Innovating the Future of Structural Design
Forell Elsesser Structural Engineers
Founded in 1960 by Nicholas Forell and Eric Elsesser, Forell Elsesser Structural Engineers is a San Francisco-based firm at the forefront of structural and earthquake engineering. For over six decades, we have been one of the most active and respected firms in the Western U.S., delivering innovative, customized solutions across a diverse range of projects.
Forell Elsesser operates across a wide range of market sectors, including higher education, healthcare, science and technology, athletic facilities, civic and government buildings, museums and cultural centers, commercial and office spaces, multi-family and student housing, transportation infrastructure, historic retrofits, tenant improvements, and unique structural projects.
Pioneers in Seismic Engineering
Forell Elsesser has a storied history of pioneering advancements in seismic engineering. We were among the first to implement seismic base isolation systems, a technology that has become a cornerstone in earthquake-resistant design. Our leadership in this field continues as we adopt and refine new strategies to enhance the resilience and performance of structures.
Our Commitment to Sustainable and Resilient Design
At Forell Elsesser, our ethos is deeply rooted in sustainable and resilient design principles. We strive to create structures that not only meet today’s needs but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Collaboration and Teamwork: We foster a culture of collaboration and open communication, promoting teamwork to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients and the communities we impact.
Environmental Responsibility: We prioritize eco-friendly practices and leverage cutting-edge technologies to minimize the ecological footprint of our projects, enhancing the sustainability of the built environment.
Resilience: Our designs incorporate resilient principles to ensure that structures can withstand natural hazards and unexpected challenges, safeguarding the communities they serve.
Innovation and Adaptability: We continually embrace innovation and adaptability, responding proactively to the evolving demands of our environment.
Striving to Be an Equitable and Socially Just Organization
FE pursued a Just label to focus our efforts and increase accountability. Just is a voluntary disclosure tool for organizations to be transparent about how they treat their employees and where they make financial and community investments. Learn more about Forell Elsesser’s commitment to employee experience, well-being, and meaningful community connections here.
Our List of Pioneering Achievements:
- First Existing/Historic Building Base Isolation Retrofit Project in the World (Salt Lake City and County Building)
- First Tall Building Base Isolation Retrofit Project (Oakland City Hall Seismic Rehabilitation)
- First Largest Historic Building Base Isolation Retrofit (San Francisco City Hall Seismic Retrofit)
- First Architecturally-Exposed High Volume Fly Ash Sustainable Concrete Mix Application in California (UC Berkeley Barker Hall Seismic Upgrade)
- First LEED Innovation & Design Credit for an Innovative Seismic System (UCSF Parnassus Ray & Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine)
- First State of California-owned Building to Utilize Seismic Isolation Technology (Caltrans Traffic Operations/CHP Communications Center)
- First Multi-Level Transportation Structure in the World to be designed for Immediate Occupancy following a Maximum Credible Earthquake (San Francisco International Airport Concourse H BART Station)
- First LEED Platinum Civic Center in the Nation (Portola Valley Town Center)
- First LEED Certified Hospital in California (Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center – LEED Silver)
- First approval of Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF) by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) Oakland Regional Office (De Anza College Mediated Learning Center)