Plan B Engineering
Plan B Engineering is a privately held structural engineering consultancy, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, PA, that designs custom scaffold, shoring, bracing, demolition, and vertical access systems for complex landmark and urban construction projects across all 50 U.S. states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersHuntingdon Valley, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Plan B Engineering does
Plan B Engineering is a private structural engineering consultancy headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, founded in 2005 by John McErlean and Andrew Angelilli. The firm provides specialized engineering design services for temporary stabilization, access, and demolition systems, operating across five interconnected service lines: Scaffold & Access, Shoring & Bracing, Demolition Means & Methods, Vertical Access, and Logistics & Site Safety. Its technical differentiators include proprietary methods such as the "Cocoon" exterior enclosure system, suspended platform systems that crawl down buildings, large-span Super Truss work platforms, hurricane-resistant scaffold systems, and below-grade bracing techniques using existing floor slabs. The firm is licensed in all 50 states and has built a portfolio anchored by high-profile landmark projects including the Empire State Building, US Capitol Dome, National Gallery of Art, JFK Delta Terminal, Hudson Yards, the Frick Collection, and Yale's Schwarzman Center.
The firm's customer base is concentrated among tier-1 general contractors (Skanska, AECOM Tishman, MATT Construction, Level 10, Shawmut), blue-chip real estate developers and owners (Douglas Emmett, L&L Holding, Columbia Property Trust, Paramount Group), government clients (Architect of the Capitol, New Jersey and Maine State Houses), and cultural institutions (National Gallery of Art, Judd Foundation, Hospital for Special Surgery). Plan B operates an enterprise B2B professional services model, billing through project-specific consulting fees for engineering design, sequencing, and technical oversight from pre-construction through close-out. The company has no disclosed revenue, no institutional funding, and no subsidiaries; ownership remains with the founding principals. Marketing is executed primarily through project portfolio showcases, earned media coverage in Structure Magazine, Engineering News-Record, and the New York Times, DVASE and ENR awards, and direct relationship-based business development with repeat clients and fabrication partners such as Platform Solutions and BrandSafway.
Plan B Engineering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Plan B Engineering
- Legal name
- Plan B Engineering
- Website
- https://planbengineering.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Plan B Engineering is a privately held structural engineering consultancy, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, PA, that designs custom scaffold, shoring, bracing, demolition, and vertical access systems for complex landmark and urban construction projects across all 50 U.S. states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Plan B Engineering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Structural Engineering Services
- NAICS
- Engineering Services (541330)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering Services (8711)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Construction Engineering & Constructability Consulting (BPAHAIAN), Systems Engineering & Technical Program Management (BPAHAIAI)
Keywords
Where Plan B Engineering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Huntingdon Valley
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Plan B Engineering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Engineering Consulting Services: Professional engineering services for structural stabilization, access systems design, and construction means and methods. Revenue generated through consulting fees for project-specific engineering solutions, design services, and technical expertise throughout project lifecycle from pre-construction through close-out.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Plan B Engineering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Plan B Engineering is a structural engineering consulting firm that designs temporary stabilization, access, and site safety systems for complex construction projects. The firm delivers five core service lines: Scaffold & Access, Shoring & Bracing, Demolition Means & Methods, Vertical Access, and Logistics & Site Safety. Engagements span pre-construction planning through close-out and frequently involve custom steel systems, modular scaffold design, historic preservation engineering, and novel means-and-methods solutions for dense urban environments.
Product overview
Plan B Engineering is a structural engineering firm offering specialized engineering and construction support services. The company provides a unified portfolio of five interconnected service offerings: Scaffold & Access, Shoring & Bracing, Demolition Means & Methods, Vertical Access, and Logistics & Site Safety. These services are deployed together on complex construction projects to bridge the gap between design and construction by identifying efficiencies and solving problems during the project life cycle. The company is licensed in all 50 states and serves clients across the country, from the top of the Empire State Building to foundations of buildings in Los Angeles, focusing on unique shoring, access, and site safety solutions for dense urban environments and historic preservation projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Scaffold & Access Engineering Engineering design services for scaffolding systems providing 360-degree exterior access for inspections, repairs, and construction on buildings of various geometries and heights. Targeted at general contractors, building owners, developers, and architectural firms undertaking complex urban construction and historic restoration projects.
