Plan North Engineers

05/30/2026

Project #1! Plan North’s very first project set the stage for the work we’ve done ever since: maintaining client vision through the development of innovative engineering solutions under complex constraints.

Located just south of San Francisco, this hillside residence required an engineering response shaped by the site itself. Poor soils, steep grades, and some of the highest seismic demands in the country led to our design of a unique rigid grid foundation system bearing into weathered bedrock. The result was a stable base for both the modular and site-built portions of the home.

The sloped site became part of the architectural solution: a daylit basement anchors the residence into the hillside, while the upper floor opens to natural light and views through the trees.

In many ways, this project still reflects what drives Plan North today: solving complex problems through intentional coordination, technical rigor, and engineering solutions developed in service of the client’s vision.

Design/Construction: Sagemodern
Mods: Method Homes
Photo: Lisa Petrole / jbsa.images

05/14/2026

Last week, we celebrated a big milestone for our intern, Lottie Farley, as she graduated from Boise State College of Engineering! 🎓

Over the past two years, Lottie has become a valued part of our team. She is quick to help others, take initiative, and bring a positive outlook into the office every day.

Plan North colleagues know Lottie as someone who “always has a positive attitude and communicates well within our team on component projects,” as well as “a quick learner and a great teacher to those she works with.”

When reflecting on her experience working with our firm, Lottie shared, “My favorite thing about working at Plan North is the people. Everyone in the office is super respectful and always fun to be around. There are always a lot of good conversations and laughs throughout the day.”

We’re so proud of everything Lottie has accomplished and can’t wait to see where her future takes her as she returns to her hometown this summer. 👏 Congratulations, Lottie!

05/08/2026

Plan North just opened a new role for engineering graduates ($75K + a sign-on bonus!).

Whether you are finishing your degree or have years of experience, we currently have openings at every level. We are a Boise-based structural engineering firm with national reach. Our small team culture means your contributions make a difference from day one.

Interested in learning more? Visit our website apply.

(Rendering: Low Residence by )

04/17/2026

Progress on our Park at Expo Idaho project is really coming together! Great video update by Ada County.

Part 2 coming soon!

04/16/2026

It’s “Housing Week” (check out great events happening through !) which had us reflecting on our residential portfolio —
 
Did you know that Plan North designed the first multi-family project in the state of Colorado to achieve Passive House Institute certification? 
 
To meet sustainability goals, we developed a concrete-free sub-grade floor system that eliminates embodied carbon while supporting the wood-framed envelope with continuous exterior insulation. Plus, a thermal bridge-free structural design enables the airtight building envelope critical for Passive House performance.
 
The result? A healthy, quiet, energy-efficient home that makes the most of its urban setting.
 
(Photos by )

04/11/2026

Perched above Bellingham Bay, construction on Chuckanut Heights Residence is nearing completion. Designed to complement its natural surroundings, the team developed a building form that organically folds into the hillside.

Using a combination of concrete, steel, and wood, portions of the home extend above the hillside, including a cantilevered deck, and non-linear ridgelines that span the structure in a Y-shaped configuration.  Where these angles meet, custom solutions were developed to allow for expansive glazing and clean lines that preserve architectural intent on the interior of the home while blending seamlessly into the wooded exteriors.

Architecture:
Structural Engineer:
Contractor:

(Photos courtesy of PBW)

04/04/2026

Serving our clients and the community is central to our work, and The Park at Expo Idaho is a perfect example. We were excited to share construction progress with during a chilly, but memorable project tour last week!

Contractor CM Company, Inc.is doing an incredible job keeping this project moving forward to meet its 2026 deadlines for federal funding. What began as a vision explored through various studies (including an analysis by national ULI experts in 2021), is now becoming a reality thanks to the leadership at Ada County and lead design partner .

Our team at Plan North Engineers has been fortunate to work on all vertical structures, including the new skate and play pavilion designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects, historic observation tower reconstruction, swing set, and a whole lot of playground equipment by .ludo! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime project, and we are honored to contribute to meaningful public work that will bring enjoyment to the whole community while continuing to support economic growth in Garden City.

03/24/2026

It’s been a busy couple of weeks visiting mods in Washington and reviewing site work in LA as construction ramps up on the Low Residence.

For a family that lost their home in the Pacific Palisades fire, this project isn’t just a rebuild. It’s a path forward for a community. That context is shaping every decision made by the design team.

Working closely with architect and modular manufacturer Method Homes our Plan North team has been involved at every stage of this project. Continuity and collaboration are central to how we work, also allowing us to best utilize our broader expertise in off-site construction.

The LA fires have pushed the design community to find better paths forward. Featured as a exhibit by Architectural Digest and Architectural Record, this project is part of that response.
We’re proud to contribute to work that truly matters.

03/14/2026

Every radius has a reason. Happy Pi Day from the Park at Expo Idaho!

This skate pavilion is part of a 6-acre all-wheels sports garden designed by (the same company behind the 2024 Paris Olympics skate venue). The building’s unique form, designed by , integrates directly into the park’s skateable surfaces, native plantings, and Greenbelt access.

We can’t wait to share it with our community when it opens later this year!

Structural Engineering: Plan North Engineers
Contractor: CM Company, Inc.
Design & Planning:
Owner: Ada County

03/06/2026

Join our growing team! Plan North is a Boise-based structural engineering firm with national reach, working on residential, commercial, and public projects coast to coast. We’re currently hiring for multiple roles, from senior engineers to drafting/BIM positions.
 
As part of a small, collaborative team, your voice truly matters. You’ll work directly with principals, contribute to diverse projects, and see your work shape the places people live, work, and gather.
 
Visit our careers page to explore open positions and apply (link in bio).