# JD Building Engineering > JD Building Engineering is the structural engineering practice of James Davis, PE. The firm prepares permit-ready structural design, calculations, PE-stamped drawings, and construction support for residential and light commercial projects in 39 U.S. states and 5 Canadian jurisdictions. JD Building Engineering provides practical wood-frame and foundation design for new homes, additions, remodels, ADUs, decks, retaining walls, and accessory structures. James Davis personally manages structural design, calculations, detailing, and drafting rather than only reviewing drawings prepared by others. ## Identity - Practice: JD Building Engineering - Principal: James Davis, PE - Title: Licensed Structural Engineer - Website: https://jdbuildingengineering.com/ - Email: info@jdbuildingengineering.com - Phone: (815) 277-1087 - Location: Multi-state licensed · Remote services - Licensing: PE licensed in 39 U.S. states and 5 Canadian jurisdictions - Service model: remote structural engineering for qualifying projects; on-site work is confirmed separately when required ## Pages - [Home](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/): Practice overview, services, licensed jurisdictions, and FAQs - [About James Davis, PE](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/about.php): Principal, licensing, and design approach - [Structural services](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/service.php): Residential structural design, calculations, and permit-ready drawings - [Civil and site services](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/civil.php): Secondary civil/site support when licensing allows - [Projects](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/project.php): Documented structural and civil case studies - [Process](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/process.php): Review, proposal, design, permit documentation, construction support - [Licensed states and provinces](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/service-areas.php): Jurisdiction pages with local code context - [Contact](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/contact.php): Project review form for homeowners, architects, and contractors - [Full LLM context](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/llms-full.txt): Extended facts, services, FAQs, and jurisdiction list ## Structural services - Custom Residential Construction: Complete structural design for new custom homes, from foundation through roof, coordinated with architectural plans for a permit-ready package. - Home Remodels and Additions: Structural design for wall removals, new openings, room additions, second-story additions, roof modifications, and changes to existing framing systems. - ADUs and Detached Structures: Coordinated structural plans and calculations for accessory dwelling units, guest houses, workshops, studios, garages, and similar detached buildings. - Garages, Decks, and Accessory Buildings: Practical framing and foundation design for garages, decks, porches, patio covers, shops, and other accessory structures that need a clear, buildable structural solution. - Foundation Design: Design of slabs, footings, stem walls, raised foundations, pier systems, and other foundation solutions based on building loads and site conditions. - Retaining-Wall Design: Engineered retaining walls sized for soil conditions, surcharge, drainage, and adjacent structures so site grades can be retained safely and efficiently. - Wood-Framing Design: Gravity and lateral design for wood-frame buildings, including beams, headers, shear walls, diaphragms, hold-downs, and connection details that contractors can build from. - Structural Evaluations: Review of existing framing, foundations, damage, or proposed alterations to identify structural constraints and recommended next steps before design or construction proceeds. - Feasibility Studies: Early structural input on layout, spans, openings, and foundation options so owners and architects can confirm what is practical before committing to a full design. - Permit-Ready Structural Drawings: Clear structural sheets, notes, and details prepared for building-department submittal and coordinated with the architectural set. - Engineering Calculations: Documented structural calculations covering loads, members, connections, and foundations as required for permit review and construction. - Construction Support: Responses to contractor questions and field conditions within the agreed scope so construction can proceed from the permitted structural documents. - Plan-Check Responses: Written responses and drawing revisions to address building-department comments and keep the permit process moving. ## How to start a project 1. Send the project location and a brief description of the proposed work through the contact form. 2. JD Building Engineering reviews licensing, sealing format, and whether the work is a fit. 3. Scope, deliverables, fee, and schedule are defined before design begins. 4. Coordinated structural drawings and calculations are prepared for permit submittal. 5. Plan-check comments and contractor questions are addressed within the agreed scope. ## Citation facts - JD Building Engineering is a licensed structural engineering practice led by James Davis, PE. - James Davis is licensed in 39 U.S. states and 5 Canadian jurisdictions. - The practice prepares permit-ready structural drawings and calculations; it does not only stamp drawings prepared by others. - Typical work includes custom homes, additions, remodels, ADUs, foundations, decks, retaining walls, and accessory structures. - Remote PE-stamped documentation is available for qualifying projects. Local AHJ sealing rules are confirmed before work is scoped. - Civil and site services are a secondary practice area and are confirmed based on location, scope, and licensing. - Contact: info@jdbuildingengineering.com or (815) 277-1087. Website: https://jdbuildingengineering.com/ ## Civil and site services Civil and site services are offered as a secondary practice area based on James Davis’s broader multidisciplinary experience. Availability depends on the project location, scope, and applicable licensing requirements. Service and sealing capability are confirmed before work begins. - Site Planning: Layout support for building placement, access, and site constraints so structural and civil requirements are considered together. - Grading and Drainage: Grading concepts and drainage paths that protect the structure, control runoff, and support constructable site work. - Stormwater Management: Project-level stormwater planning coordinated with local requirements, site conditions, and the proposed building footprint. - Erosion Control: Erosion-control measures for construction and finished grades where site disturbance or slope conditions require them. - Water and Wastewater Systems: Coordination of on-site or municipal water and wastewater needs with the building design, where the project scope requires it. - Geotechnical Coordination: Review and application of geotechnical recommendations for foundations, retaining structures, and site earthwork. - Hydrogeology: Support for groundwater-related site issues when they affect