Biotech & Office
Projects
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 Headquarters
Location: San Francisco, CA
Use: Office / Union Headquarters
Stories: 3
Architect: AP+I Design
Located within a three-story boutique office building in San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) warehouse district, this project transforms an existing brick structure into the headquarters for IFPTE Local 21. The renovation reimagines the interior to support private offices, conference rooms, flexible training and event space, reception, and member gathering areas.
BASE Design provided structural engineering services for the interior renovation, voluntary structural upgrades, and the addition of a new elevator to improve accessibility and circulation. The work required careful integration with the existing unreinforced masonry and timber framing, balancing preservation of the building’s historic fabric with modern code, ADA, and performance requirements.
The completed project strengthens the long-term resilience of the structure while creating a functional, adaptable workplace aligned with the organization’s mission and presence in the SoMa district.
Ophthalmology Clinic – New Construction
Location: Pinole, CA
Completed: 2020
Size: 7,500 sf
Architect: Studio BANAA
BASE Design provided structural engineering services for this new ground-up outpatient ophthalmology medical office building. The structure was designed to support open, light-filled clinical spaces while accommodating vibration-sensitive equipment and meeting current seismic and building code requirements.
The result is a clear, efficient structural framework that reinforces the project’s restrained architectural vision and supports long-term clinical performance.
2 Embarcadero Center - 19th Floor Stair Opening Infill
Location: San Francisco, CA
Use: Office
Stories: 30
Architect: Fennie + Mehl Architects
A law firm previously occupied floors 18 and 19 of 2 Embarcadero Center, a 30 story tower located in downtown San Francisco. A stair located within their office provided access between the two floors. The law firm downsized their office, and they no longer needed the space on the 18th floor.
BASE Design provided structural engineering services for the infill of the existing stair opening within the 19th floor. The opening was infilled with steel framing and a reinforced concrete slab. Rather than using concrete fill over metal deck, which would match the existing floor system, a reinforced concrete slab was used to minimize the number of trades required to complete the construction.
The completed project has allowed the building owner, Boston Properties, to lease the office space on the 18th floor to another tenant.