- Shoring & Bracing Engineering Structural stabilization solutions using steel brace frames, temporary support systems, and bracing to stabilize damaged buildings or allow existing structures to be incorporated into new designs. Targeted at general contractors and developers facing complex stabilization challenges in urban and historic settings.
- Demolition Means & Methods Engineering planning and design for full and partial demolition operations, including sequencing, coordination with contractors, and safety protocols for complex urban environments. Targeted at demolition contractors, general contractors, and owners executing demolition on landmark or active-occupancy sites.
- Vertical Access Engineering Design of personnel hoists, construction elevators, mast climbers, and custom access solutions for mid and high-rise construction projects serving straight faces, multiple setbacks, and complex geometries. Targeted at general contractors on mid- and high-rise construction projects.
- Logistics & Site Safety Planning Pre-construction planning, site logistics coordination, protection systems for adjacent properties, multi-phase site safety plans, and technical consultation for access agreements. Targeted at general contractors, developers, and owners needing coordinated site logistics and safety planning in complex urban environments.
Quantifiable outcome
- Enabled construction to remain on schedule for cathedral projects requiring completion by Christmas
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Plan B Engineering
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Plan B Engineering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Plan B Engineering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Thornton TomasetticoreStructural engineering firm of record for Empire State Building projects. Partnered on tower reconfiguration and Floor 102 observation deck renovation. Coordinated on enclosure attachment systems and structural reinforcement requirements.
- All-Safe LLCcoreCollaborated on Empire State Building temporary construction elevator design. All-Safe provided elevator expertise while Plan B designed temporary footing and braced frame system.
- BrandSafwaycorePartnered with BrandSafway to develop custom self-supporting scaffold solution for US Capitol Dome restoration. Combined Plan B engineering design with BrandSafway's modular scaffold systems.
- TYLin | Silman Structural SolutionscorePreservation expertise partner for Fort Jefferson Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse restoration. Silman's historic preservation knowledge combined with Plan B's structural stability and logistics expertise.
- Platform SolutionscoreLong-standing partnership on multiple projects including Moynihan Station, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Frick Collection, and 333 East 38th St Hoist. Platform Solutions fabricates and installs scaffolding systems designed by Plan B.
- Silman EngineeringcoreLed structural engineering for Cathedral of St. John the Divine Guastavino dome restoration. Country's leading historical and technical experts in Guastavino restoration.
- Nicholson and GallowaycoreHistoric masonry experts executing complicated restoration at Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Brought in Platform Solutions and Plan B for custom access solution.
- Gramercy Group LLCcoreDemolition contractor for Giants Stadium and JFK Delta Terminal. Plan B prepared drawings for means and methods to demolish both structures completely.
- Greg Beeche LogisticsminorPartnered with Skanska and Greg Beeche Logistics on Empire State Building Floor 102 observation deck renovation to design, fabricate, and install 'The Cocoon' enclosure system.
- Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)coreVisionary architects for 712 Fifth Ave project connecting landmarked building to 52-story tower via new atrium.
- Shawmut Design and ConstructioncoreGeneral contractor for 712 Fifth Ave luxury retailer expansion project.
- Sciame Construction LLCcoreGeneral contractor partnering on Frick Collection modernization and expansion project. Spearheading major upgrades including complex temporary bracing for FARL building.
- Metro IronminorFabricated and installed all steel for Frick Collection project. Provided drone footage showcasing project progress.
- SkanskacoreGeneral contractor for multiple major projects including Empire State Building tower reconfiguration, Moynihan Station redevelopment, and Floor 102 observation deck renovation.
- AECOM TishmancoreProject GC for Hospital of Special Surgery Kellen Tower renovation. Identified feasible hoist locations and coordinated access solutions.
- Stone & Lime Historic Restoration ServicescoreHistoric masonry skills partner for Fort Jefferson Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse restoration.
- Robinson Iron CorpcoreDisassembled Fort Jefferson lighthouse structure offsite for restoration. Plan B provided detailed sequencing and gantry system design.
- Level 10 ConstructioncoreGeneral contractor for Fremont Residences 181 Fremont tower project. Collaborated with Plan B on on-site testing and custom netting system design for rooftop playground protection.
- MATT ConstructioncoreGeneral contractor for Landmark II in Los Angeles. Called upon Plan B when original bracing plan stalled, leading to the 'brown bag' solution.
