About Erin Alders

Erin Alders, MS, PE

I bring a blend of fine arts training, hands-on construction experience, and advanced engineering expertise to each project, offering a distinct perspective to structural design. My mission is to deliver streamlined solutions that optimize materials, integrate sustainable technologies, and balance cost efficiency with long-term resilience.

With 30 years in the building and construction industry, and 15 years dedicated to structural engineering, I’ve built my approach on craftsmanship and technical rigor. My journey began in my family’s design-build business where I spent over a decade immersed in residential construction. Working alongside my stepfather, a master craftsman and builder, I learned the value of sustainable materials and environmentally sound practices. From stacking insulated concrete forms on job sites to restoring century-old Victorian homes in Nevada City’s Historic District, I gained early experience that continues to shape my work today.

My Unique Skillset

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a background in drawing, painting, photography, and visual design. While studying abroad in Cortona, Italy, I gained a deeper understanding of art and experienced the intersection of art and architecture. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering at the University of California, Davis. This dual foundation allows me to approach engineering as both an exact science and a creative process, crafting solutions that are optimized, low carbon, and aligned with each client’s vision.

My Commitment to Sustainability

Environmental stewardship is at the core of my engineering philosophy. I am deeply committed to material optimization and sustainable design practices. I collaborate directly with architects, contractors, developers, and fabricators to ensure structural solutions support design intent and construction efficiency.

My Engineering Approach

I create custom solutions for each project by integrating sustainable concrete mix designs, optimized structural systems, and fire-resilient assemblies such as cast-in-place concrete and insulated concrete forms. This approach consistently reduces construction material and labor costs by 10-20% while maintaining structural integrity and durability. The result is resilient, cost-effective structures built for long-term value, designed to meet emerging carbon standards, and positioned to support a climate aligned future.

If you’re seeking a partner who can deliver high-performance, low-carbon structural solutions for residential, commercial, or landmark projects across California and Nevada, I invite you to connect with me today.