Company Profile & Bios
Founded in 2001 by Byron and Ruth Evetts, Existing Structures Engineering, Inc. (ESE) is a registered engineering business specializing in the evaluation, remediation, and preservation of existing structures, plants, and facilities that have been compromised by corrosion, water intrusion, fire, overloading or other events. Corrosion control of engineered materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, concrete and wood) in the coastal environment is a specialty. Additionally, we provide Forensic Engineering, Expert Witness Services and Special Design Engineering. Special Design Engineering is provided when custom or specialized designs are required. These types of services may not be found in the skill sets of larger A&E firms. Please see our Specialties listed on the right side of the page.
After 20 years as a senior engineer in the marine ship-lift and corrosion consultant industries, Byron had compelling ideas on how to couple his structural and corrosion engineering expertise. All too often, corrosion control was not being addressed with an engineering approach. Rather, corrosion control was driven by the latest fad or new product. Corrosion in the coastal environment is an insidious, destructive force that cannot remain unchecked for very long. Structures can be adversely affected within only a few years. Success in combating corrosion demands specialists that understand how structural integrity is affected by corrosion, as well as the corrosive mechanisms at work in the aggressive coastal environment. Addressing corrosion of structures should be in the hands of a professional. The underlying principle of success has been employing highly trained and experienced personnel, emphasizing a strong “hands-on” approach. Corrosion cannot be controlled by office work alone.
Keystone to Success
A keystone to ESE's success is the belief in professional development of the technical and administrative staff. Professional staff holds specialized training and certifications from:
- American Concrete Institute (ACI)
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- American Shotcrete Association (ASA)
- Florida Engineering Society (FES)
- International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)
- National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
- National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
- The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)
Biographicals
James Byron Evetts, PE
Owner/Principal Engineer
As founder and Principal Engineer of Existing Structures Engineering, Inc., Byron’s primary responsibilities involve managing and directing the professional and technical staff, marketing and sales, as well as being involved in field and analytic activities. After graduating with an Ocean Engineering degree, Byron attained progressively more responsible positions in the marine structural and the corrosion consultant industries, including extensive international experience. Byron is an industry recognized expert in evaluation, preservation and remediation of damaged and corroded structures. In addition to being registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida, he is an active leader in NACE, ACI, ICRI and FES and holds certifications as a NACE Coatings and Cathodic Protection Specialist and is a Nationally Certified Structural Engineer. Byron is also an Urban Search and Rescue Structures Specialist. He has developed and taught technical courses to ICRI, NACE, government agencies, and condominium associations. Byron has provided expert witness testimony regarding protective coatings, corrosion and fire science.
Claudia Irvine
Project Manager and Field Technician
As Project Manager and Field Technician, Claudia is responsible for the conduct of condition surveys, creation of repair recommendations and bid documentation, along with inspection and documentation of work in progress. She is also a member of NACE and ICRI, and is currently the chapter administrator of the central Florida ICRI chapter. Claudia is a Certified ACI Field Tester, Grade 1 and a Certified NACE Cathodic Protection Tester.
Suzie Eiler
Office Administrator
As the Office Administrator, Suzie is responsible for office management and performs various accounting functions and secretarial duties, including new client accounts, report generation, accounts receivable/payable, account reconciliation and payroll transactions. As the rest of the staff is in the field over 75% of the time, Suzie also provides coordination and support services. Suzie is also our Social Director and has been with ESE for 6 years.
Melissa Lomax
Project Engineer
As Project Engineer, Melissa is responsible for computer-aided engineering/modeling, project resourcing and scheduling, assistance in structural conditional surveys as well as field data collection and report implementation. She is currently working towards acquiring her Engineer in Training Certificate and a NACE Corrosion Technician Certification. Melissa has been with ESE since May of 2007 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University.
Alfred W. Chase
Structural Inspector
As the Structural Inspector, Alfred is responsible for field surveys and evaluation of damaged and/or corroded structures and the subsequent production of CAD drawings to document required repairs. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi, Alfred served with the United States Army as a Counterintelligence Special Agent and later began a career with the Panama Canal Commission. During his time with the Panama Canal, Alfred worked in the areas of field hydrology, environmental control, management improvement, IT management and industrial engineering. As a senior Management Analyst, Alfred performed specialized work in the evaluation of industrial processes, marine operations, and the design of maintenance management systems for Canal floating equipment. After leaving the Panama Canal Alfred became a Certified Truss Designer and has been extensively involved in the inspection of hurricane damaged structures and the design of structural repairs to damaged roof systems.
Rogest Dively, PE (Deceased)
Rogest William Dively, II, 58, passed away suddenly on May 18, 2008 at his home in Satellite Beach, FL. He was born on July 29, 1949 in Hicksville, New York. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry in 1971 from the University of Miami and Masters' degrees in Materials Science and Ocean Engineering in 1982 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1974 and served as engineering duty officer aboard nuclear submarines, superintendent at naval shipyards, research design engineer, and duty at engineering command headquarters until 1989-attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He was a registered Professional Engineer in five states, including Florida, and held many certifications from NACE International. He provided professional engineering services to Johnson Controls at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station; Corrpro Companies at Cocoa; and Existing Structures Engineering, Inc. Mr. Dively is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Patricia; devoted son, Ryan of Scranton, PA; sisters, Kathleen of Boca Raton and Nancy of Tarpon Springs. He was preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col. Rogest Dively; mother, Doris; father-in-law, Col. James Gallagher; mother-in-law, Mary; and sister-in-law, Kathleen.
Contact Us:
See Contact page or call the office at 321.784.5811 or E-mail us here.
