Business Details
45 Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Services in Costa Mesa
Robert Lawson Structural Engineers, LLC was founded in 1981 by Robert Lawson, a licensed structural engineer with extensive awardwinning experience. In 2002 Thomas Burke joined the firm, bringing additional expertise in structural design and seismic engineering. The partners formed Robert Lawson Structural Engineers, LLC in 2007 to combine their strengths and serve a broader client base. Our team collectively offers over 50 years of structural engineering consulting experience. We specialize in new construction, remodel/addition/rehabilitation, industrial equipment support, assessment/evaluation, and litigation services.Located in Orange County, California, we work closely with architects, contractors, and owners throughout Southern California and beyond. Our projects address challenges such as earthquakes, fire hazards, hillside building, and varied soil conditions. We have completed historic renovations, including a 1920s church, and constructed hillside infinity edge pools. Clients include state and local governments, universities, and commercial developers across the region. Our goal is to deliver successful projects while ensuring stressfree experiences for every client.
Services
New Construction
Remodel/Addition/Rehab
Industrial Equipment
Assessment Evaluation
Litigation Services
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of structural engineering experience.
- Founded in 1981, we serve Orange County clients.
- Our team includes licensed engineers Lawson and Burke.
- We provide new construction, remodel, and litigation structural services.
- We offer free initial consultations for structural projects.
Services
New Construction
We provide creative structural engineering for new construction projects across Southern California. Our team tackles challenges such as earthquakes, fire hazards, hillside building, and varied soil conditions. The goal is to deliver successful designs that satisfy both client and architect visions.
Remodel/Addition/Rehab
We provide reliable structural engineering consulting for remodeling, addition, and historic rehabilitation projects. Our work includes renovating 1920s churches and constructing hillside infinity edge pools. Clients include state and local governments, the University of California, and cities such as Hayward, Riverside, and Santa Ana.
Industrial Equipment Support
We provide structural assessments and seismic design calculations for industrial equipment supports nationwide. Our team analyzes frame skids, large electrical panel housings, and equipment anchorage with emphasis on constructability and cost. We serve industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, water treatment, and energy research, ensuring safety and optimal performance.
Assessment Evaluation
We conduct structural assessments and evaluations of new and existing buildings throughout Orange County. Our process includes document review and onsite evaluation of asconstructed structures. We deliver oral or written reports detailing findings, structural problems, and resolution recommendations for client projects.
Litigation Services
We provide expert structural engineering litigation services for clients across the United States. Our team reviews documents and conducts onsite evaluations when disputes cannot be resolved normally. We represent plaintiffs or defendants in depositions and court, keeping litigation under five percent of our business.
People
Robert Lawson
CoFounder & Structural Engineer
Robert Lawson earned his engineering degree at Loyola University and has served as EngineerofRecord on nine Progressive Architecture and 47 California Regional AIA awards. He helped establish Californias first URM retrofit ordinance.
Thomas Burke
CoFounder & Structural Engineer
Thomas Burke holds a BS in Civil Engineering from UVM and an MS in Structural Engineering from RPI. He worked as a design engineer in New York before moving to California.
Questions
What structural engineering services does Lawson-Burke provide?
We offer new construction, remodel/addition/rehabilitation, industrial equipment support, structural assessment/evaluation, and litigation services across Southern California and nationwide for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
How long has Lawson-Burke been in business?
Founded in 1981 by Robert Lawson, the firm has over 50 years of combined structural engineering experience among its principals.
Where is Lawson-Burke located and what areas do they serve?
Our office is at 151 Kalmus Dr, Bldg E140, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, serving Orange County, Southern California, and clients nationwide.
Are the engineers at Lawson-Burke licensed and what certifications do they hold?
Both principals are California‑licensed structural engineers; Robert Lawson holds NCEES test‑writing involvement, and Thomas Burke is an NCEES Model Law Structural Engineer.
Does Lawson-Burke offer emergency or 24/7 structural engineering services?
We do not advertise emergency or 24/7 services; our team works during regular business hours to ensure quality and attention to detail.
