Daniel M. Presburger, P.E.

Expert QuestionS & AnswerS

What lessons have you learned from being on site and/or during investigations as an engineer?

As engineers, we need to be observant of our surroundings and trust our engineering instincts. Site conditions are often overlooked during construction or in existing buildings. We can help identify deficient conditions, determine the appropriate repairs, and evaluate whether there are any safety concerns. Catching these conditions early benefits property owners and helps keep the public safe.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on that you can talk about without revealing client details?

I was one of the engineers working on a historic building redevelopment and overbuild project in New York. The project involved placing a 26-story steel tower on top of an existing 10-story concrete podium. A new concrete mat foundation was installed to support the tower core, which housed the building’s new concrete shear walls. The steel columns outside the concrete core footprint were supported by a combination of steel transfer trusses and girders, along with reinforced existing columns and foundations.

What is the most common misconception clients have about structural engineering?

Structural engineers are often underappreciated, working behind the scenes to turn ambitious designs into reality. Whether it is a new high-rise in New York City, an elegant staircase in an office building, or a canopy outside your favorite hotel, a structural engineer has analyzed the loads and designed the supporting components to bring an architect’s vision to life.

What non-building projects have you worked on that you found interesting?

I assisted in the structural design of the sign structure located on top of the building at 8th Avenue and West 42nd Street in New York City. The sign is about 65ft tall by 84ft wide and covered in LED display. Given the size of the sign, steel bracing and reinforcing was required to be installed and integrated into the existing supporting building structure.

What is one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?

Bring the structural engineer into the project as early as possible, rather than later, when key decisions have already been made. Structural engineers can provide valuable input that may not be apparent to other consultants, such as architects or MEP engineers. They can help inform the architectural design and identify potential conflicts early, before they contribute to increased project costs or schedule delays.

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