#252

This week David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, Founders of FAME Architecture & Interior Design are joined by Randy Collins, S.E. Founder and Principal of FTF Engineering, to discuss the role and responsibilities of the structural engineer, designing structures to withstand earthquakes, the limitations of the buildings code’s structural requirements, hiring an engineer, working with architects, creating value for clients, and more.

https://ftfengineering.com/
https://famearchitects.com/

(00:00) Introduction.

(13:10) The role of the structural engineer and the limitations of structural engineering.

(19:26) When to hire a structural engineer in the building process. How a good structural engineer can lead to a better building and lower project costs. The limitation of the building code’s structural requirements.

(25:45) Designing buildings for earthquakes. Randy shares a story about designing the foundation of a home located directly on the San Andreas fault line.

(44:50) Relying on math and calculations to engineer a building.

(51:26) Why clients should hire an architect and answers the question, “Is a structural engineer legally required for all projects?”

(58:30) Crumple zones, structural redundancy and importance factors, and engineering buildings for different disasters.

(01:17:40) The average cost of the structure of a building.

(01:19:05) Hiring an engineer with the right experience.

(01:24:11) The most challenging part of being an engineer and computer 3D modeling in engineering. 

BIO
Randy founded FTF Engineering, Inc. in 2002, determined to provide excellent engineering and exceptional service for clients in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. He is passionate about design and committed to pushing the boundaries while developing systems that are efficient and economical to construct. He is dedicated to educating clients and building officials about seismic safety and engaging project stakeholders while delivering best in class structural engineering solutions serving the context and objectives of each project.

Over 19 years, Randy has grown FTF from a sole practitioner office to the current 20-person firm with offices in San Francisco and San Luis Obispo by focusing on client satisfaction, project success, fostering a supportive, diverse company culture and investing in mentorship and continuing education.

Randy is active in serving various professional and community organizations.

This episode is supported by:
• Monograph: http://bit.ly/3c65fZW
• Brizo: https://bit.ly/3ryCQ5q
• Miele: https://www.mieleusa.com/
• Graphisoft: https://graphisoft.com/solutions/arch...

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About:
The Second Studio is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted and long-format interviews with thoughtful takes and personal discussions. Honesty and humor are used to cover a wide array of subjects.

Episode Types:
• GUEST INTERVIEWS: Interviews with leading professionals
• DESIGN COMPANION: Tips for clients
• FELLOW DESIGNER: Tips for designers
• DESIGN REVIEWS: Review of buildings and other projects
• AFTER HOURS: Casual conversations