- Douglas EmmettcoreDeveloper for Landmark II Tower in Los Angeles. Engaged Plan B after initial plans stalled in city reviews.
- L&L Holding CompanycoreDeveloper for Terminal Warehouse historic renovation in West Chelsea, NYC. Engaged Plan B during pre-construction planning phase.
- Columbia Property TrustcoreCo-developer with L&L Holding for Terminal Warehouse transformation from industrial relic to modern office and retail.
- Karen Thomas AssociatesminorOwner's Representative for 16 West 12th Street brownstone renovation in Greenwich Village.
- Paramount GroupcoreBuilding owner for 712 Fifth Ave project requesting expertise of KPF, Shawmut, and Plan B for modernization.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Plan B Engineering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- PERI Group: PERI is a global formwork and scaffolding manufacturer and engineering services provider. It is adjacent to Plan B's scaffold-design business but primarily sells products and systems rather than acting as a specialist consulting engineer.
- BrandSafway: BrandSafway is a leading scaffold and access equipment provider and Plan B's primary fabrication partner on major projects like the US Capitol Dome. It is a supplier/partner rather than a direct competitor, since it sells equipment and labor while Plan B sells the engineering design.
Direct peers
- Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP: GMS is a New York structural engineering consultancy working on existing buildings, adaptive reuse, and complex construction—comparable to Plan B's NYC focus on renovation, shoring, and stabilization work.
- Severud Associates: Severud is a long-established New York City structural engineering consultancy serving complex urban projects, including tall buildings and adaptive reuse—sharing Plan B's NYC-centric expertise in high-rise and challenging structural work.
- Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE): WJE is a structural engineering and architecture consulting firm specializing in the investigation, repair, and preservation of existing structures—directly comparable to Plan B's niche of solving complex problems on historic and active buildings. Both firms focus on preservation, adaptive reuse, and unusual structural challenges.
- Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH): SGH is an engineering firm specializing in structural design, building envelope, and failure investigation—sharing Plan B's orientation toward complex structural problems and consulting-led delivery. Both serve architects, owners, and contractors on technically demanding projects.
- Silman Structural Solutions (TYLin | Silman): Silman is a structural engineering firm focused on preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse, and is an explicit Plan B partner on projects like the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and Fort Jefferson. The firms serve overlapping clients in heritage and complex construction.
Broad incumbents
- Arup: Arup is a global engineering consultancy providing structural, civil, and construction-stage engineering services. It overlaps with Plan B on complex construction challenges but operates at vastly larger scale and broader scope.
- Buro Happold: Buro Happold is an international engineering consultancy with structural and construction-stage expertise. It competes for complex construction engineering mandates and offers overlapping but broader capability than Plan B's niche focus.
- Thornton Tomasetti: Thornton Tomasetti is a much larger global structural engineering firm with whom Plan B partners (e.g., Empire State Building). It offers overlapping capabilities in complex structural work but as part of a far broader portfolio of services.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Plan B Engineering social profiles
Digital presencePlan B Engineering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Plan B Engineering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Plan B Engineering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Plan B Engineering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Plan B Engineering
What does Plan B Engineering do?
Plan B Engineering is a structural engineering consulting firm that designs temporary stabilization, access, and site safety systems for complex construction projects. The firm delivers five core service lines: Scaffold & Access, Shoring & Bracing, Demolition Means & Methods, Vertical Access, and Logistics & Site Safety. Engagements span pre-construction planning through close-out and frequently involve custom steel systems, modular scaffold design, historic preservation engineering, and novel means-and-methods solutions for dense urban environments.
Is Plan B Engineering a public or private company?
Plan B Engineering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Plan B Engineering founded?
Plan B Engineering was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Plan B Engineering based?
Plan B Engineering is headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, United States, in the North America region.
How does Plan B Engineering make money?
One revenue line is on record: engineering Consulting Services.
Who are Plan B Engineering's main competitors?
Others on record are PERI Group and BrandSafway. Direct peers are Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP, Severud Associates, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) and Silman Structural Solutions (TYLin | Silman). Broad incumbents are Arup, Buro Happold and Thornton Tomasetti.
Does Plan B Engineering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Plan B Engineering.
What industry is Plan B Engineering in?
Plan B Engineering's product category is Structural Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAIAA, Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting, with a secondary code of BPAHAIAN, Construction Engineering & Constructability Consulting. Its NAICS code is 541330 and its SIC code is 8711.