Business Details
Your Trusted Engineering Partner in San Marcos, CA
Design Group Architects has established itself as a trusted multi-discipline engineering firm serving clients across California. Our team combines expertise in civil, structural, geotechnical, and accessibility engineering to deliver comprehensive solutions for complex projects. With decades of collective experience navigating California's stringent regulatory environment, we specialize in streamlining the engineering process to minimize costs and maximize efficiency. Our licensed professionals hold certifications in earthquake engineering, stormwater management, and LEED sustainable design, ensuring compliance with the latest standards. We provide turn-key engineering services ranging from single-family residences to large-scale commercial developments, supported by in-house capabilities in grading plans, drainage systems, and structural calculations.Our reputation for innovative design approaches and exceptional client service has been built through consistent delivery of code-compliant, budget-conscious solutions. As a California General Engineering Contractor, we maintain active licenses in multiple disciplines including civil engineering (RCE 47672), geotechnical engineering (RGE 2590), and architectural design (C-30372). Our commitment to technical excellence extends to forensic evaluations and expert testimony in deck system litigation matters under California Civil Code 5551. Through proactive maintenance assessments and comprehensive permitting assistance, we help clients address topographic, geologic, and zoning challenges across Southern California jurisdictions.
Services
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical-Geologic
Structural Engineering
ADA Accessibility
Deck Inspection
Stormwater Management
Land Planning
Grading Plans
Forensic Assessment
Highlights and features
- We offer multi-discipline engineering under one roof with 30+ years of combined experience
- Our team holds specialized certifications in California accessibility standards and seismic design
- We provide forensic engineering services with proven success in deck system litigation
- Our LEED-certified professionals deliver sustainable design solutions
- We maintain active general engineering contractor licenses for comprehensive project oversight
Associations and certifications
- California Licensed Architect (C-30372)
- California Certified Access Specialist (CASp-356)
- California Geotechnical Engineer (RGE 2590)
- California Civil Engineer (RCE 47672)
- California Certified Engineering Geologist (EG 2263)
- California Registered Hydrogeologist (HG 908)
- California General Engineering Contractor (624109)
- LEED Green Associate
- CPN Certified on Radiation, Safety, and Nuclear Gauge Equipment
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services encompass stormwater management, grading plans, and land development solutions. We specialize in navigating California's complex regulatory requirements for commercial and residential projects. Our team delivers comprehensive site design solutions that integrate with structural and geotechnical requirements.
Deck Inspection
We perform forensic evaluations of deck systems per California Civil Code 5551. Our inspections identify water intrusion issues and provide repair solutions. With extensive litigation experience, we offer expert testimony and multimillion-dollar settlement support for HOA clients.
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical services include subsurface investigations and foundation design. We provide soil reports for residential and commercial developments. Our engineers address site-specific challenges through tailored ground improvement recommendations and slope stability analysis.
Structural Engineering
We offer structural design for new construction and retrofitting of existing buildings. Our services cover seismic upgrades and code compliance assessments. We provide detailed calculations for wood, steel, and concrete structures across all project types.
ADA Accessibility
Our ADA specialists ensure projects meet federal and state accessibility requirements. We provide barrier removal solutions and accessibility audits. As California Certified Access Specialists, we help clients achieve compliance through practical design modifications.
People
Steven B. Norris
President
Mr. Norris is a licensed California architect and civil engineer with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in forensic engineering and deck system evaluations under California Civil Code 5551. His expertise includes structural assessments and expert testimony in multimillion-dollar litigation cases.
Questions
What engineering services do you offer?
We provide civil, structural, geotechnical, and ADA accessibility engineering services. Our specialties include deck inspections under California Civil Code 5551 and stormwater management solutions.
Do you serve areas outside San Marcos?
We serve all Southern California jurisdictions with expertise in local regulatory requirements. Our engineering services cover commercial developments and residential projects across the region.
Are you qualified for deck system evaluations?
Yes, we're certified to perform deck inspections under California Civil Code 5551. Our team has extensive litigation experience with multimillion-dollar settlement cases involving deck waterproofing systems.
What makes your firm different?
We combine multiple engineering disciplines under one roof with 30+ years of California-specific experience. Our team holds specialized certifications in seismic design, accessibility standards, and sustainable development.
How do you handle complex permitting?
Our engineers work directly with California agencies to streamline permitting for grading, drainage, and structural projects. We provide complete documentation packages to expedite approval processes.