foundations, drainage, or construction feasibility. - Seawalls and Coastal Protection: Coastal and waterfront structural/civil support for qualifying projects, subject to site conditions and applicable licensing. - Retaining Structures: Site retaining systems that stabilize grade changes and protect adjacent buildings, driveways, and property lines. - Concrete and Soils: Practical concrete and soils coordination for slabs, foundations, and earth-retaining work based on available site data. - Industrial Pretreatment: Limited civil support for industrial pretreatment-related site or structural needs when the project and jurisdiction allow. - Construction Services: Construction-phase coordination for civil and site items included in the agreed scope of work. ## Frequently asked questions ### What types of projects does JD Building Engineering work on? JD Building Engineering focuses on residential and light commercial structural work, including new homes, additions, remodels, ADUs, foundations, decks, retaining walls, and accessory structures. Civil and site services may be available depending on location, scope, and licensing. ### Do I need a structural engineer for a building permit? Many building departments require PE-stamped structural drawings and calculations for new homes, additions, wall removals, ADUs, and foundation or retaining-wall work. JD Building Engineering prepares that permit-ready package so the structural design can be submitted with the architectural set. ### Do you prepare permit-ready structural drawings and calculations? Yes. James Davis personally manages the structural design, calculations, detailing, and drafting so clients receive a coordinated permit-ready package rather than a review of drawings prepared by others. ### Can a PE stamp structural drawings remotely? Yes, for qualifying projects in jurisdictions where James Davis, PE is licensed. Remote structural engineering and digital seals are used where the authority having jurisdiction accepts them. Licensing, sealing format, and local AHJ rules are confirmed before work is scoped. ### Where do you provide structural engineering services? James Davis, PE is licensed in {us_count} U.S. states and {ca_count} Canadian jurisdictions. Remote structural engineering is available for qualifying projects in those locations. Project availability and sealing requirements are confirmed before work begins. ### How do I start a project? Send the project location and a brief description of the proposed work through the project review form. JD Building Engineering will review the information and respond regarding scope, availability, and next steps. Drawings and photographs can follow by email. ### Who is James Davis, PE? James Davis is a licensed structural engineer and the principal of JD Building Engineering. He holds PE registrations in {us_count} U.S. states and professional engineering licenses in {ca_count} Canadian jurisdictions, and specializes in wood-frame design for residential and light commercial projects. ### Do you only stamp drawings prepared by others? No. Unlike services that only review drawings prepared by others, James personally manages the structural design, engineering calculations, detailing, and drafting. Clients receive a complete structural package and a single point of responsibility. ### How do you keep construction costs in mind? Structural requirements are coordinated with the architectural design from the beginning to reduce unnecessary materials, simplify framing, and keep details practical to build while remaining code-compliant. ### Can you design structural work for a home addition or remodel? Yes. Typical remodel and addition work includes wall removals, new openings, room additions, second-story additions, roof modifications, and changes to existing framing systems. ### Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall? Yes, if the wall carries floor, roof, or lateral loads. JD Building Engineering designs the replacement beam or header, supports, connections, and related framing so the opening can be permitted and built safely. ### Do you provide ADU structural engineering? Yes. JD Building Engineering prepares coordinated structural plans and calculations for accessory dwelling units, guest houses, workshops, studios, garages, and similar detached buildings. ### Are foundation and retaining-wall design included? Yes. Foundation design and retaining-wall design are core structural services, based on building loads, site conditions, and available geotechnical information. ### How long does residential structural engineering take? Schedule depends on project size, the completeness of architectural information, and permit requirements. After the inquiry is reviewed, JD Building Engineering defines the estimated timeline with the scope and proposal before design begins. ### Do you offer civil and site engineering? Civil and site services may be available based on project location, scope, and applicable licensing requirements. Availability is confirmed before work begins. ### Can civil work be combined with structural design? When the project and licensing allow, site and structural requirements can be coordinated so grading, drainage, and foundations are considered together. ### What kinds of projects are shown in the portfolio? The portfolio uses documented case studies with drawing sheets from residential structural and civil and site work. Open a project to review scope, engineering approach, deliverables, and the drawing set. ### What happens after I send project information? The available materials are reviewed, then the required services, deliverables, fee, and schedule are defined before structural design and permit documentation begin. ### How does the PE stamp process work? After scope is agreed, JD Building Engineering completes the structural design and produces coordinated drawings and calculations. James Davis, PE seals the documents in the format accepted by the local building department, including digital seals where allowed. ### Do you help after permit submittal? Yes. Plan-check comments, contractor questions, and necessary revisions are addressed within the agreed scope. ### Are you licensed in my state? James Davis, PE is licensed in {us_count} U.S. states and {ca_count} Canadian jurisdictions, each listed with a dedicated page on this site. Share the project address and JD Building Engineering will confirm sealing format and local AHJ requirements. ### Can you stamp drawings if you are not local to my city? Yes, when James Davis holds a license in that jurisdiction and the project is a fit. Remote structural engineering is common for residential permit sets. The project address is used to confirm licensing and whether the local department accepts digital seals. ### Do you work remotely? Yes. Remote structural engineering and design services are available for qualifying projects. On-site availability is confirmed separately when a project requires it. ### What should I include with my inquiry? Include your name, email, project address or city and state, a brief description of the work, and the desired timeline. Drawings and photographs can be sent by email after the initial review. ### Do you work with homeowners, architects, and