I have been doing my own structural calculations for most of my wood-frame residential projects for twenty-five years. Besides the enjoyment of doing this there is the big advantage of not needing to coordinate with a structural engineer during the design process. Structural engineers in busy times may need weeks of lead-time. So I can complete my construction drawings sooner and work more efficiently, saving my clients money and time.

After the LA area Northridge earthquake and our local Loma Pietra earthquake building departments increased the earthquake standards expected from engineers and architects. "Shear walls" became commonplace in construction projects. Some building contractors complained about the additional work required of them as I increased the number of engineered shear walls, connecting straps and transfer angles needed to counteract potential earthquake forces on the structure. So I decided to create a thirty-two-page booklet on earthquake design that I thought a layperson could understand. This booklet is available for $10 to the general public (and free to clients and contractors I work with).