GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders

What GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders does

GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders, Inc. (GPLA, Inc.) is a U.S. structural engineering and detailing firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with additional regional offices in Baltimore (MD), Austin (TX), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), and Tucson (AZ). The firm operates as part of the DPR Construction family of companies and provides integrated structural engineering, in-house structural detailing (steel and rebar), and performance-based seismic design services on complex capital construction projects. Its principal deliverable model combines engineer-of-record and design-assist roles through its proprietary HD BIM methodology on Tekla Structures, which produces LOD 400 fabrication-level models from project outset and supports clash detection, prefabrication coordination, and direct output of shop drawings.

The company serves mission-critical end markets including hyperscale and AI data centers (Vantage, Meta, Crusoe Energy), healthcare and life sciences (Baylor Scott & White, Sutter, 10X Genomics, GeneSuites), advanced manufacturing (Tesla Gigafactory, Microvast), gaming and hospitality (Penn National Gaming, Century Casinos, Isle Casino), cultural and higher-education institutions (USC, SFSU, Disney), and adaptive-reuse commercial real estate (MacLac Building D, Ford Assembly Building). Its technical differentiators include HD BIM-driven schedule compression (e.g., 6-8 months to 5 weeks on Crusoe's 200MW AI data center; Hollywood Casino Jamul delivered 7 months early), and proprietary seismic and prefabrication systems such as the Fused Rotating Wall, the Strongback Lateral System with Krawinkler Fuses, and the patented FOLIA K-12 building system developed with Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects.

GPLA generates revenue through project-based professional services fees on engineer-of-record and delegated engineering/design-assist engagements, augmented by proprietary prefabrication-enabled delivery (prefab rebar cages, multi-trade racks). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; an indirect proxy comes from disclosed salary bands (e.g., Senior Structural Project Manager $148K-$232K; Structural Project Manager $135K-$190K in Santa Clara), indicating a S.E.-led workforce serving premium-rate, complex projects rather than commoditised volume work. Distribution is relationship-based enterprise sales: embedded partnerships with architects (SmithGroup, HOK, Quattrocchi Kwok), GCs (DPR, W.E. O'Neil, Hathaway Dinwiddie, Matt Construction), and owner-direct engagement (Vantage, Crusoe, Gaming & Leisure Properties). Marketing relies on a project portfolio website, LinkedIn/YouTube/Instagram presence, industry awards (SEAOC, AISC, ACI, Tekla BIM, AIA, California Preservation Foundation, BD+C), and PR Newswire announcements, with no public funding, M&A, or IPO activity disclosed.

Name

GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders

Legal name

GPLA, Inc.

Website

https://gplainc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders is a U.S. structural engineering and detailing firm within DPR Construction's family of companies that delivers integrated engineer-of-record and design-assist services using Tekla-based HD BIM to data center, healthcare, gaming, and advanced manufacturing clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Structural Engineering Services

NAICS

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (23622)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540)

akta.pro primary industry

Office & Corporate Building Construction (IMAFACAA)

Keywords

• Structural engineering services
• Structural steel detailing
• Building information modeling
• Performance-based seismic design
• Prefabricated construction systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Clara

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Structural Engineering Services: GPLA provides comprehensive structural engineering services as engineer of record and in design-assist roles on complex construction projects. Revenue is generated through professional engineering fees on project-based engagements, serving as structural engineer of record or providing delegated engineering services.
2. Structural Detailing Services: Full-service structural detailing including steel fabrication detailing, rebar detailing, and BIM modeling. The company performs both structural engineering and full-service structural detailing in-house, completing projects from design through construction and fabrication.
3. Integrated Delivery Services: Constructability-driven engineering solutions that compress schedules, improve coordination, and create measurable total value across the project lifecycle. Services include engineering, digital delivery, BIM, and operational support for complex, schedule-driven projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

GPLA provides integrated structural engineering and full-service structural detailing for complex construction projects, combining engineer-of-record and design-assist roles with in-house steel and rebar detailing. The firm executes projects through its proprietary HD BIM workflow (built on Tekla Structures) that produces fabrication-level shop drawings directly from a single 3D model, alongside complementary services in performance-based seismic design, cold-formed steel engineering, prefabricated systems, and the patented FOLIA school construction system.

Product overview

GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders is a nationally integrated structural engineering firm offering a unified service portfolio centered on constructability-first engineering and advanced digital delivery. The core offering combines traditional structural engineering services with their proprietary HD BIM methodology using Tekla Structures, which enables single-source 3D modeling from design through fabrication. Supporting services include in-house structural steel detailing, rebar detailing with prefabricated solutions, and specialized engineering for seismic design, cold-formed steel, and prefabricated construction systems. Their patented FOLIA system targets the K-12 education market with a prefabricated building approach. The integrated model positions GPLA as both engineer of record and detailer, bridging design and fabrication for complex projects in data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, and commercial development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FOLIA: An innovative, patented design and construction solution for the education market developed with Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, leveraging prefabrication to deliver projects faster and more cost-effectively.

