Michael H. Atmadja, M.S., P.E.

Background

Mr. Atmadja is accomplished in structural forensics, including the evaluation of a wide variety of claims such as disaster losses, construction defects, and code violation assessments. He has worked with insurance companies, law firms, builders, and owners to provide expert opinions and forensics analysis. He has also provided litigation support for countless design and construction defect cases. Mr. Atmadja specializes in modeling and evaluating structures to pinpoint failure mechanisms and recommend corrective designs.

Additionally, Mr. Atmadja has extensive design experience, having completed over 100 structural design jobs. In his diverse design career, he successfully managed and permitted projects to clients’ satisfaction, in both new and remedial construction. He has worked closely with owners, HOAs, architects, contractors, and permit officials to construct and repair a wide variety of structures – from condominiums, to trophy properties, to civil infrastructure. Mr. Atmadja’s many projects in wood design and repair provide an in-depth knowledge of the most common construction practices in the nation.

Mr. Atmadja has forensics and design experience in the following fields of structural engineering and building science:

• Steel, concrete, wood, and masonry structural design and repair
• Foundation evaluation and repair
• Site grading and drainage review
• Building envelope assessment
• Seismic design and retrofit
• Defect investigation and litigation support
• Fire, storm, earthquake, impact, and defect repair
• Permitting and code compliance consulting

What is your most interesting project or accomplishment?

I have worked on countless building investigations and repairs throughout my career, all of which were interesting in their own way. However, one particularly memorable project for me did not even involve a building; it was an analysis of bullet trajectories at an outdoor shooting range. The case involved the question of whether public structures and utilities could be hit by bullets fired downrange. We utilized a laser scanner to create a 3D point-cloud model of the 1-mile long property, supplementing the data with photogrammetry and drone footage. We had a marksman fire several types of shots downrange, tracking their trajectories with high-frame-rate video, and verified by calculations. Combining our trajectory data with the geometric model, we were able to analyze potential paths for bullets to pass the intended backstops and how bullets could end up beyond the property line. Finally, we used our data to provide recommendations for closing off any avenues for bullets to escape. This case always emphasized the oddity and creativity inherent to this job. I will always remember the complex logistics and multi-disciplined approach we worked through to come to a researched and validated solution.

What do you love about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the wide variety of different, unique problems we are tasked with solving. Nothing in this line of work can be calculated with a simple chart or program; everything requires critical thought and creativity, including considerations outside of the realm of traditional design. Because of this, every week is different, and I’m always encouraged to learn new things. I am never bored, and I wake up every Monday looking forward to a new challenge.

Why did you follow your career path?

I was introduced to engineering at a young age, when my dad, who is also a civil engineer, would bring me to work during summer breaks. In elementary school, I remember drawing spaceships and dinosaur parks in AutoCAD to scale, and by high school, I was helping him with basic designs (he never got hired to design any dinosaur parks sadly). In college, my first internship was with a forensic engineering company, and I immediately fell in love with the field. Our jobs were always unique, with challenges that required me to think outside the box. In continuing my career since then, I have enjoyed learning as much as I can about the many sub-fields of building sciences, and applying unique ideas to these unique jobs to help repair and improve buildings for the people who use them.

What are your interests outside of work?

I have been singing in choirs for decades, and have sung with Andrea Bocelli, the Oregon Symphony, and the Houston Symphony. I also play some piano and guitar, though I have not performed these with Mr. Bocelli… yet. I am an avid tennis player, and I will watch pretty much any kind of sporting event. Otherwise, I am generally curious to learn new things, with some regular interests being sailing, fountain pens, and history. 

Who or what motivates you?

I am driven to learn and understand about the world and its people, to better be able to help solve their problems.

Who or what do you love to work with?

I love collaborating with others who are passionate about their work and are striving to make a positive difference for others. 

Favorite Quotes:

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” – Sun Tzu

“I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.” – Ayrton Senna

Years of Experience:

12 years