GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersSanta Clara, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders firmographics
Firmographics- 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
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders industry classification
Industry- 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
Where GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Clara
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Senior Structural Project Manager (Silicon Valley) |
| Other | Annual | Construction Services Engineering Manager (Austin/Dallas/Houston) |
| Other | Annual | Construction Services Engineering Manager (Baltimore) |
| Other | Annual | Structural Project Engineer (Baltimore) |
| Other | Annual | Structural Project Manager (Cold-Formed Steel) |
| Other | Annual | Structural Project Manager (Rebar) |
| Other | Annual | Structural Project Manager (Santa Clara) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and project-specific.
- DPR ConstructioncoreGPLA 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 ConstructioncoreBlach 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 ArchitectscoreCo-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 ComponentskeyPrefabrication 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.
- ExponentkeyOutside 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-specificStructural 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
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders social profiles
Digital presenceGPLA Structural Engineers and Builders financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders 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 GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders
What does GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders do?
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.
Is GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders a public or private company?
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders founded?
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders was founded in 1999. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders based?
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States, in the North America region.
How does GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Structural Engineering Services are the primary driver. The others are structural Detailing Services and integrated Delivery Services.
Who are GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Arup, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers, Severud Associates Consulting Engineers, Thornton Tomasetti, Walter P Moore, Buro Happold, DeSimone Consulting Engineers, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) and Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA). WSP USA Buildings is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders have an API?
No public API is recorded for GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders.
What industry is GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders in?
GPLA Structural Engineers and Builders's product category is Structural Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFACAA, Office & Corporate Building Construction. Its NAICS code is 23622 and its SIC code is 1540.