Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Seismic Retrofitting Services in Portland
Corefirst was founded to revolutionize seismic safety through innovative engineering solutions. Our patented technology addresses the critical need for affordable, life-saving earthquake protection in existing buildings, combining structural integrity with sustainable design principles. With decades of collective experience in construction, architecture, and disaster mitigation, our team specializes in retrofitting commercial and institutional structures to withstand seismic events while maintaining operational continuity. We prioritize mass timber construction as a sustainable alternative, demonstrated through landmark projects like Carbon12 that have redefined building codes. Our consulting services leverage advanced structural analysis and research-backed methodologies to deliver customized solutions for diverse building types.Through rigorous testing and validation, including studies on earthquake movement dynamics, we ensure our systems meet the highest safety standards while reducing costs by up to 70% compared to conventional upgrades. Our commitment to innovation is matched by our dedication to community resilience, evidenced by partnerships with organizations focused on public safety and environmental stewardship. As industry leaders, we maintain transparency in our processes and guarantee compliance with all regulatory requirements, providing clients with reliable, future-ready protection systems.
Services
Seismic Retrofitting
Structural Analysis
Consulting Services
Sustainable Development
Earthquake Protection
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer patented seismic protection technology proven to reduce upgrade costs by 70%
- Our team has completed seismic retrofits for over 1.5 million square feet of buildings
- We pioneered mass timber construction solutions that redefined US building codes
- Our principals bring combined 40+ years of structural engineering expertise
- We provide research-backed consulting for commercial and institutional buildings
Services
Seismic Retrofitting
Our patented seismic retrofitting system strengthens existing buildings against earthquake damage. Using advanced engineering techniques, we reinforce structural components to meet modern safety standards while maintaining building functionality. This solution costs up to 70% less than full structural replacement, making life-saving upgrades accessible for public and private institutions.
Structural Analysis
We conduct comprehensive structural evaluations to identify seismic vulnerabilities in commercial and institutional buildings. Our engineers use cutting-edge modeling software and field testing to determine optimal retrofitting strategies. This analysis forms the foundation for customized protection plans that balance safety requirements with budget constraints.
Consulting Services
Our experts provide specialized consulting for seismic safety upgrades across various building types. From initial assessment through implementation, we guide clients through code compliance requirements and cost-effective solutions. Our team's extensive experience with mass timber construction informs innovative approaches to structural reinforcement and disaster preparedness.
Sustainable Development
We integrate sustainable materials and methods into all our seismic retrofitting projects. Our mass timber construction expertise reduces environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity. By pioneering cross-laminated timber applications, we help clients achieve both safety and sustainability goals in earthquake-prone regions.
Research & Development
Continuous research drives our technological advancements in earthquake protection. We conduct studies on structural movement during seismic events and develop new retrofitting methodologies. Our R&D efforts have produced patented solutions that set industry standards for effectiveness and affordability in disaster mitigation systems.
People
Benjamin Kaiser
Principal
With 20+ years in urban development, Ben specializes in mass timber construction. He pioneered the Carbon12 project and redefined US wood building codes. A RISD graduate, he served on Portland's Design Commission from 2008-2016.
Paul Conway
Principal
Former retail industry executive with $45M business experience. Now focuses on social services leadership and community development. Holds BA in International Studies from Allegheny College and serves on Tucson's Emerge! Center board.
Scott Noble
Project Manager
Manages complex construction projects totaling 1.5M+ sq ft. Expert in mass timber projects like Carbon12 and The Radiator. Holds dual degrees in construction management and architecture from Cal Poly and University of Oregon.
Questions
What types of buildings benefit most from CoreFirst's system?
Our technology works best for multi-story commercial and institutional buildings constructed before modern seismic codes. This includes schools, office buildings, and mixed-use developments requiring cost-effective upgrades.
How does CoreFirst reduce retrofitting costs by 70%?
Our patented system targets critical structural weaknesses rather than complete replacement. By focusing on key reinforcement points and using sustainable materials, we achieve safety compliance at significantly lower costs.
Can the system be implemented nationwide?
Yes, our solutions meet federal seismic standards and have been validated through structural analysis studies. We've successfully completed projects in multiple states with varying building code requirements.
What makes mass timber construction sustainable?
Mass timber uses renewable resources and stores carbon rather than emitting it during production. Our methods reduce concrete and steel usage, lowering construction's environmental footprint while maintaining structural integrity.
How long does a typical retrofitting project take?
Project timelines vary based on building size and complexity, but our streamlined approach typically completes upgrades 30-50% faster than traditional methods while maintaining strict safety standards.
Do you offer consulting outside the Portland area?
Yes, we provide seismic retrofitting consulting nationwide. Our team has experience working with local authorities in multiple states to ensure code compliance while delivering cost-effective solutions.
