Construction Business Review

Structural Associates,Inc
Bringing Beauty and Function to Structure

Matthew Kromke, President, Structural Associates,IncMatthew Kromke, President
Structural engineering plays a crucial role in the planning and designing phase of a construction project. It helps contractors to effectively build and erect any type of structure, including pole barns, metal building systems, conventional construction, and equipment platforms. Today, new techniques/technologies like building information modeling (BIM) and finite element analysis are helping structural engineering to reach new levels of quality, accuracy, and innovation. Be it designing an unconventional building or analyzing the intricate stress pattern on a physical structure; things are too complex for the prescriptive structural engineering methods.

As a leading structural engineering firm, Structural Associates, Inc. (SAI) is at the forefront of providing innovative solutions in this space. The company offers a wide range of services, including feasibility studies, shoring and temporary support design, connection designs, expert legal witness, and full structural design packages. Its highly skilled engineers guide clients through their journey from project inception to erection. They also analyze and design the remediation scheme for any existing structures requiring large new mechanical equipment.

SAI’s core competencies entail designing and detailing buildings, homes, and other structures such as conveyor supports, mezzanines, and support frameworks using structural steel, cold-formed steel, precast concrete, reinforced concrete, tilt-up concrete, masonry, wood, and timber. “We are highly sought-after structural engineers. Our job is to make sure the building doesn’t fall, stick to the budget, and make it all look good in the process,” says Matthew Kromke, President, SAI.

Adept in the Nuances of Structural Engineering Business

Leveraging its years of experience in diverse projects SAI brings insight and a desire to please to every construction project. “Any structural engineer worth their salt will provide a very stout solution to a problem. Our ability to work with and within your vision sets us apart. We take that deeper dive and identify what the objective truly is, whether it’s a room, space, structure or flow,” mentions Mr. Kromke.

Understanding how a client has envisioned the end product and the budgetary limit, SAI takes a hands-on approach to make the structure meet the function and feel envisioned by the client.For example, one of SAI’s clients wanted to build a complex apartment with metal deck and open web steel joists to give it an industrial feel instead of a standard apartment.The company dived deeper into the client’s requirements and then designed the building in such a way that the structure was accentuated instead of being tucked above the ceiling hiding the beauty away.


We are highly sought-after structural engineers. Our job is to make sure the building doesn’t fall, stick to the budget, and make it all look good in the process


When it comes to buying an existing structure, SAI’s team of professional engineers provides clients with an objective assessment to make informed decisions. “Our clients are looking for peace of mind that existing buildings and structures will be able to handle the loads and modifications they want to perform before they get too far into the planning process,” says Mr. Kromke. SAI’s detailed report can also help clients negotiate with the seller. The company provides clients with the knowledge and analysis to make the right call while modifying and expanding structures. While helping clients restore their old homes, buildings, and structures to a safe and operative condition, SAI’s experts often suggest alternatives to save labor and materials whenever a client is unsure of their project’s building material and budget. SAI tailors this approach for each client as everyone has unique requirements. For example, while working with one of its clients from the manufacturing industry, the company had to customize the design so that construction operations didn’t interrupt the client’s production process. This allowed the manufacturer to keep their commitments on product delivery but also helped their bottom line.
Also, production facilities that deal with hazardous chemicals need to have shelters to safely accommodate employees in case of a mishap such as a fire in a plant that could lead to an explosion. SAI has helped the military design vaults to protect their light arms from infiltrators. Having a clear understanding of the requirements and protocols, SAI helps clients design shelters, bunkers, and safe rooms to ensure safety from natural and man-made incidents.

Prosperity Fueled by Customer Satisfaction

Being a small team of professionals enables SAI to connect with clients more directly and candidly. Clients get a no-nonsense, go-to resource with the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to not just blindly go along but to consider the objectives and make alternate suggestions as needed.

  • Any structural engineer worth their salt will provide a very stout solution to a problem. Our ability to work with and within your vision sets us apart


Dedicated to customer satisfaction and providing valueadded design experience to each client, SAI plans to expand its footprint across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Last year, the company opened an office in Detroit to serve clients having local bodies. They aim to open an office in Wisconsin within the next few years.

Coming from humble family background, Mr. Kromke understands the value of a dollar well and ensures that SAI’s clients receive maximum value for every dollar they spend. “We provide the best fit service at a competitive price for every project,” concludes Mr. Kromke. “I’ll push myself and my team to make your experience with SAI extraordinary. I look forward to partnering with you.”