Structural Design
Lebra Engineering & Design stands as a premier, Massachusetts-based structural engineering firm dedicated to delivering precise, innovative, and efficient structural design solutions for a diverse range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Headquartered in Acton, MA (with prior associations in Needham Heights), Lebra combines over 20 years of collective industry expertise with a client-centric, no-nonsense approach that emphasizes speed, cost-effectiveness, and uncompromising quality. At the core of Lebra's structural design capabilities is a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet modern building demands while adhering strictly to Massachusetts and national building codes, including the latest IBC, ASCE 7, and local amendments. Our licensed professional engineers excel in creating detailed structural plans, calculations, and documentation that ensure safety, durability, and functionality across project scales. Key structural design capabilities include: Foundation Systems: Expert design of shallow and deep foundations, including spread footings, mat foundations, pile foundations, and helical piers. We conduct thorough load analysis, settlement evaluations, and soil-structure interaction studies to provide robust, economical solutions for challenging soil conditions common in New England. Superstructure Design: Full structural framing for wood, steel, concrete, and masonry systems. This encompasses single-family homes, multi-family developments, additions, renovations, commercial build-outs, office spaces, retail structures, and light industrial facilities. We specialize in optimizing member sizes, connections, and lateral systems for both new construction and adaptive reuse projects. Lateral Load Resistance: Advanced analysis and design of shear walls, braced frames, moment-resisting frames, and diaphragms to resist wind, seismic, and snow loads prevalent in Massachusetts. Our engineers use state-of-the-art software for dynamic analysis, ensuring compliance with seismic design categories and high-wind zones. Retaining Walls & Earth Retention: Engineered designs for segmental, gravity, cantilever, and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls. We incorporate geotechnical data for stability against overturning, sliding, bearing, and global stability, while integrating aesthetic and landscaping elements. Specialty Structures: Custom structural engineering for swimming pools (in-ground concrete and vinyl liner), elevated decks, landscaping features (pergolas, arbors, trellises), stairs, ramps, and guardrails. We also handle complex alterations, such as removing load-bearing walls, adding openings, or reinforcing existing structures for modern loads. Structural Remediation & Strengthening: Assessments and retrofit designs for distressed buildings, including foundation repairs, crack stitching, carbon fiber reinforcement, steel plating, and underpinning. Our remediation work prioritizes minimal disruption while extending service life and improving performance. Inspections & Consulting: Comprehensive structural inspections, feasibility evaluations, peer reviews, value engineering, and forensic investigations. We provide expert witness support and collaborate seamlessly with architects, builders, developers, and homeowners. Lebra distinguishes itself through rapid project delivery—most structural documentation completed in 4–5 weeks post-acceptance—enabled by streamlined workflows, cutting-edge design tools (including BIM-compatible software), and a collaborative team ethos. We prioritize clear communication, responsive service, and personalized attention, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional engineering firms often bogged down by bureaucracy. Whether supporting an architect outsourcing structural scopes, a developer needing fast-tracked plans, or a homeowner pursuing a custom build, Lebra ensures every design is practical, buildable, and built to last. Our commitment to technical excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction drives successful outcomes on every project, contributing to safer, more resilient communities across Massachusetts and beyond.