Architectural & Engineering Consulting
The architecture and engineering departments at ABS provide comprehensive consulting services to a wide range of public and private sector clients. Whether a client needs an objective survey at the beginning stages of a new project or a full-scale evaluation of an existing structure, ABS has the resources to pinpoint the source of present or imminent problems and provide designs to remedy the problems.
We are experienced.
ABS has a diverse group of registered engineering professionals and support personnel to cover all types of design-related issues. Our team’s capabilities include facility condition surveys, structural defect investigations, failure analyses, property condition assessments, roof surveys, and building envelope evaluations for all types of structures. In addition, ABS design professionals judiciously research and evaluate building codes, industry standards, and life safety issues as they relate to building code violations. For projects in the design phase, we often provide quality control and quality assurance reviews related to building envelope components.
Our scope of work encompasses hotels, shopping malls, hospitals, office buildings, single- and multi-family residential communities, and a multitude of government owned facilities. We have experience with all types of construction including structural steel and concrete, wood framed structures, light-gauge steel framing, steep-slope and low-slope roofing, as well as brick, stucco, wood, and vinyl claddings. Our engineers also possess broad knowledge and experience with mechanical systems as well as the design, construction, and certification of fire suppression and alarm systems.
At a minimum, ABS engineers perform surveys in accordance with industry standards including Fannie Mae’s Physical Needs Criteria, Standard and Poor’s Property Condition Assessment Criteria, and ASTM E 2018. While ASTM is considered the minimum standard, our in-house standards far exceed those mandated by ASTM.
ABS engineers and architects produce cost-effective repair and rehabilitation designs based upon techniques acquired through years of experience in architecture and engineering. Because our work is primarily related to existing structures that may have problems, we are accustomed to implementing solutions that work with as-built detailing. We are also very involved with leading industry organizations and research bodies, uniquely providing us with industry insights that make our solutions forward thinking with regards to strength, safety, durability, and energy efficiency.
The ABS consulting team is frequently called upon after natural disasters to assess a variety of issues including wind versus flood damage, building collapses, and roof blow-offs. Our engineers have been involved in numerous post-disaster assessments including Hurricanes Hugo, Frances, Charley, Floyd, and Katrina. As a result, we have helped many businesses, individuals, government entities, and insurance companies obtain accurate, scientific-based information regarding damage caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters.