Our Philosophy
What is so different about DeStefano & Chamberlain, Inc.? EVERYTHING! Working with us is a unique experience — we are not your average structural engineering firm. Our philosophy, design approach, and style are conspiculously different from that of our colleagues.
Our founder and President, Jim DeStefano, has been described as brilliant, bold and direct. He has also been described as the Engineer’s Engineer and is a recognized leader in the structural engineering profession.
Quality
At DeStefano & Chamberlain, quality is not just a slogan, it is an obsession. Our management style was inspired by the teachings of Edward Deming, the guru of Quality Management. We continuously strive to improve the quality of our service and of our work.
Design
Our structures are simple but elegant. It is easy to design an overly complicated structure, but takes creativity and ingenuity to arrive at a simple solution to a complex design challenge. Simplicity in design translates into structures which are efficient, cost effective, and buildable.
Architecture & Engineering
At DeStefano & Chamberlain, the line between Architecture and Engineering is blurred. Our expertise is not limited to structural engineering, but also includes architectural technology, construction and building science. Our understanding of building science, cladding systems, waterproofing, fire protection and building codes allows us to better integrate the building structure with the architecture.
Form Follows Function
We are noted for our architecturally exposed structures. While form follows function was once a driving force in Architecture, during the dark era of post-modernism, building structures retreated behind the curtain of architectural ornamentation. Today, architecture is emerging from the shadows into an enlightened world where building structure is once again celebrated. Exposed timber structures are an opportunity for us to express our structural art as part of a building’s architecture.
Fees
Our projects have historically had lower construction cost and fewer Change Orders than projects designed by firms charging more competitive fees. Our fees are higher than those of our colleagues, but the investment in our services is often the best spent money on a project. That is one of the reasons why we have a dedicated core of repeat clients.
Are We Having Fun Yet?
Designing a building and watching it being built should be an exciting and exhilarating experience. All too often in today’s world, building projects turn into projects from hell. At DeStefano & Chamberlain, we believe that if you take pride in your work and work as a team with the other design professionals and contractors, you can avoid the hellish experiences and building a building can be fun again.
Quality
At DeStefano & Chamberlain, quality is not just a slogan, it is an obsession. Our management style was inspired by the teachings of Edward Deming, the guru of Quality Management. We continuously strive to improve the quality of our service and of our work.
Design
Our structures are simple but elegant. It is easy to design an overly complicated structure, but it takes creativity and ingenuity to arrive at a simple solution to a complex design challenge. Simplicity in design translates into structures which are efficient, cost effective, and buildable.
Architecture & Engineering
At DeStefano & Chamberlain, the line between Architecture and Engineering is blurred. Our expertise is not limited to structural engineering, but also includes architectural technology, construction and building science. Our understanding of building science, cladding systems, waterproofing, fire protection and building codes allows us to better integrate the building structure with the architecture.
Form Follows Function
We are noted for our architecturally exposed structures. While form follows function was once a driving force in Architecture, during the dark era of post-modernism, building structures retreated behind the curtain of architectural ornamentation. Today, architecture is emerging from the shadows into an enlightened world where building structure is once again celebrated. Exposed timber structures are an opportunity for us to express our structural art as part of a building’s architecture.
Fees
Our fees are higher than those of our colleagues, but the investment in our services is often the best spent money on a project. Our projects have historically had lower construction cost and fewer Change Orders than projects designed by firms charging more competitive fees. That is one of the reasons why we have a dedicated core of repeat clients.
Are We Having Fun Yet?
Designing a building and watching it being built should be an exciting and exhilarating experience. All too often in today’s world, building projects turn into projects from hell. At DeStefano & Chamberlain, we believe that if you take pride in your work and work as a team with the other design professionals and contractors, you can avoid the hellish experiences and building a building can be great again.
50 Thorpe Street
Fairfield, CT 06824-5725
(203) 254-7131
