What We Do//

Linchpin has provided engineering services on hundreds of homes in the region, from small remodels and additions to new 12,000-square-foot estates. We provide full structural design services for homeowners and sub-consult to architects. We understand that each residential project has unique structural requirements, and we work closely with homeowners, architects, and contractors to deliver customized solutions that meet their specific needs. Our extensive experience includes over a dozen of custom designs in the Martis Camp Tahoe hillsides development, award-winning A-frame cabin, major remodels, decks, River landing Condominiums, multi-family low-income housing, and many more.

Our team has substantial experience with the design of Medical structures including Hospitals, in-patient and out-patient facilities, doctors’ office complexes, care facilities, medical research labs, and clean-room structures. We have worked with the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), now called the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). Notable medical projects include Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, UNR Molecular Building and Offices, and numerous Medical structures and facilities for Renown.

Our industrial structural engineering services cover a wide range of industrial structures, from warehouses and manufacturing facilities to power plants and refineries. We understand that industrial structures require specialized knowledge and experience, including a deep understanding of codes and regulations, as well as the ability to design for extreme loads and harsh environments. Our team has extensive experience in industrial engineering, delivering innovative solutions to even the most complex industrial projects. Notable projects include tilt-up facilities, expansive warehouses, Castle Mountain Mining facility, and Reymon Brothers construction in Sparks. Linchpin has also performed Due Diligence investigation work at mining and refinery facilities.

Our goal in all restoration projects is to have minimal impact upon the structure’s historic fabric. We ensure that the unique architectural and structural elements are maintained while also making sure they meet current codes and regulations, and are safe and functional for long-term viability. We understand the structural behavior of historic buildings and archaic building materials, and offer expert solutions to the unique and complex structural concerns. Linchpin has consulted on over 200 nationally registered historic structures.

Snow load engineering is built into everything we do. Our offices sit in the Sierra and Tahoe region where we experience extremely heavy ground snow loads. Every structure we design has to handle that snow accumulation, drifting, sliding, and unbalanced loads. Senior Principal and ASCE Fellow Doug Gadow serves on the ASCE 7 Snow & Rain Load Committee, which develops the snow and rain load provisions written into building codes nationwide. We understand the local climate data, current Building Code provisions, and roof geometries that govern how snow collects and moves across a structure. Every project we engineer includes snow load calculations. We also offer it as a stand-alone consultation upon request — including roof snow load estimation for existing buildings, additions, and proposed designs.

We work closely with contractors to design safe and efficient demolition and shoring plans, taking into account site conditions and local codes to deliver solutions that are safe, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. Demolition consulting services include analyzing the existing structure to determine sequencing of deconstruction and ability to support demolition or deconstruction equipment loading. Shoring consulting is provided for structures that are being retained or structures that need supplementing for construction loading. Notable projects include the demolition of Sacramento Downtown Mall, and shoring commercial brick and concrete structures.

Linchpin provides structural engineering design, consultation, and investigation for tree and pole mounted structures including Treehouses, Challenge Courses, and Ziplines. We can perform analysis of trees, as well as design and specify structures that will have minimal impact on the tree. We understand the unique challenges of designing and building in trees, including the need to balance safety, aesthetics, and environmental concerns. Notable projects include the Tahoe Challenge rope course, and stunning treehouses in Nicaragua, Santa Rosa, and Bodega.