Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Solutions in Portland
At Catena Consulting Engineers, we approach structural engineering through the lens of connection. Since our founding in 2005, we've built long-standing relationships with clients and cultivated strong team dynamics that enable innovative solutions. Our expertise spans healthcare, education, civic, retail, and commercial markets, where we consistently deliver structural solutions with constructability in mind.We prioritize timely communication and well-staffed teams committed to project goals, as evidenced by our 15+ years of successful collaborations with leading architectural firms. Our commitment to understanding project-specific challenges and industry requirements has positioned us as trusted partners in the Pacific Northwest construction community.
Services
Structural engineering
Design services
Constructability analysis
Fire protection solutions
Mass timber optimization
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Our 15+ years of regional experience informs practical, buildable designs
- We implement a patented mass timber optimization process for cost efficiency
- We guarantee timely communication throughout all project phases
- Our teams maintain 100% project deadline compliance history
- We offer specialized expertise in fire protection-rated timber structures
What people say
Fantastic partner
Exceeded expectations
Innovative approach saved money
Delivered projects on schedule
Understands complex design needs
Services
Structural Engineering
We provide comprehensive structural engineering services for commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities. Our team specializes in creating efficient, code-compliant designs that balance technical requirements with constructability. With extensive experience in both traditional and mass timber construction, we deliver innovative solutions that optimize material usage while maintaining structural integrity and safety standards.
Mass Timber Optimization
Our patented mass timber optimization process reduces wood fiber usage through strategic column spacing and panel configuration. By integrating early contractor collaboration and analyzing construction type requirements, we create cost-effective CLT and MPP solutions that maintain fire safety while minimizing material waste. This approach delivers both environmental benefits and construction efficiency.
Constructability Analysis
We conduct detailed constructability reviews that analyze design feasibility, material selection, and construction sequencing. Our engineers identify potential field challenges during design phases, reducing change orders and schedule delays. This proactive approach ensures seamless transitions from concept to completion while maintaining structural performance requirements.
Fire Protection Engineering
We develop fire protection solutions that integrate structural performance with safety requirements. Our expertise includes char analysis for timber structures, sprinkler system coordination, and fire-rated assembly design. We balance code compliance with practical implementation to create systems that protect structural integrity without compromising design intent.
Project Collaboration
Our collaborative approach brings together architects, contractors, and owners through all project phases. We facilitate early stakeholder engagement to align technical requirements with design vision. This coordinated effort ensures optimal structural solutions while maintaining timeline adherence and budgetary constraints across complex construction projects.
People
Jared Lewis
Principal
Principal at Catena Consulting Engineers with expertise in mass timber structures and innovative construction solutions. Graduated from Portland State University with structural engineering specialization.
John McDonald
Principal
Licensed structural engineer and LEED Green Associate with 20+ years of experience in complex building systems. Specializes in integrating technical precision with practical construction knowledge.
Christopher Thompson
Principal
Award-winning structural engineer with advanced degrees from UC Berkeley. Focuses on sustainable design solutions and timber construction innovations across the Pacific Northwest.
Jason Thompson
Principal
Structural engineering leader with specialization in seismic design and building systems integration. Holds LEED accreditation and extensive experience in Oregon's regulatory environment.
Paige Viehouser
Principal
Certified Professional Services Manager with expertise in construction administration and project coordination. Recognized for outstanding client service in complex structural projects.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you offer?
We provide full-service structural engineering for commercial, healthcare, educational, and civic projects including timber optimization, code compliance, and construction coordination.
Do you specialize in any particular construction materials?
We have deep expertise in mass timber construction, including CLT and MPP systems, while maintaining comprehensive capabilities across all structural materials.
How do you ensure project timelines are met?
Our process includes early contractor collaboration, constructability reviews, and dedicated project teams that maintain 100% deadline compliance history.
What regions do you serve?
While based in Portland, we serve the entire Pacific Northwest with projects across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
How do you approach fire protection in timber structures?
We analyze char requirements and structural performance to develop balanced solutions that meet fire ratings while optimizing material usage and construction efficiency.
