Justin Sather, PE – Senior Structural Engineer
About Justin Sather
I’m Justin Sather, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) specializing in structural engineering with over 8 years of experience designing safe, innovative structures across Southern California. From small-town Turlock to the dynamic LA construction scene, I’ve built my career on precision, integrity, and continuous learning.
Professional Credentials & Expertise
- 🎓 Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – Structural Engineering Concentration
- 📜 License: Professional Engineer (PE) – California Board for Professional Engineers
- 💼 Current Role: Senior Structural Engineer, ADU Structures of Los Angeles (2019-Present)
- 🏗️ Specialization: Residential & Commercial Structural Design, ADU Development, Seismic Engineering
- 📊 Projects Completed: 150+ structural designs, $45M+ in construction value
My Journey: From Turlock to Los Angeles
Turlock Beginnings – Small Town Values
I grew up in Turlock, California – a tight-knit agricultural community in the Central Valley where everyone knows your name and a handshake still means something. Those formative years taught me the importance of reliability, hard work, and community trust – values I carry into every project today.
Turlock’s strong agricultural and manufacturing base sparked my early interest in how things are built and why structures stand the test of time. I spent weekends helping my uncle renovate homes, learning the fundamentals of construction from the ground up.
The Move to Los Angeles – Professional Growth
In 2015, I made the leap to Los Angeles, drawn by the city’s incredible diversity of architectural challenges – from historic retrofits in DTLA to cutting-edge ADU developments in Silver Lake. LA offered what Turlock couldn’t: exposure to complex, high-stakes structural engineering projects and the chance to work alongside some of California’s top engineering firms.
The transition wasn’t just geographic; it was professional. LA’s rigorous building codes, seismic requirements, and fast-paced construction environment pushed me to sharpen my technical skills and earn my PE license faster than I’d originally planned.
Career Progression & Proven Results
| Year | Position | Company | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2017 | Junior Engineer | Borden Engineering | Completed 40+ structural calculations, assisted on $12M commercial project, mastered AutoCAD & SAP2000 |
| 2017-2019 | Project Coordinator | Garcia Construction | Led coordination for 15 projects simultaneously, reduced plan check times by 30%, obtained PE license |
| 2019-Present | Senior Structural Engineer | ADU Structures of LA | Designed 150+ ADUs & residential structures, 98% first-submittal approval rate, zero structural failures |
Why Clients Trust My Work
- 98% First-Submittal Approval Rate – My structural plans typically pass LA City plan check on the first submission, saving clients time and money
- Zero Structural Failures – Perfect safety record across 150+ completed projects over 8 years
- Licensed Professional Engineer – Legally authorized to stamp and approve structural drawings in California
- Responsive Communication – Average response time under 4 hours for client inquiries
- Transparent Pricing – Fixed-fee proposals with no surprise costs
Core Competencies & Technical Skills
Structural Analysis
- Seismic design & retrofitting
- Load path analysis
- Foundation design
- Lateral force systems
Software Proficiency
- SAP2000, ETABS, SAFE
- AutoCAD, Revit Structure
- Microsoft Project
- Building Code analysis tools
Project Management
- Multi-project coordination
- Contractor collaboration
- Budget & timeline management
- Building department liaison
Communication
- Client presentations
- Technical documentation
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Building code interpretation
Beyond Engineering – Personal Interests That Make Me Better at My Job
I don’t just design buildings – I live in them, travel through them, and study them. My hobbies directly enhance my professional work:
- 📚 Reading: Constantly learning from structural engineering journals, architectural history, and construction technology trends. Recent read: “Why Buildings Stand Up” by Mario Salvadori.
- 🍳 Cooking: Precision, timing, and following processes – skills that translate directly to project management and structural calculations.
- ✈️ Traveling: Analyzing architectural styles worldwide. I’ve studied earthquake-resistant temples in Japan, historic masonry in Europe, and modern high-rises in Hong Kong – all informing my LA designs.
- 📷 Architecture Photography: Documenting structural details and building systems. My photo archive of 2,000+ construction details serves as a reference library for design decisions.
- 🗣️ Language Learning: Currently learning Spanish to better communicate with construction crews on LA job sites. Clear communication prevents costly mistakes.
Keep Learning, Keep Growing
The engineering profession demands continuous education – building codes evolve, materials improve, and seismic research advances. I complete 30+ hours of continuing education annually (double the PE license requirement) and actively participate in:
- SEAOC (Structural Engineers Association of California) – Member since 2018
- ICC (International Code Council) – Certified Building Plan Examiner
- Local building department workshops – Stay current on LA City code interpretations
- Seismic safety seminars – Latest research on earthquake-resistant design
What Clients Say
“Justin’s structural plans were approved by LA City on the first submittal, saving us three weeks on our ADU project timeline. His attention to detail and knowledge of local codes is exceptional.”
— Residential Property Owner, Silver Lake
“We’ve worked with several structural engineers, but Justin stands out for his responsiveness and clear communication. He explains complex engineering concepts in terms contractors and homeowners can understand.”
— General Contractor, Los Angeles
“Fast turnaround without compromising quality. Justin delivered complete structural calculations and stamped plans for our commercial tenant improvement in just 5 days. Highly recommend.”
— Commercial Developer, West LA
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you need structural engineering for a new ADU, a seismic retrofit, or complex commercial project, I bring precision, reliability, and 8 years of proven results to every engagement.