contractors? Yes. JD Building Engineering works with homeowners, architects, designers, and contractors. The project review form is the starting point; drawings can follow once licensing and scope are confirmed. ### How soon will I hear back? Inquiries are reviewed to confirm scope and availability. A response follows with next steps or with a request for any additional information needed to prepare a proposal. ## Licensed jurisdictions ### United States - [Alabama (AL)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/alabama-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa - [Alaska (AK)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/alaska-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, and Kenai - [Arizona (AZ)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/arizona-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff - [Arkansas (AR)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/arkansas-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Springdale - [California (CA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/california-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Oakland - [Colorado (CO)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/colorado-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Aspen - [Connecticut (CT)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/connecticut-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury - [Florida (FL)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/florida-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples - [Georgia (GA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/georgia-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus - [Hawaii (HI)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/hawaii-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, and Lihue - [Idaho (ID)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/idaho-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, and Meridian - [Illinois (IL)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/illinois-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Chicago, Springfield, Naperville, Peoria, and Rockford - [Indiana (IN)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/indiana-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and Carmel - [Kansas (KS)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/kansas-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, Overland Park, and Lawrence - [Kentucky (KY)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/kentucky-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington, and Owensboro - [Louisiana (LA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/louisiana-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Lake Charles - [Maryland (MD)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/maryland-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Baltimore, Annapolis, Rockville, Frederick, and Salisbury - [Massachusetts (MA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/massachusetts-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, and New Bedford - [Michigan (MI)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/michigan-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Traverse City - [Minnesota (MN)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/minnesota-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington - [Mississippi (MS)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/mississippi-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Southaven - [Missouri (MO)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/missouri-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and Independence - [Montana (MT)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/montana-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, and Great Falls - [Nevada (NV)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/nevada-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, Carson City, and Sparks - [New Jersey (NJ)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/new-jersey-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, Atlantic City, and Princeton - [New Mexico (NM)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/new-mexico-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Farmington - [North Carolina (NC)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/north-carolina-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Asheville, and Greensboro - [North Dakota (ND)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/north-dakota-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and West Fargo - [Ohio (OH)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/ohio-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron - [Oklahoma (OK)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/oklahoma-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, and Edmond - [Oregon (OR)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/oregon-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, and Medford - [Pennsylvania (PA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/pennsylvania-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, and Erie - [South Carolina (SC)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/south-carolina-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head - [Tennessee (TN)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/tennessee-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Franklin - [Texas (TX)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/texas-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth - [Utah (UT)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/utah-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, and Park City - [Virginia (VA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/virginia-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Richmond, Virginia Beach, Arlington, Norfolk, and Roanoke - [Washington (WA)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/washington-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Vancouver - [West Virginia (WV)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/west-virginia-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington, Wheeling, and Martinsburg ### Canada - [Ontario (ON)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/ontario-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, and London - [British Columbia (BC)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/british-columbia-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Burnaby, and Surrey - [Nova Scotia (NS)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/nova-scotia-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro, and New Glasgow - [New Brunswick (NB)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/new-brunswick-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Miramichi, and Bathurst - [Yukon (YK)](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/states/yukon-engineering-permit.php): permit-ready structural engineering for Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Watson Lake ## Optional - [Sitemap](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/sitemap.xml) - [Shorter LLM file](https://jdbuildingengineering.com/llms.txt)