Please join us in welcoming our recent hire – Alexis Elias, EI! Alexis graduated with his master’s degree in Civil Engineering, with a concentration in Structural Engineering last week from Florida Atlantic University. Alexis is a part of our Florida team and brings a background in forensic engineering. Welcome to the team, Alexis!
Please join us in congratulating both Frank Morabito and Robert Miller in receiving the Florida Board Recognized Structural Engineer (FRSE) designation!
Last year, the Florida Board of Professional Engineers FBPE established a Structural Engineering Recognition Program for Professional Engineers who have gone above and beyond the required minimum professional engineer licensing standards. Obtaining a FRSE designation requires either being a licensed Special Inspector, passing NCEES/state recognized “SE” exams, or a minimum of 5 years of experience designing structurally significant engineering projects.
While recognition from the program is not required for a structural engineer to practice structural engineering in the state of Florida, Miami-Dade County has taken a step further, mandating the FRSE designation for engineers conducting building recertification inspections.
Choosing Morabito Consultants means choosing the pinnacle of assurance. We value your peace of mind and believe that true expertise can’t be confined by the minimum standards; it’s about exceeding expectations. Having engineers with the FRSE designation is the embodiment of our dedication to delivering unmatched quality and safety. Together, let’s build a future that stands strong and resilient, one project at a time.
The second quarter Company Highlights newsletter came out last week. Did you miss it? Check out this link to view and subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next issue!
https://mailchi.mp/morabitoconsultants.com/mc_newsletter_2023q02
MC has been at the forefront of technology from day one, starting with the purchase of an Eagle MS Dos based computer, modem, and printer. Frank and Maria developed spreadsheets to track employee time for payroll and invoicing. The computer was also utilized to run structural analysis of 2-dimensional moment frames for multi-story buildings, a process that would take over 8 hours to complete. Calculations would be run overnight, hoping that the input was properly prepared so they could be reviewed the following morning. Despite the limited computer software available for design work in 1985, MC’s solid education and strong theoretical background allowed efficiently completing hand-written calculations for all projects.
MC’s major breakthrough came in the fall of 1984 when we were hired to work on the design of Scarlett Place Condominiums in a design-build capacity, alongside Scott Dance of Dance Brothers, Inc. This project, a 17-story post-tensioned concrete-framed building, enabled MC to acquire advanced post-tensioned concrete design software. As a result, MC was able to expand their team, notably bringing on Ken Bauer, who remains with the firm to this day. During the completion of this project, MC relocated their offices to 2519 N. Calvert St., where they remained for a decade.
During their tenure on N. Calvert St., MC added several young design engineers and draftsmen, and significantly enhanced the office technology through the adoption of computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering design software. Although CAD workstations were costly, the investment proved worthwhile as it greatly improved MC’s work output. In those days, plotters utilized pens that were slow and required constant monitoring, as one never knew when a pen would run out of ink, necessitating a restart of the plot. There were occasions when MC had multiple significant projects underway, requiring the office to remain open overnight for five consecutive days. Several employees were always present to ensure that the drawings were completed accurately, plotted, and delivered to clients on time. As computer systems advanced and their costs decreased, MC began procuring computer stations that were shared between two workstations, with a monitor mounted on a rotating collapsible/expandable arm, allowing two engineers to utilize this valuable design tool simultaneously.
In 1995, MC had the good fortune of acquiring the 2526 Saint Paul Street office building previously occupied by Hord Coplan Macht. This move enabled MC to invest in individual workstations for all engineers, draftsmen, and support staff, resulting in the production of 100% CAD drawings for all projects. MC’s design portfolio encompassed a wide range of projects, including schools, hospitals, distribution centers, tilt-up concrete warehouses, hotels, continuing care retirement communities, housing, distribution centers, parking garages, and high-rise construction. MC comprised an efficient, adaptable, hard-working group of engineers who adhered strictly to regulations and delivered high-quality designs on time and at a fair cost. As our reputation grew, staff expanded to 27 individuals, until the economic downturn in 2009 prompted a significant shift in MC’s work philosophy. By that point, 40% of our staff consisted of draftsmen responsible for producing contract drawings based on marked-up drawings and sketches from MC engineers. However, by 2010, MC had reduced their staff to 15, with only one draftsman remaining. The era of Revit and BIM (Building Information Modeling) had arrived, making it more efficient for the engineers to handle their own drafting rather than relying on sketches that had to be translated into CAD drawings by draftsmen. Now in 2023 we are proud to have a dedicated staff of 22 full time employees, including 15 registered Professional Engineers!
MC would like to wish all our clients, associates, and colleagues a happy Independence Day. In observance of the holiday, we will be closed today, July 4th, and will resume normal business hours tomorrow. Stay safe and enjoy the festivities!
MC has been working alongside Concrete Protection & Restoration, Inc. on the ongoing reinforced concrete entrance slab and beam remediation efforts to the 1001 St. Paul Street Garage in Baltimore City. Recent progress includes pouring the entrance slab, encasing exposed steel wide flange girder and columns at the entrance, installing new reinforcements at the parking ramp and columns. The columns were also encased with concrete and the ramp and slab patches are scheduled to be poured tomorrow.
From all of us at Morabito Consultants, we wish you an incredible Father’s Day filled with joy, laughter, and appreciation. Thank you for being the foundation that holds us together!
Join us in congratulating Tim Sabatino on passing the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam! This represents a significant milestone in Tim’s career and demonstrates his ability to excel in complex engineering projects; his favorites being Brightview Hunt Valley and Eddies of Roland Park.
We would like to extend our deepest congratulations to Tim on this outstanding achievement. Your accomplishment not only reflects positively on you, but also strengthens the reputation of our company as a hub for talented professionals. MC has 16 incredibly talented PE’s on staff to assist owners, architects, and developers to bring their visions to life!
In observance of Memorial Day, MC wants to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. Our office will be closed today as we join the nation in paying tribute to these fallen heroes. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30th.
Congratulations are in order! Please join MC in celebrating Robert Miller, PE on his achievement of becoming a licensed Special Inspector (SI) for Threshold Buildings in the state of Florida. We are incredibly proud of the work Rob continues to provide for our Florida clients. With the recent ratification of Florida House Bill HB 5-D, which focuses on condominium building safety, it is now more critical than ever to hire a structural engineering firm that is experienced, qualified, and committed to handle all necessary tasks related to the design, evaluation, repair, and inspection of Threshold and high-rise buildings.
