| In The Media

M+K’s Research with UCSD Published in Prestigious Journal

Our collaborative research with the University of California, San Diego has just been published in the Journal of Building Engineering!

So why does this matter? Simply, our study helps bring clarity to an engineering “gray area” that affects modern wood construction. Specifically, we tested how close nails can be placed to the edge of wood panels while still achieving their full strength in resisting wind uplift. For years, code requirements around this issue have been conservative, inconsistent, and—most importantly—lacking real test data.

What we discovered:

  • The industry’s current rules weren’t based on actual testing.
  • Our data shows that nail spacing can be more efficient than codes currently require—without sacrificing safety.
  • This research helps align construction standards with how buildings are really being designed and built today, especially with the growth of panelized construction.

In short, it’s a step toward smarter codes, more efficient design, and safer structures.

A huge thank you to our partners at UCSD and our own M+K team who pushed this forward. This is the kind of work that helps shape the future of building science.

You can read the full article now in the Journal of Building Engineering here.

| Single Family Projects

Bold Design in Bellevue: Structural Design Becomes Home’s Signature Features

In Bellevue, Washington, steep slopes, bold architecture, and high-performance engineering come together in a one-of-a-kind custom home. Every detail—from the elevated garage to the skyline-facing deck—was designed to turn structural challenges into signature features.

The site’s 22-foot grade drop from front-to-back and side-to-side required a highly customized approach. The garage, positioned on the highest of three floors, sits over a tiered crawlspace system with a wood-framed floor supported by dropped beams and isolated piers. This reduced excavation, minimized the size of cantilevered foundation walls, and preserved the site’s natural contours. The raised concrete garage slab added a unique twist—introducing extra weight that factored into the home’s seismic design.

A stepped foundation system demanded precision. Active field oversight ensured each element landed at exactly the right elevation, preventing surcharge or undermining of adjacent foundation walls set at different heights.

            

The rear of the home is a showcase of both engineering and design. Expansive windows, transoms, and a two-story covered deck frame sweeping views of the Seattle skyline. Achieving the lateral stability required for this open, view-driven design—without resorting to costly moment frames—called for creative value engineering.

Inside, architectural showpieces double as structural triumphs. Vaulted Great Room ceilings, a glass-surround wine display, and a sweeping curved staircase each required specialized structural criteria for both performance and precision—right down to reduced deflection tolerances under the wine display.

In the end, every challenge became part of the home’s identity. The result is a residence that not only meets rigorous performance standards but also stands as an example of how thoughtful engineering can elevate exceptional architecture.

| Awards

Mulhern + Kulp Named a 2025 AEC Employer of Choice!

We’re psyched to share that Mulhern + Kulp has been named one of PSMJ’s 2025 AEC Employer of Choice award winners! Out of all the firms surveyed nationwide, we ranked #10 overall — a huge honor and a powerful reflection of our culture, values, and people.

This recognition is based entirely on direct employee feedback across a wide range of factors — including career development, workplace environment, and overall satisfaction.

It’s a testament to the way our people show up every day — curious, committed, collaborative — and to the culture we’ve built together over the past 25 years.

Big thanks to PSMJ Resources for recognizing the heart of who we are. We’ll be officially celebrated at the AEC THRIVE Conference in Chicago this October — and we’ll be celebrating right here at home too.

Congrats, team!