Structural engineering in California is unlike anywhere else in the country. The combination of seismic risk, strict California Building Code (CBC) requirements, and complex terrain means that building owners, developers, and contractors need structural engineers who don’t just understand the fundamentals — they need specialists who know California.

JMC² Civil + Structural Engineering has been that resource since 1996. Our structural engineering division is led by Erich Axsom, SE, a licensed Structural Engineer with decades of experience managing complex projects across the state. The team — formerly operating as Ken Okamoto & Associates, Inc. — brings a depth of institutional knowledge that few firms can match.

Every structure we engineer is designed with California’s unique environment in mind — seismic forces, soil conditions, local jurisdiction requirements, and long-term performance. Our structural engineering services include:

Building Structure Design — complete lateral and gravity systems for new construction of all occupancy types
Framing Plans & Construction Details — permit-ready drawings coordinated with architects and contractors
Structural Calculations — thorough, code-compliant documentation for plan check and construction
Seismic Evaluations — performance assessments for existing buildings under California’s evolving seismic standards
Retaining Wall Design — engineered solutions for site walls, basement walls, and hillside conditions
Tilt-Up Panel Design — structural engineering for concrete tilt-up construction, a California mainstay in industrial and commercial building
Roof Raising Retrofit Design — JMC² has pioneered specialized techniques for raising roof structures on existing buildings without full demolition
Structural Assessments — formal evaluations for due diligence, insurance, lease negotiations, or compliance
Structural Observation — licensed SE observation services during construction as required by California code
Value Engineering — collaborative reviews to optimize structural systems and reduce costs without reducing safety
Equipment Anchorage Design — seismic anchorage calculations for mechanical, electrical, and industrial equipment
Swimming Pool Structural Design — calculations and plans for residential and commercial aquatic structures
Elevated Tank Foundations — structural design for water and industrial tank support systems

Over three decades, JMC²’s structural engineers have worked on hospitals, senior living facilities, shopping malls, medical office buildings, parking garages, hotels, churches, and apartment complexes throughout Southern California. Our team has also taken on landmark entertainment and cultural venues — including providing structural engineering services for Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

That breadth of experience gives our team the pattern recognition to anticipate challenges before they become problems on your project.

California sits at the intersection of multiple major fault systems. Structural engineers practicing in this state must design not just for gravity loads, but for lateral forces that can be devastating if not properly accounted for. JMC²’s structural engineers are trained in the latest ASCE 7, CBC, and AISC seismic design provisions — and we apply that knowledge rigorously on every project, from simple tenant improvements to large multi-story structures.

JMC² holds licenses in over 30 states, but California is our home. Our offices in San Pedro (Los Angeles County) and Santa Ana (Orange County) keep us close to the municipalities, plan check departments, and project sites we serve. Our team attends industry seminars and in-house workshops regularly to stay current with code changes and emerging structural engineering practices.