Civil engineering and structural engineering team at Vector Engineers discussing commercial site development plans, grading and drainage design, stormwater management, and infrastructure coordination for construction projects in the western United States.

Cold-formed Steel Trusses Create Local Masterpiece, Fort 137

A new gem known as “FORT 137” has become a trendsetter in architectural and engineering prowess in the picturesque valleys of Las Vegas, NV. The architectural design was completed by Daniel Chenin Architects. The engineering design was spearheaded by Russell Irion, a seasoned Senior Structural Engineer and Partner at Vector Structural Engineering.

The project kicked off in October 2018 and was completed in the fall of 2020. What sets this project apart isn’t just its award-winning design, which has caught the eye of numerous architecture magazines, but its adaptability and resonance with the local aesthetic. Other homes in the area have begun mimicking its style, a nod to the trendsetting influence of Daniel Chenin’s creative vision.

Russel Irion | Partner and Sr. Structural Engineer at Vector Engineers

“There’s something deeply rewarding about watching a high-end home rise from the blueprints, especially in an area where we have been the main structural engineers for many similar projects,” Russell shares.

One of the standout features of FORT 137 is its circular entry rotunda—an engineering feat that not only challenges conventional design but also complements the desert’s mystique perfectly. The choice of cold-formed steel for the construction of walls and roof trusses was driven by the necessity for precision finishes.

Navigating through the complexities of using cold-formed steel trusses for the first time presented a unique set of challenges. Russell’s pioneering spirit turned these challenges into an opportunity to innovate, particularly with the tricky cantilever elements seamlessly integrated into the roof structure.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural details of FORT 137, feel free to explore further here.

Our team of licensed structural engineers takes pride in serving all our clients with exceptional quality, speed, and customer satisfaction.

At Vector Engineers our goal is to solve construction challenges before construction begins. If you’re looking for help with a current or upcoming project, call (801) 306-0049 now for a free quote!

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Civil Engineering Services Now Available at Vector Engineers for Commercial and Residential Site Development

Vector Engineers has built its reputation on responsive structural engineering services for commercial, residential, industrial, solar, telecom, and specialty projects across all 50 states and parts of Canada for over 20 years.

Now, we are expanding our capabilities with the launch of our new Civil Engineering division, providing site development and infrastructure design services throughout the western United States.

For architects, developers, and contractors, this means fewer consultants to manage and better coordination between site and structural design from the beginning of a project.

To lead this expansion, we recently welcomed Morgan Sandberg to the Vector team. Morgan joins us from Keller Associates and brings extensive experience in commercial site development, grading and drainage design, utility coordination, stormwater management, and permitting support.

Our civil engineering services include:

  • Site planning and layout
  • Grading and drainage design
  • Stormwater management
  • Roadway and parking lot design
  • Utility design for water, sewer, and storm systems
  • Coordination with local jurisdictions and permitting agencies

By offering both structural and civil engineering services, we can help clients simplify communication, reduce coordination issues between multiple firms, and keep projects moving more efficiently through design, permitting, and construction.

“If structural engineering focuses on how a building stands, civil engineering focuses on how the entire property functions,” said Morgan. “Before construction even begins, civil engineering helps determine where the building sits on the site, how vehicles access the property, where utilities connect, how drainage is handled, and how the project moves through permitting.”

For contractors and architects, those early site decisions can directly impact project schedules, permitting timelines, construction costs, and long-term functionality.

Civil engineering and structural engineering team at Vector Engineers discussing commercial site development plans, grading and drainage design, stormwater management, and infrastructure coordination for construction projects in the western United States.

Civil engineering helps answer key questions early in the development process:

  • Where should the building sit on the property?
  • How will stormwater and drainage be managed?
  • Where should parking lots and drive aisles be located?
  • How can utilities connect efficiently to city systems?
  • How can the site be designed to meet local requirements while remaining practical to build?
  • How can we use existing topography to create an aesthetically pleasing design, and minimize earthwork?

Our new civil engineering division will primarily support commercial developments throughout the western states, while also assisting residential projects that require site planning, grading, drainage, utility coordination, or permitting support.

"Structural and civil engineering often work hand-in-hand. One designs the structure; the other ensures all plans and designs result in a site that is functional, buildable, and compliant. Bringing both together under one roof creates a much smoother process for our clients and helps reduce unnecessary coordination between multiple firms," Morgan explained.

This integrated approach allows our team to identify issues earlier, improve communication across disciplines, reduce costly revisions, and help projects move from concept to construction with fewer delays.

As Vector continues to grow, our focus remains the same: responsive service, practical engineering solutions, and helping clients solve construction challenges before construction begins.

If you are planning a commercial or residential development project and need coordinated structural and civil engineering services, our team is ready to help.

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info@vectorse.com