Products and services

• Structural Engineering Services Full-service structural engineering from concept through construction, including design development, analysis, technical oversight, and engineer-of-record or design-assist roles for complex construction projects. Services target owners, architects, general contractors, and fabricators on mission-critical, data center, healthcare, higher education, and large-scale commercial projects.
• Structural Steel Detailing In-house structural steel detailing producing fabrication-ready drawings that connect design to construction, performed by detailers with field steel-industry experience as a contractually distinct service from structural engineering.
• Rebar Detailing Reinforcement steel detailing and prefabricated rebar cage solutions, including HRC 555 T headed reinforcing bars, offered as a standalone detailing service to support faster installation and reduced on-site labor.
• Prefabrication Solutions Engineering and detailing of prefabricated building components including foundation rebar cages, multi-trade racks (MTR) hung from roof structures to support HVAC/plumbing/electrical equipment, prefabricated walls, and modular structural elements to accelerate construction schedules.
• Performance-Based Seismic Design Advanced seismic engineering services featuring fused rotating wall (rocking wall) systems, strongback lateral systems with Krawinkler fuses, and buckling-restrained brace (BRB) systems, including proprietary replaceable fuse designs that confine seismic damage to designated repairable elements.
• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Engineering Engineering for cold-formed metal framing systems used in mid-rise construction, data centers, and commercial developments, delivered as a standalone structural engineering service.
• FOLIA Prefabricated School System Patented prefabricated design and construction solution for the K-12 education market, delivered with Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, that enables school projects to be delivered at least one year faster and 10-20% less expensively than traditional construction. The system carries California Division of State Architect (DSA) pre-check approval and is designed to meet Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) standards.

Quantifiable outcome

• Compressed structural steel design from 6-8 months to 5 weeks for Crusoe Energy Abilene data center
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and project-specific.

• DPR ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPLA is part of the DPR Construction family of companies. As a subsidiary, GPLA benefits from preferred access to DPR projects, integrated delivery relationships, and national footprint. DPR is a major national construction firm serving mission-critical facilities, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and data center markets.
• Blach ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlach Construction collaborated with GPLA and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects to develop the FOLIA patented prefabricated building system for the education market. Partnership has resulted in over two dozen education projects utilizing the innovative system.
• Quattrocchi Kwok ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the FOLIA patented prefabricated building system with GPLA and Blach Construction. Long-standing partnership on education market projects including Cupertino High School and multiple California school districts.
• Digital Building ComponentskeyTechnology or IntegrationPrefabrication contractor partner on projects including SFSU Science & Engineering Innovation Center. Provides prefabricated exterior metal panel system and cold-formed framing components integrated into GPLA's HD BIM workflows.
• ExponentkeyTechnology or IntegrationOutside consulting firm engaged by GPLA for high-end lateral analysis on Tesla Gigafactory project. Assisted with analysis and design of innovative strongback lateral system with Krawinkler fuses for complex manufacturing facilities.
• Peoples Associates Structural Engineers (PASE)project-specificTechnology or IntegrationStructural engineer of record on Vantage CA3 data center project where GPLA worked in design-assist role alongside PASE to deliver complex structural framing and foundation design.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Arup: Arup is a global engineering consultancy with strong structural engineering practice, particularly on complex, sustainability-driven, and high-seismic projects. It is a relevant peer given overlap in mission-critical, healthcare, and high-performance building segments.
• LERA Consulting Structural Engineers: LERA is a structural engineering firm known for complex, high-profile, and innovative building designs, including high-seismic and high-rise work. It competes directly with GPLA on marquee buildings, healthcare, and gaming projects.
• Severud Associates Consulting Engineers: Severud is a structural engineering firm specializing in complex, large-scale, and innovative building projects including healthcare, gaming, and adaptive reuse. Its project profile (including gaming and seismic work) is highly comparable to GPLA's.
• Thornton Tomasetti: Thornton Tomasetti is a global engineering consultancy specializing in structural design, forensics, and protective design. It is highly comparable in technical depth, marquee building portfolio, and presence on complex, schedule-driven projects in the same verticals as GPLA.
• Walter P Moore: Walter P Moore is a national structural engineering and diagnostics firm with deep expertise in complex, large-scale buildings, sports facilities, and healthcare projects. It is one of the most direct comparables to GPLA, given similar focus on high-performance engineering, integrated delivery, and marquee building projects.
• Buro Happold: Buro Happold is an international engineering consultancy with structural engineering expertise across complex buildings, healthcare, and data centers. It is comparable in pursuit of integrated, performance-based design on complex capital projects.
• DeSimone Consulting Engineers: DeSimone is a structural engineering firm with strong presence on complex, high-profile buildings in hospitality, gaming, healthcare, and commercial real estate. Its portfolio of seismic, gaming, and complex adaptive reuse projects closely mirrors GPLA's customer base.
• Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH): SGH is a national engineering firm specializing in structural design, building enclosure, and infrastructure. It serves similar end markets (commercial, healthcare, education) and offers comparable technical depth in structural engineering and detailing integration.
• Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA): MKA is a structural and civil engineering firm known for performance-based seismic design, tall buildings, and large healthcare and data center projects. It shares GPLA's emphasis on advanced seismic systems (e.g., similar rocking wall R&D) and serves as a direct technical peer.

Broad incumbents

• WSP USA Buildings: WSP is a global professional services firm with a large structural and buildings practice serving commercial, healthcare, data center, and transportation clients. It competes for similar marquee projects but as part of a much broader portfolio across engineering, environment, and advisory services.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@gplastructuralengineers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gpla-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/gplastructuralengineers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders