Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Engineering and Architectural Solutions
Wiss Janney Elstner (WJE) was founded in 1956 with a mission to deliver better solutions to problems in the built world. Our interdisciplinary team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists brings over six decades of accumulated experience to every project, applying technical excellence and a hands-on investigative approach. We pride ourselves on solving structural, architectural, and materials challenges through practical, innovative, and technically sound solutions tailored to client needs. With a global presence across North America and Europe, our firm responds swiftly to assignments worldwide, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories in Northbrook, Austin, and Cleveland. Our commitment to sustainability guides materials selection, repair design, and conservation efforts, ensuring long-term value for clients.We maintain a culture of shared destiny, technical mentoring, and safety, reflected in our employee-owned structure and dedication to professional growth. Our philosophy of 'asking the structure'a principle established by founder Jack Janneycontinues to drive our empirical, investigative methodology. With over 175,000 projects completed, we combine historical insight with cutting-edge technology to address both contemporary and legacy construction challenges. Our reputation for exceptional service is built on prompt responsiveness, transparent billing, and leveraging the full resources of our firm for every client. This enduring commitment to professionalism, technical excellence, and client-centric solutions has established WJE as a trusted leader in the engineering and architectural fields.
Services
Structural Engineering
Building Enclosures
Materials Testing
Forensic Analysis
Seismic Engineering
Bridge Engineering
Historic Preservation
Fire Protection
Geotechnical Services
Nondestructive Evaluation
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience solving structural and materials challenges.
- Our interdisciplinary team combines engineering, architecture, and materials science expertise.
- We operate state-of-the-art laboratories in Northbrook, Austin, and Cleveland.
- Our 'ask the structure' philosophy ensures empirical, investigative problem-solving.
- We maintain a 70,000-square-foot research facility for advanced testing capabilities.
Services
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services address design, evaluation, and repair of buildings and infrastructure. We investigate failures, perform load testing, and develop rehabilitation solutions using advanced modeling techniques. Clients benefit from our expertise in both modern and historic structures, ensuring safety and longevity through code-compliant designs.
Building Enclosures
We specialize in building enclosure commissioning, condition assessment, and forensic analysis. Our team evaluates water resistance, thermal performance, and durability of facades, roofs, and waterproofing systems. Clients receive tailored solutions to prevent moisture intrusion and improve energy efficiency in new and existing structures.
Materials Testing
Our materials testing services include laboratory evaluation and field analysis of construction materials. We conduct failure analysis, corrosion assessment, and product development testing. Clients gain actionable insights from our 70,000-square-foot research facility equipped with advanced instrumentation for metallurgical and concrete investigations.
Forensic Analysis
We perform comprehensive forensic analysis of structural failures, construction defects, and material degradation. Our engineers use nondestructive testing, drone surveys, and laboratory analysis to determine root causes. Clients receive detailed reports with repair recommendations and litigation support when needed.
Seismic Engineering
Our seismic engineering services include vulnerability assessments, retrofit design, and code compliance evaluations. We apply advanced modeling techniques to enhance structural resilience in earthquake-prone regions. Clients benefit from our expertise in both modernization of existing structures and seismic design for new construction.
People
Jack Janney
Founder
Jack Janney founded WJE in 1956 as a one-person consultancy. His philosophy of 'asking the structure' became the firm's guiding principle, emphasizing empirical investigation and practical solutions for structural challenges.
Justin Boone
Vice Chair of NIBS
Justin Boone serves as Vice Chair of the National Institute of Building Sciences Board of Directors. With extensive experience in structural engineering, he leads initiatives to advance building science and improve construction standards across the industry.
Questions
What types of engineering services does WJE offer?
We provide structural, seismic, bridge, geotechnical, and fire protection engineering services, along with materials testing and forensic analysis.
How does WJE approach problem-solving for construction challenges?
Our 'ask the structure' philosophy uses hands-on investigation, empirical testing, and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop practical solutions.
What laboratory capabilities does WJE have?
We operate state-of-the-art facilities in Northbrook, Austin, and Cleveland with 70,000 square feet of advanced testing space.
Can WJE handle international projects?
With professionals in North America and Europe, we respond to assignments worldwide across diverse construction sectors.
How does WJE support sustainability in construction?
We apply long-term perspectives to materials selection, systems integration, and repair design to minimize environmental impact.
What emergency services does WJE provide?
We offer 24/7 emergency contact for urgent structural and materials issues through our main line at 847.272.7400.
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