The Substrate Approach
At Substrate we consider ourselves different, this difference is highlighted in our approach. We treat every project as if they are our own. Beyond this personal touch, we aim to be:
RESPONSIVE
We at Substrate believe our clients come first, that is, we advocate as a firm policy to be responsive. What this means specifically, is that we are committed to timely responding to phone calls and email correspondence. Responsiveness does not end at being available, we are always willing to give a helping hand, respond to technical questions and be your trusted consultant adviser. We are just a phone call or email away.
COLLABORATIVE
The industry trend has greatly shifted to building and maintaining successful teams of specialty consultants for project delivery. We are dedicated team players and enjoy a collaborative approach to design and construction. Members of our firm have been involved in Integrated Project Delivery (IDP), BIM modeling, and Design-Build project delivery. We bring this skill set to our clients.
SPECIALIZED
Unlike other firms that offer and claim to be experts in many diverse fields of civil engineering, we specialize in Structures only, more specifically in bridges and buildings and everything around them. This includes both design services and construction management services.
We are a rare firm that can staff licensed structural engineers on construction management projects; to not only ensure contract compliance, but by providing a better understanding of the design intent. We also have a bench of seasoned specialty construction inspectors that have a niche in inspection of CIP-PS Box Girder Bridges, Structural Steel Bridges, Tieback Retaining Walls, Railroad Bridges, Grade Separations, Buildings, etc.
FLEXIBLE AND INNOVATIVE
Wherever possible we strive to use innovative methods to achieve the best possible designs, while ensuring that we build safe and code compliant structures. Another difference in our approach is that we stay flexible in our designs and are open to suggestions to our designs by architects, contractors, and owners to ensure we are providing the best value to our clients. We are a young firm and are always open and eager to try a different approach.
Our firm takes prides in being innovative. We are familiar with the latest BIM software such as REVIT, and other 3D/4D modeling software and when feasible strive to use the most-cutting-edge software and technologies in design, and construction management. For example, currently our field inspectors use high-resolution digital cameras and laptops with air-cards to ensure that field documentation takes place daily.
We always remain flexible and are able to tailor our services to meet your professional and technical needs. We fully understand that for a consultant to add value to your program, we have to provide several alternatives to the solutions to your problems, and we pride ourselves in our ability to do that.
GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE
We utilize the latest Green principles. Substrate’s philosophy is to use the most cost-effective and sustainable materials in design. In construction, we advocate the use of the most environmentally responsible building materials (preferably from local sources) and responsible construction practices, not only to reduce our structure’s carbon footprints, but minimize impacts to local wildlife and to protect the waters of the state.
KEY KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR PROJECTS
In our service to private enterprise, we stay abreast of upcoming projects and ensure that we understand projects not only from a use perspective, but also from the stakeholders’ concerns and design intent. We carefully study the architecture, the site, the local resources available, and the jurisdictional agencies’ salient features before we undertake a project. This not only improves the chances for project success, it also reduces risk.
In our services to public agencies, we have key knowledge of many Local/State Agencies Programs, having team members that were former civil servants or trained by members of state agencies such as Caltrans Dist 59 and DSA on various projects throughout the State of California.
We have an understanding of how funding is made available and appropriated to Caltrans Construction projects at the programming level to an in-depth knowledge of Caltrans Technical Manuals, Procedures, Testing Methods, and Documentation System. We have a bench of seasoned structure’s construction inspection professionals to meet your staffing needs, as you deem appropriate, and have the technical competence of our structural engineers to solve any difficult design or construction challenge.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
With public work, we have a proven track record, as successfully working in Structure’s Design and Construction Management on various projects with various local, regional and state agencies.
With private work, our extensive portfolio of bridge, building & other structure projects demonstrates the diversity & depth of our expertise.
CERTIFIED
Substrate, Inc has various certifications that help meet or exceed agency requirements for local, state, and federal – small and disadvantaged business goals. We at Substrate have a key understanding of both private and public sector practices and challenges, and we believe it makes us stand out as an industry leader in engineering services.
Substrate, Inc is committed to delivering quality work, on-time, within budget, and most importantly – to your satisfaction.
Contact us to see how we can help you!