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 Engineeringhere.
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.
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.
We’re excited to share that Zweig Group has once again recognized M+K as one of the Best Firms To Work For in 2025, ranking:
#2 nationally in the Structural Engineering category
#6 among firms with 100–199 employees
That’s a meaningful jump from last year when we ranked #4 in Structural Engineering and #10 in the 50–99 employee category.
Unlike many workplace awards, Zweig’s rankings are based on both a corporate survey and anonymous employee feedback, offering a data-driven snapshot of workplace culture, engagement, and satisfaction. It’s the largest employee survey in the AEC industry, drawing on more than 2 million data points annually.
We’re honored to be included among the top AEC firms nationwide who are building strong, people-focused workplaces. Thank you to our team for helping to shape the culture that earned this recognition!
The 2025 winners will be celebrated this September at the ElevateAEC Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
M+K was invited to join the design team for a distinctive custom home project located in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The client envisioned a modern, single-family residence that would house an extensive art collection while adhering to Passive House standards—minimizing the building’s carbon footprint and optimizing energy efficiency. The goal was to create a living
environment that balanced both the preservation needs of the artwork and the homeowner’s desire for sustainable comfort.
The design called for a 7,300 SF, 2-story modern home atop a precast concrete basement foundation, with large open interior spaces to showcase art. Structural engineering was integral in ensuring that the home’s thermal envelope was as airtight and energy-efficient as possible while still meeting the client’s aesthetic goals. This involved balancing the architect’s vision for large windows, cantilevered elements, and expansive spaces with the need for a stable, code-compliant structure capable of supporting the Passive House standards.
Passive House Engineering Integration
Passive House design presents unique structural engineering challenges—particularly when it comes to minimizing thermal bridging, reducing penetrations in the envelope, and integrating mechanical systems. Our team worked closely with the architect to incorporate deep wood-framed roof and floor trusses into the design. These trusses were specifically designed to accommodate the substantial mechanical systems required for Passive House construction, allowing for clean ceiling lines and avoiding dropped soffits—key to maintaining the sleek, modern aesthetic of the home.
Energy efficiency also introduced a need for meticulous coordination in the structural design to limit thermal envelope penetrations. By focusing on solutions that allowed for continuous insulation and airtightness, our engineers were able to avoid common issues associated with conventional structural designs. Special attention was paid to integration with exterior and interior insulation, as well as optimizing material efficiency in line with sustainability goals.
Interior of elevated living room. Photo credit: Jeffrey Totaro.
Innovative Wall Systems
A notable innovation in the project was the use of specialized, panelized wood-framed walls. These walls were more substantial than those in typical production construction to meet the strict energy performance requirements of Passive House design. Each panel was fabricated offsite using 2×8 studs, with exterior sheathing, insulation, and interior drywall pre-installed. The offsite construction approach required early collaboration between M+K and the panel manufacturer to ensure that load paths, lateral stability, and the structure’s airtightness were maintained before the panels were delivered to the site.
One of the most complex aspects of the project was the large, elevated living room that projected from the main structure. Designed to take advantage of natural light year-round, the space featured floor-to-ceiling glass windows, eliminating the possibility of using conventional shear walls for lateral stability. Our team worked closely with the architect to design a custom 2-story steel
moment frame that met the lateral load requirements while preserving the clean architectural lines. The result was a seamless integration of structure and design, enhancing the modern look without compromising performance.
Conclusion
This project is a prime example of how structural engineering can play a pivotal role in bringing a Passive House vision to life. From minimizing thermal bridging to accommodating unique design elements like large windows and cantilevered structures, M+K helped to engineer a home that not only meets but exceeds the energy-efficient standards of Passive House. The result
is a sustainable, comfortable, and visually striking residence that fully supports the client’s goals of preserving art while reducing environmental impact.
We were honored to contribute to such a transformative project that demonstrates how innovative engineering can enable cutting-edge architectural design while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
We’re thrilled that construction is about to begin on this exciting project in the heart of Nexton, a fast-growing mixed-use community just outside Charleston, SC. Designed in collaboration with Feinberg & Associates, the development includes two buildings—each with four stories of wood-framed residential space over a steel-framed mixed-use podium. From a structural standpoint, this project brought some unique challenges and opportunities to flex our design expertise.
Notable complexities included:
Extensive brick veneer: Over 60 feet of brick cladding on most elevations required careful detailing and coordination.
High wind and seismic demands: Charleston’s unique seismic zone and coastal exposure meant incorporating advanced design considerations to meet stringent code requirements.
This project reflects our ability to tackle complex structural systems while supporting our clients’ vision in dynamic, high-growth regions. “While challenging in many aspects, this project was rewarding to design,” said M+K’s Project Engineer II, Jared S. Hudson. “The design was the product of efficient and creative design within our team as well as frequent collaboration with Feinberg & Associates to ensure the utmost accuracy and detail. I am very much looking forward to the project’s continued progress on site.”
M+K is honored to be the top fundraising team for the Philly House’s Prepare-a-Plate campaign for the second year in a row (going for three!). To mark the occasion, Philly House’s own Alison Murray and Jaqi Todd surprised us with a lunch.
This non-profit’s commitment to serving those facing homelessness is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to stand behind its mission.
Jamie Friling took center stage for the Strong Conversations podcast at the International Builders’ Show, joining host Sam Marcoux live for a deep dive into the biggest trends shaping the home building industry.
From his journey as a structural engineer to the technology transforming the field, Jamie shares insights on how firms can leverage digital solutions to work smarter, scale faster, and stay ahead of the curve.
Big anniversaries deserve big cheers! Victoria Franzen is celebrating 10 years with us, and Jason Bischoff is marking an impressive 20. Their dedication and hard work have shaped Mulhern+Kulp into what it is today. Here’s to their incredible milestones and the impact they’ve made—on the company and all of us. Congrats, Victoria and Jason!
*We all know that Alaska is the 49th state. But for M+K, Alaska is our 50th licensed state…and we couldn’t be more thrilled to say that we’re now licensed in every state in the union.
