Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Structural Engineering Partner in Portland, OR
At Sherman Engineering, we have dedicated ourselves to delivering exceptional structural engineering solutions since 1998. Our team collaborates closely with architects, developers, and builders to create safe, code-compliant, and cost-effective designs tailored to residential projects of all scalesfrom single-family homes and decks to multi-story apartment complexes and mixed-use developments. With expertise in conventional light-framed wood construction and the ability to integrate steel, concrete, and aluminum, we prioritize innovative problem-solving during both design and construction phases.Our principals bring decades of combined experience, including licensure in Oregon and Washington, membership in the Structural Engineers Association of Oregon, and a legacy of creative, client-focused solutions. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships through transparency, technical excellence, and a commitment to addressing each projects unique challenges while maintaining economic efficiency.
Services
Structural design
Lateral framing
Residential remodels
Retaining walls
Patio covers
Apartment buildings
Custom homes
Metal foundations
Tract developments
Plan sales
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of residential structural engineering experience.
- Our team collaborates directly with architects and builders for seamless integration.
- We specialize in code-compliant, cost-effective wood-framed construction.
- Our engineers are licensed in Oregon and Washington with regional expertise.
- We prioritize creative problem-solving for unique project challenges.
Services
Structural design
We provide comprehensive structural design solutions for residential projects, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, and mixed-use buildings. Our team ensures safety, code compliance, and cost-effectiveness while incorporating wood, steel, or concrete materials. With decades of regional experience, we deliver tailored designs that meet project-specific requirements.
Lateral framing
Our lateral and framing design services include structural plans, detailing, and calculations for decks, pergolas, patio covers, and retaining walls. We focus on stability and durability while adhering to local building codes. Our engineers optimize designs for both functionality and economic efficiency.
Residential remodels
We offer structural engineering expertise for residential remodeling projects, ensuring modifications meet safety standards and building codes. Our team addresses challenges like load-bearing walls, foundation adjustments, and material integration to enhance structural integrity during renovations.
Metal building foundations
Our metal building foundation services provide stable, code-compliant bases for outbuildings and specialized structures. We analyze soil conditions, load requirements, and environmental factors to create durable foundations that support long-term structural performance.
Plan sales
We develop pre-engineered structural plans for tract developments and standardized residential projects. These plans streamline permitting processes while maintaining compliance with regional codes, reducing costs, and accelerating construction timelines for developers and builders.
People
Stig Widell
Principal
Licensed in Oregon and Washington, Stig leads structural design projects with expertise in residential and mixed-use buildings. He joined Sherman Engineering in 2011 and assumed leadership in 2022 after Don Sherman's retirement. Stig holds a degree from Cal Poly SLO and is a member of the Structural Engineers Association of Oregon.
Dane Hyatt
Associate
Dane contributes engineering expertise from his academic background in architectural engineering and experience with seismic design. He joined Sherman Engineering in 2024 after graduating from Oregon State University and brings skills in collaborative project management and international design practices.
James D. Meese
Design Engineer
With over 30 years of experience, James specializes in multi-family housing and wood-framed structures. He joined Sherman Engineering in 2012 and provides technical leadership in problem-solving and client collaboration across Oregon and Washington jurisdictions.
Aaron Widell
Associate
Aaron supports drafting and detailing for structural plans, ensuring accuracy and clarity in design documentation. He joined the team in 2018 and contributes technical precision to project deliverables while balancing creative pursuits outside work.
Maranda G Laskey
Office Administrator
Maranda manages administrative operations with a background in finance and construction services. She joined Sherman Engineering in 2023, bringing organizational expertise to streamline office functions and client communications.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you handle?
We specialize in single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, rowhomes, mixed-use buildings, apartment complexes, decks, pergolas, patio covers, retaining walls, and residential remodels.
Are your designs code-compliant?
Yes, all our structural plans meet local building codes and safety standards for Oregon and Washington jurisdictions.
Do you work with other professionals on projects?
We collaborate with architects, developers, and builders to ensure seamless integration of structural designs.
What materials do you work with?
Our primary focus is wood-framed construction, but we also incorporate steel, concrete, and aluminum elements as needed.
Can you assist with complex or unique projects?
Yes, we specialize in creative problem-solving for challenging conditions and unconventional designs.
