Seismic retrofits of existing buildings protect occupants, reduce the risk of severe structural damage, and improve the likelihood that a facility can remain functional after a major earthquake. Many older buildings were designed to earlier seismic provisions and may have hidden vulnerabilities—such as weak connections, inadequate anchorage, or discontinuities in the lateral load path. A retrofit identifies these deficiencies and implements targeted strengthening so seismic forces are transferred reliably through the structure to the foundation.
In Carson City, Wright Engineers has supported multiple seismic retrofit efforts for the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau campus in collaboration with Ethos Three Architecture, which has been involved in all of these projects and ultimately recommended our team. This work includes retrofit evaluation and design for a 150,000 SF four-story office building (circa 1967), a 184,000 SF four-story office building with penthouse (1996), and the 25,000 SF State Printing Office (circa 1963).
These projects were performed in accordance with ASCE 41, the national standard for evaluating and retrofitting existing buildings. ASCE 41 uses a tiered approach based on complexity and risk: Tier 1 is a high-level screening to quickly identify likely weaknesses, Tier 2 is a more detailed evaluation to confirm and quantify deficiencies, and Tier 3 is an advanced, performance-based analysis used for more complex conditions. Together, this work reflects a comprehensive approach to seismic risk reduction and long-term performance for essential public facilities.
TAIGA CIBULKA PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR
Wright Engineers is pleased to announce the promotion of Taiga Cibulka to Director in our Orange County office. Taiga specializes in the engineering and design of entertainment and theme park structures, where he brings a cheerful attitude and a sharp technical approach to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions that help make the magic come to life.
A former college baseball player, Taiga enjoys watching sports of all kinds—especially UNLV athletics. Outside of work, he embraces the outdoor lifestyle and loves being challenged by mentally demanding physical activities.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hilton
LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL AWARD
The high-end renovation of the Oceana Beach Club Hotel’s primary dining and bar space into La Monique, a new luxury restaurant concept, won the Gold Award in the Hospitality category at the 2026 Los Angeles Business Journal Commercial Real Estate Awards.
Wright Engineers designed targeted structural upgrades to the 70-year-old wood-framed structure across three floors, including a large opening in the second floor to improve access to second-floor dining spaces. Wright Engineers worked closely with the general contractor, JRM Construction West, and Melzer Deckert & Ruder Architects to evaluate existing conditions and ensure the structural modifications could be accommodated—all while the hotel maintained uninterrupted operations.
The Commercial Real Estate Awards recognize the developers, architects, contractors, brokers, and teams driving Los Angeles’ most impactful projects and transactions.
NAIOP SOUTHERN NEVADA SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
In addition to being a finalist for Engineering Firm of the Year, Wright Engineers served on the design teams for ten projects nominated for honor awards at the 2026 NAIOP Southern Nevada Spotlight Awards gala, held Saturday, February 28, at Red Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Project categories included multifamily, industrial spec over 300,000 square feet, and industrial park. Special recognition went to the Credit One Bank Navigation Center, operated by Family Promise.
Wright Engineers is grateful to collaborate with the many talented architects, builders, developers, and consultants involved in these projects, and we congratulate all of the winners.