SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers, legally known as Starling Madison Lofquist, Inc., is a structural and forensic engineering firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The company provides engineering design, consulting, structural failure investigations, restoration design, special inspections, and specialized engineering services for commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects.

The firm serves clients across the United States and has a long-standing presence in the southwestern United States. Its multidisciplinary team includes licensed professional engineers and experienced design, drafting, inspection, and technical support personnel. SML focuses on delivering engineering solutions that address structural performance, building conditions, construction requirements, and the specific needs of each project.

Official website: https://www.smleng.com/

Structural Engineering Design

Structural engineering is a core part of SML’s practice. The firm provides design and consulting services for new construction as well as modifications and retrofits to existing buildings. Its work includes commercial, industrial, and residential structures that require structural calculations, engineering drawings, technical coordination, and practical design solutions.

The appropriate structural system depends on the building’s intended use, architectural layout, materials, loading conditions, site characteristics, and applicable building codes. SML works with project stakeholders to develop designs that address these requirements while supporting construction feasibility and long-term structural performance.

Its published services cover new construction, remodels, special structures, swimming pools, water features, solar structural engineering, and other specialized applications.

New Construction and Building Renovations

New construction and renovation projects often require close coordination between structural engineers, architects, contractors, and other design professionals. Structural considerations can affect building layouts, material selection, connections, foundations, and the overall construction process.

SML provides structural design services for commercial, residential, and industrial projects. The firm also supports retrofits and modifications to existing structures, helping project teams evaluate how proposed changes may affect the building’s structural system.

For renovations, engineering work may involve reviewing existing conditions, analyzing structural components, preparing calculations, and developing repair or modification details. The exact scope depends on the project and the available information about the existing building.

Forensic Engineering and Structural Failure Investigations

Forensic engineering is an important specialty of SML. These services involve investigating structural damage, evaluating building conditions, and analyzing potential causes of failures or deterioration.

The firm’s forensic engineering team supports structural failure investigations and insurance-related claims. Projects may require site observations, photographic documentation, analysis of structural components, technical calculations, and written engineering reports.

Investigations can be relevant when a building experiences damage, when defects are suspected, or when a property owner or insurer needs a professional assessment of the structural conditions. The appropriate investigative process depends on the type of damage, the construction materials, the evidence available, and the questions the client needs answered.

SML also provides structural restoration design, supporting projects where damaged or deteriorated building components require an engineered repair or rehabilitation approach.

Structural Restoration and Repair Design

Restoring a damaged building requires an understanding of the existing structure, the nature of the damage, and the performance requirements of the repaired components. SML’s structural restoration services can support clients addressing building damage and the need for engineered repair solutions.

Depending on the project, restoration design may involve evaluating existing framing, assessing damaged components, determining appropriate repair methods, and preparing technical details for construction.

For property owners, contractors, and insurance-related stakeholders, professional engineering documentation can help clarify the repair scope and communicate the proposed solution to the parties involved.

Repair recommendations should always be based on the actual building conditions and the findings of the engineering investigation.

Special Structures and Architectural Elements

SML provides structural engineering for special structures, including retaining walls, tanks, signs, landscaping elements, and canopies. These structures may involve different load conditions, connection details, foundation requirements, and material considerations from conventional building framing.

The firm also offers architectural metals and structural glass design. Such projects require coordination between structural performance, architectural appearance, material properties, connections, and construction requirements.

SML’s project portfolio includes storefront and curtain wall work, guardrails, stairs, canopies, and other architectural or structural elements. Clients can review the published portfolio to identify project types relevant to their own design requirements.

Swimming Pools, Spas, and Water Features

Swimming pools and water features require specialized structural design because they must accommodate water pressure, soil conditions, foundation requirements, and the interaction between the pool structure and surrounding site.

SML offers new and retrofit swimming pool engineering, including structural design for pools, spas, and water features. Its published work also includes aquatic facilities and custom residential pool projects.

The engineering scope depends on the pool configuration, construction materials, site conditions, drainage, and the project’s design requirements. Owners, pool contractors, architects, and developers can contact the firm to discuss the appropriate structural services for a proposed installation or renovation.

Solar Structural Engineering Services

SML provides structural engineering services for solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. Solar installations require appropriate evaluation of mounting systems, support structures, attachment details, and the building or site conditions supporting the equipment.

The firm’s solar-related services include PV support-system certification and optimization. Its published portfolio features solar racking and mounting projects, including work associated with PV arrays and parking canopy installations.

Solar structural engineering can help project teams address applicable loading conditions, mounting requirements, and coordination with existing structures. Each installation should be evaluated according to its design, location, support system, and relevant requirements.

Inspections and Testing

SML offers special inspections and testing required for certain construction projects under local building codes. These services help project teams evaluate whether selected construction activities and materials meet the applicable project requirements.

Inspection and testing needs vary according to the construction type, structural materials, jurisdiction, and approved project documents. Clients should coordinate the required inspections with the local building department and confirm the scope, schedule, reporting procedures, and responsibilities of the parties involved.

The firm’s inspection and testing capabilities complement its design and forensic services by supporting projects at different stages of the building lifecycle.

Project Experience and Professional Team

SML’s published portfolio includes projects involving solar racking and mounting, inspections and testing, new construction, remodels, storefronts, curtain walls, swimming pools, guardrails, and stairs.

Its website identifies Jesse Light, P.E., S.E., as President and Senior Structural Engineer, and Andrew Huseman, P.E., as a principal and senior professional engineer. The team also includes specialists in forensic engineering, inspection and testing, swimming pool engineering, solar services, and drafting.

This range of disciplines allows the firm to address different structural engineering needs. Prospective clients should review the team’s current professional profiles and confirm the appropriate expertise for their project.

Contact SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers

Property owners, developers, architects, contractors, insurers, and other project stakeholders can contact SML to discuss engineering design, structural investigations, inspections, restoration, pool engineering, or solar-related requirements.

Legal company name: Starling Madison Lofquist, Inc.
Public brand: SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers
Address: 3600 E. University Drive, Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Phone: +1 602-438-2500
Fax: +1 602-438-2505
Website: https://www.smleng.com/
Services: https://www.smleng.com/our-services/
Projects: https://www.smleng.com/about-us/our-work/
Contact: https://www.smleng.com/contact-us/

SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers provides structural design, forensic investigations, restoration engineering, special inspections, swimming pool engineering, solar structural services, and specialized design for architectural metals and structural glass. Clients can review the company’s published services and portfolio to determine whether its experience matches their project requirements.

Project availability, fees, professional licensing, inspection scope, and engineering deliverables should be confirmed directly with SML before engagement.