Schaub Projects Launches In-House Structural Engineering Department

Meet Aaron S. Odle, PE, Director of Structural Engineering, and discover how bringing structural expertise in-house creates new possibilities for our clients.

At Schaub Projects, we’ve always believed that the best projects come from collaboration: between our clients and architects, at the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship, and bridging an ambitious vision and the technical expertise required to bring it to life.

Now, we’re taking that collaboration one step further.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new in-house Structural Engineering Department, led by Aaron S. Odle, PE, Director of Structural Engineering at Schaub Projects. By integrating structural engineering directly into our architectural practice, we can bring architectural and engineering expertise together from the earliest stages of a project.

For our clients, that means a more seamless process, earlier problem-solving, and even greater freedom to explore what’s possible.

Why Bring Structural Engineering In-House?

In a traditional residential architecture process, structural engineering is often provided by an outside consultant after architectural plans have already begun to take shape. Coordinating proposals, schedules, questions, revisions, and communication between separate firms can add time to the process, particularly on complex custom homes and renovations.

Bringing structural engineering in-house changes that dynamic.

Our architects and structural engineers can now collaborate in real time throughout the design process. Structural considerations can be identified earlier, solutions can be explored while ideas are still evolving, and potential challenges can be addressed before they lead to significant revisions or construction delays.

“Structural engineering is now integrated throughout our design process,” says David Schaub, Founder and Managing Principal of Schaub Projects. “That means fewer delays, fewer design compromises, and more opportunities for our architects and clients to explore ambitious ideas.”

That last point is particularly important to us. In-house engineering isn’t simply about efficiency. It gives our team another creative resource at the table.

Engineering That Helps Great Ideas Move Forward

Custom residential architecture often asks us to push beyond the expected. A client may want an expansive opening that creates an uninterrupted view, a dramatic roofline, a complex renovation to an existing structure, or another architectural feature that requires creative thinking to execute successfully.

Rather than developing the architectural vision first and then asking, “Can we build this?” our architects and engineers can explore the possibilities together.

That collaboration allows us to ask a better question: “How can we make this work?”

“My role is to determine how we can make an idea work so the architect’s and client’s vision can come to life,” Aaron says. “I am excited to join a team that is willing to push creative boundaries for its clients, making this an ideal environment in which to build an integrated structural engineering department.”

His approach aligns naturally with the way we design. Structural engineering should support the architecture, not unnecessarily limit it. At the same time, the best solution needs to be structurally sound, economical, and buildable. Bringing those perspectives together earlier gives our entire team more opportunities to solve problems thoughtfully.

Meet Aaron S. Odle, PE

Aaron brings extensive experience to Schaub Projects, having contributed to more than 2,500 projects throughout his career. His work has included custom homes, mid-rise multi-use buildings, and residential, commercial, institutional, municipal, and light-industrial projects across multiple states.

His structural expertise includes foundation design; steel, concrete, masonry, wood, and timber systems; structural renovations; and mid-rise light-frame design. He also has experience assessing existing structures, managing projects, and coordinating public agency review and permitting.

But residential work is where Aaron feels especially in his element.

Just as important as his technical background is the mindset he brings to each project. Aaron is collaborative and solutions-oriented, with an interest in finding structurally sound ways to accomplish creative ideas while remaining mindful of constructability and cost.

A More Integrated Experience From Concept Through Construction

The addition of structural engineering is part of a larger goal at Schaub Projects: making an already highly collaborative design experience even more cohesive.

With architects and structural engineers working together under one roof, clients can benefit from:

• Earlier identification of structural opportunities and challenges
• More direct communication between architecture and engineering
• Fewer scheduling and coordination delays associated with outside consultants
• Structural input while important design decisions are still being made
• Greater opportunity to explore creative architectural solutions
• More continuity as a project moves from concept into construction

For clients, the behind-the-scenes coordination should ultimately result in something much simpler: a smoother path toward a home or renovation that fulfills their vision.

Expanding What’s Possible at Schaub Projects

Founded in 1992, Schaub Projects has continued to evolve while staying true to the qualities that have defined our work: creative thinking, thoughtful collaboration, and a deeply personal approach to residential architecture.

The addition of in-house structural engineering represents an exciting next step in that evolution. Aaron will lead structural engineering for Schaub Projects while establishing the department’s standards, workflows, and long-term growth. The department will support our own architectural projects while also providing structural engineering services for projects designed by other architectural firms.

As the department grows, we expect to continue expanding the team and the technical capabilities we can offer. For us, however, the goal remains the same. We want to create distinctive homes by listening closely, thinking creatively, and bringing together the expertise necessary to transform an idea into something exceptional.Now, structural engineering can be part of that conversation from day one.

Let’s Explore What’s Possible

Planning a custom home, renovation, or another residential project with unique architectural or structural challenges? We’d love to hear what you have in mind.

Reach out to the Schaub Projects team to start a conversation about your next project and discover what’s possible when creative architecture and structural engineering work together from the beginning.