Too Small for Big Firms? Not for Us.
You've got a 20–60 unit wood-frame project, and the big SE firms either quote $50K+ or don't return your call. Meanwhile, the generalist engineers who do respond miss wood-frame optimization opportunities that cost you thousands in unnecessary steel and over-designed foundations.
We built our multi-family practice around the projects big firms won't touch. Wood-frame is our bread and butter — podium, stick-frame, mixed-use. 500+ units designed with value engineering that significantly reduces structural costs.
Units designed
500+
Potential savings
Significant
Licensed in
5 States
Typical permit timeline
4–6 Weeks
What Happens When You Hire the Wrong SE for Multi-Family
The difference between over-designed steel and optimized wood-frame comes down to one decision.
Without Specialized SE
Big firms won’t touch 20-unit projects — you’re not worth their time
Generalist misses wood-frame optimization opportunities
Over-designed steel drives up material costs unnecessarily
Weeks of delays while engineer “gets back to you”
Plan check rejections from missed wood-frame detailing
With Palisade Engineering
We take the projects big firms won’t — wood-frame is our bread and butter
Value engineering to significantly reduce structural costs
Typical 4–6 week permit timeline with responsive communication
Wood-frame specialist — podium, stick-frame, mixed-use
Thorough code compliance built into every set
Have plans for a multi-family project? Send them over — we'll quote in hours →
Multi-Family Project Types
Apartment complexes (garden-style, mid-rise, podium)
Condominiums and townhomes
Mixed-use developments with ground-floor retail
Affordable housing projects
Senior living facilities
Student housing developments
Have architectural drawings ready?
Send them over. We'll scope your multi-family project and return a fixed-price quote, typically within 24–48 hours.
The Palisade Advantage
Wood-Frame Specialist
Podium, stick-frame, mixed-use — wood-frame is our core competency. We optimize shear walls, diaphragms, and connections for cost-efficient construction that passes plan check.
Value Engineering Built In
Our designs significantly reduce structural costs by right-sizing members, optimizing layouts, and eliminating unnecessary steel. We design with your budget in mind from day one.
Right-Sized for Your Project
Big firms ignore 20–60 unit projects. We built our practice around them. You get a PE + SE licensed engineer who actually returns your calls and meets your schedule.
Code Compliance
Deep expertise in IBC, CBC, and local amendments across Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, and Iowa. Code compliance focused on minimizing resubmittals and delays.
Want to see how this works for your project? Let's talk →
Who This Is For
We built our multi-family practice around teams who need responsive, right-sized structural engineering.
Developers
Wood-frame 3–5 story projects where big firms quote $50K+ or don’t return your call. We deliver right-sized engineering at a fraction of the cost.
Architects
Need an SE subconsultant who actually responds? We integrate into your team, match your schedule, and handle the structural scope end-to-end.
Builders
Your wood-frame crew needs details that make sense in the field — not theoretical designs. We design with constructability in mind.
PE + SE
Dual Licensed Engineers
500+
Units Designed
5 States
NV, CA, AZ, UT, IA
4–6 Wks
Typical Permit Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does structural engineering cost for a multi-family project?
Costs vary by project size and complexity. We provide fixed-price proposals after reviewing your plans. Our value engineering can significantly reduce structural costs, often offsetting the engineering fee entirely.
What types of multi-family construction does Palisade Engineering design?
We design apartment complexes, condominiums, townhomes, mixed-use developments, senior living facilities, and student housing in wood frame, podium, steel, and concrete construction.
How long does structural engineering take for apartments?
Most multi-family projects move from design to permit submittal in 4–6 weeks. Expedited timelines are available for simpler scopes.
Do you handle wood-frame podium construction?
Yes. Wood-frame podium is one of our core specialties. We design Type III and Type V over Type I podium structures, optimizing wood-frame upper stories for cost efficiency.
Related Services
Same team. Same fixed-price model. Same turnaround.
Commercial Engineering
Tilt-up, TI, retail, office, and warehouse. Typical permits in 4–6 weeks.
See Scope & Pricing →
Value Engineering
Significant structural cost savings with full code compliance.
See Scope & Pricing →
BIM & 3D Modeling
Clash detection and coordination that significantly reduces RFIs.
See Scope & Pricing →
Free Download
5 Steps to Multi-Family Structural Success
Our free guide for developers covers the 5 critical structural decisions that protect your timeline and budget on multi-family projects — from framing selection to value engineering.
Download the Free GuideGet Your Multi-Family Project Moving — Permit-Ready in Weeks, Not Months
Send us your architectural drawings. We'll return a fixed-price quote, typically within 24–48 hours — no commitment, no hourly billing, no surprises.
Email info@pe-se.com or call (775) 323-6633