Business Details
14 Years
experience
Structural Engineering Solutions in Los Angeles
Founded in 2012, Nous Engineering is a full-service structural engineering firm recognized for its innovative partnerships with artists, architects, and fabricators. Based in Los Angeles, we operate across the United States, delivering solutions for projects of all scales and typologies. Our approach combines intellectual rigor with intuitive problem-solving, emphasizing seismic expertise, historic preservation, and sustainable design. We specialize in seismic risk assessment, non-ductile concrete retrofit, and adaptive reuse, serving cultural, civic, commercial, educational, and healthcare sectors. Our team of licensed engineers, designers, and modelers brings deep technical knowledge and creative collaboration to every project.Certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), we hold licenses in over 20 states and prioritize diversity, equity, and community impact. Our principals actively contribute to industry education through teaching roles at institutions like USC and Cal Poly. We partner with progressive design firms and prioritize projects that advance affordable housing, seismic resilience, and environmental stewardship. Our work has earned recognition, including the Architects Newspaper's 2021 Best Structural Engineering Firm of the West award.
Services
Structural Engineering
Seismic Risk Assessment
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Material Research
Construction Support
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of seismic engineering expertise across 20+ licensed states.
- Our team holds specialized certifications in non-ductile concrete and URM retrofit.
- We maintain active industry leadership through teaching roles at top architecture schools.
- Our SBE certification demonstrates commitment to equitable business practices.
- We've completed award-winning projects recognized by SEAOC, AIA LA, and Architects Newspaper.
Associations and certifications
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE) - California Department of General Services
Services
Structural Engineering
Nous Engineering provides comprehensive structural engineering services for new construction and existing buildings. Our expertise spans seismic analysis, load calculations, and material selection for commercial, cultural, and residential projects. We collaborate closely with architects to ensure structural integrity while maintaining design intent. Our engineers deliver code-compliant solutions that balance safety, functionality, and aesthetic requirements.
Seismic Risk Assessment
We specialize in seismic risk assessments for buildings in high-risk zones. Our engineers conduct detailed evaluations of structural vulnerabilities and develop retrofit strategies to enhance earthquake resilience. Services include non-ductile concrete analysis, unreinforced masonry evaluations, and performance-based seismic design. We help clients meet regulatory requirements while improving occupant safety and property value.
Historic Preservation
Our team preserves architectural heritage through structural stabilization and adaptive reuse solutions. We combine modern engineering techniques with historical accuracy to maintain original design elements while meeting current safety standards. Services include seismic retrofitting of historic buildings, material conservation, and code-compliant modifications that respect historical significance and community character.
Adaptive Reuse
Nous Engineering transforms existing structures into functional modern spaces while maintaining structural integrity. We assess building conditions, identify retrofit needs, and develop cost-effective solutions for repurposing industrial, commercial, and residential properties. Our approach minimizes waste, reduces environmental impact, and preserves architectural value while meeting contemporary usage requirements.
Material Research
We conduct advanced material research to optimize structural performance and sustainability. Our engineers evaluate traditional and novel materials for strength, durability, and environmental impact. This research informs material selection for new construction and retrofit projects, ensuring solutions that balance technical requirements with ecological responsibility while maintaining structural reliability and design aesthetics.
People
Elizabeth Mahlow
Principal
Founding partner with expertise in seismic design and client education. Leads projects focusing on hospital campuses, schools in Africa, and affordable housing in Los Angeles. Promotes diversity in engineering practices.
Matt Melnyk
Principal
20+ year veteran in structural dynamics and long-span structures. Adjunct faculty at Southern California Institute of Architecture for 18+ years. Specializes in bridging architectural design with structural performance.
Omar Garza
Principal
Seismic analysis expert serving on ASCE 41 code committee. Develops advanced nonlinear analysis methods for structural retrofits. Combines traditional and nontraditional materials in new structure designs.
Jonathan Buckley
Principal
15-year specialist in seismic deficiency mitigation for K-12 campuses, higher education facilities, and essential services buildings. Licensed structural engineer with extensive California construction industry experience.
Tsandi Chen
Design Engineer
UCLA graduate with expertise in seismic design. Leads Carbon Leadership Forum - Los Angeles initiatives. Experienced in healthcare, aviation, and international projects. Focuses on reducing embodied carbon in structural engineering.
Questions
What engineering services does Nous specialize in?
Nous Engineering specializes in structural engineering, seismic risk assessment, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and material research for diverse building typologies.
In which states are you licensed to practice?
We hold structural engineering licenses in 25+ states including California, New York, Texas, and Washington, with active projects across the United States.
Do you work on historic building preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in seismic retrofitting and structural stabilization of historic buildings while maintaining architectural integrity and design intent.
Are you certified as a small business?
Yes, Nous Engineering is certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the California Department of General Services.
What notable awards have you received?
We received the Architects Newspaper's 2021 Best Structural Engineering Firm of the West award and multiple AIA LA design recognitions.
How do you approach sustainable engineering?
We integrate embodied carbon reduction strategies, material research, and adaptive reuse solutions to create environmentally responsible structural engineering designs.
