SEATTLE, Washington -- There are significant changes coming with the new International Building Code (IBC 2018/ASCE 7-16), specifically seismic design load requirements for buildings in high seismic regions.

“While typical building code cycles see maybe 5% to 20% change, the new changes—for some extreme cases—will increase up to 80%,” said Tom Xia, PhD, DCI Engineers Principal, Technical Director and member of the ASCE and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). “That is not a minor change.”

DCI Engineers' project, the "M" was featured in the Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living magazine in an article written by Rose Bechtold, Communications Specialist. The M, formerly a Macy’s department store, is now a readapted 370,000-sf mixed-use building. The single structure comprises of retail levels on the first two floors, and a combination of commercial and residential levels for the above-grade floors. One building section is 11-stories (former Macy’s building), while another section (Wraight building) is eight-stories.

Modern Steek Construction Magazine featured this story "Balanced Design" about DCI's Data 1 project in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Read more about this great project here.

Last week, DCI Engineers hosted a 30th anniversary celebration called “DCI Connect” with about 500 clients and guests from the A/E/C industries at the Embassy Suites in Seattle. Festivities took place in the King Street Ballroom & Perch, where attendees got a recap of how the founders of the firm prevailed during the early years of uncertain business momentum.

DCI Engineers is a Diversakore Network Partner

Today, the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce published a special feature on the recently completed Spokane Convention Center Expansion. Here’s DCI Engineers’ contribution to the package:

Massive Steel Trusses Support Convention Center Roof

Crafting a fine wine takes careful attention to detail – a little errant bacteria or slight fluctuation in temperature can mean the difference between the finest vintage and undrinkable swill. And as any vintner will tell you, controlling those variables starts with the environment in which the wine is made.

*photo provided by Rollston Frangopoulos.

No matter what level of experience you have, most A/E/C firms or companies across the country expect their staff to persistently network, represent the firm, stand out to potential clients, and be remembered when those clients consider your firm for their project. Not all lines of work emphasize this strategy, but in the A/E/C industries the culture of engagement, business networking, and collaboration are paramount in running a competitive firm.

A little self-reflection never hurt anyone. In an industry that speaks a different language than your average civilian (note the blank looks you get when you bring up dead loads, ductility and deflection at a party), it’s worth asking: what does a structural engineer do?