Creating, Renewing, Preserving, Sustaining    this has been the vision of RSA since its beginning in 1966. To provide the highest quality structural engineering services possible, the principals have fostered an approach centered on constant collaboration among owners, architects, and other consultants. Our engineers are trained to be effective listeners, creative problem solvers, and knowledgeable about all facets of the construction process. RSA has earned recognition as one of the leading firms in the country for its innovative spirit in the design of new architectural works and the sensitive modification of existing structures.

The firm has participated in more than 13,500 projects, including institutional, educational, religious, public, medical, residential, commercial, industrial and recreational buildings providing services in new construction, historic preservation, adaptive reuse and alterations and additions to existing buildings. We have consulted on more than 350 registered landmark buildings. In addition, we have worked on many special engineering projects including lightweight tensile structures, windmills, solar collector supports, pedestrian bridges, art and sculpture installations, and large planning studies.

New construction accounts for 50% of our entire workload. Our extensive experience with both historic and modern structures has taught us which technologies work best, and our understanding of both new and old construction is a tremendous asset to any design team and construction team. We are well versed in the use of all materials: steel, aluminum, concrete, wood, masonry, light gauge metals, fabric structures and even high tech materials such as carbon fiber and titanium. We don’t merely design to typical industry standards, but are willing to explore different systems, and interact effectively with the rest of the design team.

Our engineers approach renovation in a creative and elegant way. Successful renovation projects include many which were completed while the building remained in use, and include modernization of prominent public spaces within public and private buildings. The scope of these projects requires knowledge of a broad range of building systems, and may involve the following: structural building frame modifications, integration of mechanical system upgrades into existing building with minimal cost impact or impact on visual elements, design of security measures for blast or bullet resistance, façade modifications and/or restoration, new canopies/exterior site elements, approvals by various agencies.

RSA promotes sustainable and environmentally responsible design. The firm has consulted using sustainable design criteria for “green” buildings on scores of projects. Principles such as minimizing embodied energy, improving construction waste disposal practices, using recycled material, insuring that materials specified are themselves ultimately recyclable, minimizing environmental impact on water and air resources, improving indoor air quality, are considered during the design process. In addition, the firm’s long experience in the adaptive reuse of buildings allows a rapid analysis of the suitability of an existing structure and the possible sustainable conclusion of no-build when investigating new construction. In fact RSA is proud to emphasize that sustainable practices are promoted for every facet of all projects.

RSA has developed a special expertise in the engineering of historic buildings. Our proficiency in the use of preservation techniques (non-destructive evaluation, remote monitoring, computer modeling, and composite construction) has aided our efforts in saving America’s architectural heritage. Some special areas of expertise are in the assessment and monitoring of structures that includes remote monitoring via a computer modem, facade investigation and repairs, investigation of building failures, response to emergency structural situations, and applications of high tech structural materials (e.g. carbon fiber).
Since our inception, our firm has been committed to working on projects that are socially responsible. We have made a commitment to completing these projects in such a way that provides for affordable, buildable projects. Working with not-for-profit organizations, institutions, and government agencies on these projects requires an understanding of the process and a commitment to a budget and time schedule.

Our firm makes use of state-of-the-art networked computer programs including: SAP2000, RISA 3D, SAFE, RAM Structural System, ADOSS, PCACOL, as well as AutoCAD 2007 and REVIT Structure 2008. RSA has two offices, one in Washington DC and one in New York City, with a staff that presently numbers 100 of whom 25 have professional registration.