Business Details
Structural Engineering & Building Rehabilitation Experts
CVM is a multi-faceted professional engineering firm with a diverse team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists dedicated to serving premier institutional and commercial clients. Our expertise spans the design and commissioning of new building structures and enclosure systems, renovation and rehabilitation of existing buildings, and preservation of historic structures. We provide informed budget development to support multi-year capital program planning, ensuring our clients receive economical and cutting-edge solutions.Our collaborative approach begins at design conception, considering each project's unique requirements to deliver responsive, innovative solutions. Our work is frequently recognized for excellence in design, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Principals and project managers actively participate in professional organizations, shaping the future of engineering practice. We ensure our solutions are grounded in advanced materials, technologies, and methods, providing exceptional value to our clients.
Services
Structural Engineering
Building Enclosure Systems
Historic Preservation
Parking Facility Restoration
Building Rehabilitation
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in structural engineering and historic preservation.
- Our collaborative approach ensures tailored solutions for each project's unique requirements.
- We specialize in balancing modern energy goals with historic preservation needs.
- Our team includes active leaders in professional engineering organizations.
- We deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions recognized for design excellence.
Associations and certifications
- WoodWorks 2021 Wood Design Award
- AIA Awards 2020
- General Building Contractors Association (GBCA)
What people say
Technical expertise
Innovative solutions
Sustainability focus
Design excellence
Successful preservation
Services
Structural Engineering
CVM provides comprehensive structural engineering services for new construction projects. Our team collaborates with architects to design robust structural systems tailored to site conditions, budget, and design intent. We specialize in creating durable, efficient structures that meet modern demands while ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards.
Building Enclosure Systems
Our building enclosure solutions integrate advanced materials and technologies to protect against weather extremes while optimizing energy efficiency. We design holistic exterior closure systems that balance sustainability goals with functional performance, ensuring long-term durability and occupant comfort for commercial and institutional buildings.
Historic Preservation
CVM specializes in preserving historic structures through meticulous assessment and restoration. Our multidisciplinary team combines building science with historical research to maintain cultural integrity while implementing modern energy conservation measures. We develop cost-effective strategies for long-term maintenance and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.
Parking Facility Restoration
We offer tailored restoration programs for aging parking structures, analyzing deterioration patterns to develop cost-effective repair methodologies. Our solutions consider environmental factors and operational impacts, ensuring predictable durability while minimizing disruptions to facility usage and extending service life.
Building Rehabilitation
CVM delivers innovative rehabilitation solutions for damaged or aging buildings. Through diagnostic evaluations and non-destructive testing, we design strengthening programs that enhance structural resilience. Our approach prioritizes resource efficiency and sustainability while preserving architectural value and ensuring operational continuity.
People
David A. VanOcker
Principal
David A. VanOcker, PE, FACI, is a principal at CVM with extensive expertise in structural engineering and materials science. He leads complex projects requiring innovative solutions and contributes to advancing industry standards through active participation in professional organizations.
Tracy D. Marcotte
Principal
Tracy D. Marcotte, PhD, PE, FACI, brings deep technical knowledge to CVM's projects. As a principal, she focuses on integrating advanced engineering principles with sustainable practices, ensuring solutions meet both functional and environmental requirements for institutional clients.
L. Robert Schaeffer
Principal
L. Robert Schaeffer, PE, specializes in historic preservation and structural rehabilitation. His 30+ years of experience include leading multidisciplinary teams to restore culturally significant buildings while implementing modern performance standards and energy-efficient systems.
Kevin S. Coll
Key Personnel
Kevin S. Coll, PE, contributes specialized expertise in structural analysis and building systems. He plays a critical role in developing cost-effective rehabilitation programs and ensuring technical excellence across CVM's commercial and institutional projects.
Clive Copping
Key Personnel
Clive Copping, RIBA, provides architectural leadership for CVM's integrated design projects. His focus on collaborative problem-solving ensures seamless integration of structural engineering with aesthetic and functional design requirements for complex building systems.
Questions
What services does CVM specialize in?
CVM specializes in structural engineering, building enclosure systems, historic preservation, parking facility restoration, and building rehabilitation for commercial and institutional clients.
Where does CVM operate?
CVM primarily serves Philadelphia and surrounding suburban areas, with project experience spanning regional and national institutional clients.
What accreditations does CVM hold?
CVM has received the WoodWorks 2021 Wood Design Award, AIA Awards 2020, and recognition from the General Building Contractors Association for project excellence.
Can CVM handle historic building projects?
Yes, CVM has extensive experience in historic preservation, combining building science with historical research to maintain cultural integrity while implementing modern energy standards.
How does CVM approach sustainability?
CVM integrates sustainability into all projects through holistic building envelope design, material selection, and adaptive reuse strategies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity.
What makes CVM different from other firms?
CVM's multidisciplinary team combines structural engineering expertise with architectural and materials science knowledge, delivering innovative solutions tailored to each project's unique requirements.
