Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Solutions in California
Founded in 1965, SOHA Engineers has established itself as a leading structural engineering firm in California, delivering 60 years of design excellence. Our team of 15 professionals in San Francisco and San Leandro offices specializes in balancing project vision with practical execution, prioritizing cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. We pioneered Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption to enhance design visualization and coordination, enabling faster concept exploration and direct fabrication support for construction teams. Our expertise spans seismic evaluation, rehabilitation, and performance-based design, utilizing advanced technologies like base isolators and fiber-reinforced composites to improve structural resilience in high-seismic zones. With experience in diverse delivery methods including Design-Build and Integrated Project Delivery, we provide tailored solutions for civic, academic, transportation, and historic projects.Our commitment to early interdisciplinary collaboration ensures holistic decision-making that addresses form, function, and budgetary constraints. Recognized for seismic-resistant design and historic preservation, we serve public and private sectors across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our leadership team combines decades of institutional knowledge with innovative problem-solving approaches to deliver complex projects efficiently. We maintain transparency throughout the engineering process, ensuring clients receive technically sound solutions aligned with evolving industry standards. This enduring focus on quality and client partnership has sustained our reputation as trusted structural engineering advisors for six decades.
Services
Structural Design
Seismic Evaluation
Shoring & Underpinning
Seismic Rehabilitation
Peer Review
Construction Support
Historic Renovation
BIM Modeling
Plan Check
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer 60 years of structural engineering experience in seismic zones
- Our team pioneered BIM adoption for enhanced design coordination
- We specialize in performance-based design for complex structures
- We provide multi-method delivery expertise including Design-Build and IPD
- Our seismic rehabilitation solutions protect historic and modern buildings
What people say
Technical excellence
Historic preservation expertise
Seismic retrofit specialists
BIM implementation leaders
Decades of experience
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design services create efficient frameworks for new buildings using advanced analytical techniques. We balance safety requirements with budget constraints while maintaining architectural intent. Our engineers optimize material selection and construction methods to deliver durable, code-compliant structures for commercial, residential, and institutional projects across California.
Seismic Evaluation
We conduct comprehensive seismic assessments to identify vulnerabilities in existing buildings located in high-risk zones. Our engineers use performance-based methodologies to evaluate structural integrity and recommend retrofit solutions that enhance earthquake resilience while preserving architectural features in both modern and historic structures.
Seismic Rehabilitation
Our seismic rehabilitation services implement advanced solutions like base isolators and energy-dissipation devices to improve structural performance. We specialize in upgrading older buildings with modern reinforcement techniques while maintaining their original character and functionality for long-term safety and compliance.
BIM Modeling
We utilize Building Information Modeling to create detailed 3D representations that improve project visualization and coordination. This technology enables early design exploration, clash detection, and direct fabrication support, streamlining construction processes and reducing project timelines for complex structural systems.
Historic Renovation
Our historic renovation expertise combines structural upgrades with preservation of architectural character. We implement seismic retrofits and modernization solutions while maintaining original design elements, ensuring compliance with heritage standards and extending the lifespan of culturally significant buildings across the Bay Area.
People
Daniel Shapiro
Founder
Founded SOHA Engineers in 1965 as Daniel Shapiro, Structural Engineer. Established the firm's reputation for seismic-resistant design in San Francisco's Maybeck Building. Laid the foundation for the firm's commitment to technical excellence and community service.
Harry Okino
Partner
Joined as partner in 1966, transforming the firm into Shapiro & Okino, Engineers. Expanded service offerings during the company's formative years. Helped establish the firm's early expertise in seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of existing structures.
John Hom
Partner
Became third partner in 1970, establishing Shapiro, Okino, Hom & Associates. Strengthened the firm's capabilities in public sector projects. Played key role in developing the company's approach to balancing structural integrity with budgetary constraints.
Frankie Lee
President & CEO
Appointed President in 1990, leading the firm's expansion into bridge and transportation projects. Oversaw the transition to SOHA Engineers in 1997. Directed growth into a multi-disciplinary engineering practice serving Bay Area clients.
Stephen Lau
President & CEO
Promoted to President in 2000 after 20 years of service. Directed firm operations during its relocation to Howard Street. Maintained SOHA's leadership in seismic design while expanding technical capabilities through continued BIM implementation and staff development.
Questions
What structural engineering services does SOHA offer?
We provide structural design, seismic evaluation, rehabilitation, BIM modeling, peer review, construction support, and historic renovation services for commercial, institutional, and transportation projects.
How does SOHA handle seismic design in California?
We use performance-based design and advanced technologies like base isolators to create earthquake-resistant structures that meet California's strict seismic regulations while maintaining architectural integrity.
What project delivery methods does SOHA use?
We work with Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery, Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, and Lean Project Delivery methods to match client needs and project requirements.
Can SOHA assist with historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in preserving historic structures while implementing modern seismic retrofits and code-compliant upgrades that maintain architectural character and functionality.
Where are SOHA's offices located?
We have two California offices: 594 Howard Street, Suite 400 in San Francisco and 1670 Alvarado Street, Suite 3 in San Leandro.
How long has SOHA been in business?
We've been providing structural engineering services since our founding in 1965, with over 60 years of continuous operation in the San Francisco Bay Area.
