaling 40-60 words.
Emergency assessment
Our team provides rapid structural evaluations following earthquakes and other disasters. We conducted extensive post-Napa earthquake assessments, developing solutions that balance immediate safety needs with long-term structural integrity. This requires 3-5 sentences totaling 40-60 words.
Sustainable design
We integrate environmentally responsible practices through the SE 2050 Challenge, focusing on reducing embodied carbon and optimizing material usage. Our approach combines advanced analysis with practical solutions for net-zero structural systems. This requires 3-5 sentences totaling 40-60 words.
People
Kevin Zucco
Executive Principal
Third-generation structural engineer leading ZFA since 2001, continuing the family legacy started in 1974. Specializes in seismic design and historic preservation with 30+ years of Bay Area experience.
Mark A. Moore
Executive Principal
Licensed structural engineer overseeing San Francisco operations since 2008. Focuses on complex institutional projects and sustainable design solutions for public sector clients across Northern California.
Drew Fagent
Principal
Senior engineer with expertise in seismic retrofits and nonlinear analysis. Leads technical innovation initiatives and mentors junior staff in advanced structural engineering practices.
Deidra Dawson
Associate Principal
LEED-certified engineer specializing in sustainable design and community-focused projects. Coordinates pro bono initiatives and leads green building certification efforts for institutional clients.
Andrew Zafrin
Principal
Structural specialist with 25+ years of experience in complex geometries and artistic installations. Develops innovative solutions for sculptural structures and unique architectural forms.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in seismic evaluation, historic preservation, complex geometries, sustainable design, and emergency structural assessments for commercial, institutional, and residential projects.
How do you handle unique architectural challenges?
Our team employs advanced techniques like nonlinear analysis and photogrammetry to solve complex structural problems while maintaining design intent.
Are you licensed for California public projects?
Our engineers hold licenses in California and 24 other states, with extensive experience meeting OSHPD and DSA requirements for public facilities.
What sustainability initiatives do you support?
We actively participate in the SE 2050 Challenge, focusing on reducing embodied carbon and promoting net-zero structural systems by 2050.
How do you approach emergency structural assessments?
Our team provides rapid post-disaster evaluations using proven methodologies to ensure safety while minimizing disruption to building operations.
