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 certified by the Structural Engineering Certification Board. 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.
Melissa Lomax, EI
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 also involved in on-site inspections including rebar layout prior to concrete placement and testing/engineering support during concrete placement. She has her Engineer in Training Certificate and is a certified ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade 1. Melissa has been with ESE since May of 2007 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University.
Claudia Irvine
Project Manager and Field Technician
As Project Manager and Field Technician, Claudia is responsible for conducting condition surveys, creation of repair recommendations and bid documentation as well as inspection and documentation of work in progress. She is also involved in on-site inspections including rebar layout prior to concrete placement and testing/engineering support during concrete placement. She is 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.
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.
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.
Contact Us:
See Contact page or call the office at 321.784.5811 or E-mail us here.
