President's Message - August 2026

SEAOC has long served as one of the profession’s most trusted technical resources. For generations, California structural engineers have looked to SEAOC not only for practical design guidance, but also for leadership in code development, seismic safety, resilience, and the shared advancement of our profession. That work has had influence well beyond our state, helping shape how structural engineers across the country think about building performance, public safety, and responsible practice. 

One of the things I value most about SEAOC is that this technical work is carried forward by members who are willing to share their time, expertise, and judgment for the benefit of others. Our committees bring together engineers from different firms, regions, career stages, and areas of practice to develop resources that support day-to-day engineering work while also helping our profession look ahead. It is a tremendous volunteer effort, and this year has been no exception. 

This year’s committee work reflects the breadth and practical value of SEAOC’s technical leadership. The Seismology Committee is nearing completion of a new design guide on the incorporation of base isolation and dampers, with publication expected by the end of the year and webinars to follow soon after. The committee has also continued to respond to ballot proposals for the PUC, helping inform the future of the CBC. 

The Existing Buildings Committee is supporting development of the 2027 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) by proposing code modifications and providing commentary for five chapters. For proposals that were not adopted, the committee has the opportunity to incorporate the technical rationale into the commentary so that the work continues to serve as practical guidance for design professionals. 

Other committees are advancing equally important conversations across the profession. 

• The Sustainable Design Committee is helping members understand opportunities for lower-carbon design, informed material choices, and more sustainable project outcomes. 
• The Resilience Committee is developing a paper on functional recovery, an increasingly important topic as communities consider how quickly people can return home, businesses can reopen, and essential services can resume after an earthquake. 
• The Wind Committee is continuing its work related to special wind regions, addressing practical design questions that affect engineers working throughout California’s varied geography. 

We are also excited to share that the newest version of the SEAOC Seismic Design Manuals are now available for purchase. This release includes updates to all four volumes for the 2024 IBC. For many of us, these manuals have been a familiar and valuable companion in practice, offering worked examples and design guidance rooted in the expertise of SEAOC members. Their continued publication reflects the strength of our technical community and the commitment of many volunteers who help translate code provisions into practical, usable resources. 

Taken together, these efforts reflect the breadth of SEAOC’s technical work and the generosity of the members who make it possible. Whether developing a major design guide, contributing to future code commentary, advancing sustainable and resilient design, or refining guidance for wind and seismic practice, our committees are helping structural engineers serve their clients and communities with greater clarity and confidence. 

To everyone contributing to this work, thank you. SEAOC’s reputation as a technical resource exists because members continue to show up, ask thoughtful questions, share hard-earned experience, and invest in resources that strengthen the profession as a whole. I am grateful for your leadership and look forward to celebrating more of this work together in Scottsdale for the 2026 SEAOC Convention.