Building Envelope Consulting
The building envelope is often the most expensive part of a construction project, so having trustworthy information is critical for managing risk.
Structural Engineering
Engineering firms rely on accurate structural data, expert analysis, and multidisciplinary collaboration to deliver safe, resilient, and cost-effective projects. Kiwa partners with structural, civil, transportation, and multidisciplinary engineering firms by providing independent structural engineering support, assessments, testing, and technical consulting throughout the project lifecycle.
Leveraging Kiwa's extensive experience in structural engineering, building sciences, construction materials engineering and testing, often referred to as CMT or CoMET services, geotechnical engineering, and specialty laboratory services, Kiwa helps engineering teams validate structural performance, reduce project risk, and make informed design and rehabilitation decisions. Our collaborative approach provides engineering firms with the technical insight and field support needed to address complex structural challenges with confidence.
What We Do
Kiwa provides structural engineering support services that help engineering firms evaluate, design, investigate, and rehabilitate structures across commercial, institutional, industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects. We serve as a trusted technical partner, delivering independent assessments, testing, and engineering expertise that strengthen project outcomes.
Our capabilities include
- Structural condition assessments and asset evaluations
- Load capacity analysis and structural performance verification
- Evaluation of existing structures for renovation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, or expansion
- Structural peer reviews and independent engineering assessments
- Failure investigations and root-cause analysis of structural and material systems
- Inspection and testing of structural materials, including concrete, steel, masonry, and reinforced systems
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) and in-place evaluation of concrete and structural components
- Building envelope and building sciences assessments affecting structural durability and performance
- Construction-phase observations, QA/QC support, and structural compliance verification
- Integration with geotechnical engineering, CoMET / CMT services, and specialty laboratory testing
- Forensic engineering services related to structural distress, deterioration, and construction defects
- Technical support for engineering firms during design validation, litigation support, and expert evaluations
By combining structural engineering with building sciences, materials engineering, and geotechnical expertise, Kiwa helps engineering firms gain a complete understanding of how soil conditions, material performance, environmental exposure, and construction practices influence long-term structural performance.
Why Structural Engineering Matters
Engineering firms are increasingly challenged to deliver structures that meet demanding performance expectations while managing risk, budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements. Structural issues discovered late in the design or construction process can result in costly redesigns, delays, claims, and long-term liability.
Without comprehensive structural evaluation and testing, projects may face:
- Undetected deterioration or concealed structural deficiencies
- Reduced load capacity or overstressed structural elements
- Settlement-related impacts and foundation performance concerns
- Moisture intrusion and building envelope deficiencies affecting structural components
- Material incompatibility and accelerated deterioration
- Construction defects that compromise long-term performance
- Increased maintenance requirements and lifecycle costs
- Regulatory, safety, and compliance risks
Kiwa helps engineering firms identify potential issues early, validate design assumptions, and develop practical solutions that improve structural reliability, resilience, and long-term asset performance.
How Kiwa Delivers Value
Kiwa serves as an extension of engineering firms' project teams, providing independent technical expertise and multidisciplinary resources that support informed decision-making throughout planning, design, construction, and asset management.
Key value drivers include
- Independent third-party structural evaluations that provide objective and defensible results
- Multidisciplinary collaboration across structural, geotechnical, materials, and building sciences disciplines
- Access to accredited laboratories and advanced testing capabilities
- Certified field professionals with extensive construction and inspection experience
- Non-destructive evaluation and in-place performance testing to minimize disruption
- Failure investigations and forensic engineering services that identify root causes and corrective actions
- Quality assurance and quality control support during construction
- Practical recommendations that balance structural performance, constructability, and cost considerations
- Technical documentation and reporting that support engineering decisions and stakeholder communication
- Enhanced risk management through proactive evaluation and performance verification
This integrated approach helps engineering firms improve project quality, reduce uncertainty, strengthen compliance efforts, and deliver more durable, resilient structures.
Who We Serve
Kiwa partners with engineering firms across a wide range of markets and project types, providing specialized expertise that complements internal design and engineering resources.
Whether supporting new construction, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, or long-term asset management programs, Kiwa provides the technical resources engineering firms need to successfully execute complex projects.
Structural engineering firms
Civil engineering firms
Transportation engineering consultants
Architecture and engineering (A/E) firms
Design-build teams
Infrastructure engineering organizations
Industrial and energy engineering firms
Municipal engineering consultants
Program and construction management teams
Owners' representative and technical advisory teams
Our services include
Construction Engineering and Inspection
Raba Kistner has provided successful construction project administration and coordination for clients throughout the Southwestern United States and beyond since 1968.
Engineering
Kiwa PPI provides specialized engineering and technical services to support customers in designing and operating assets that are safe, reliable and compliant.
FAQs about Structural Engineering
How does Kiwa support engineering firms during project design and development?
Kiwa provides engineering firms with structural assessments, load analyses, materials testing, geotechnical integration, peer reviews, and technical evaluations that help validate assumptions, reduce risk, and support informed design decisions throughout project development.
How does Kiwa’s building sciences expertise support engineering firms?
Building sciences evaluations help engineering firms understand how moisture intrusion, thermal movement, environmental exposure, material degradation, and building envelope performance affect structural systems, allowing teams to address root causes rather than symptoms.
Does Kiwa provide testing services in addition to structural engineering evaluations for engineering firms?
Yes. Kiwa offers a comprehensive range of construction materials testing, non-destructive testing, specialty laboratory testing, and field observation services that provide engineering firms with reliable data to support design, construction, and asset management decisions.
