Enhancing Construction Engineering Through a Hands-On Approach

Get the Intel

Mike Bratten is the President of AXIS Structural, a full-service engineering consulting firm in South Central Texas. A professional structural engineer with expertise in design and materials testing, Mike's experience spans multistory buildings using concrete tilt-wall, structural steel, CMU, wood frame, and pre-engineered metal buildings. Before venturing into structural design, Mike worked as a project manager in the construction materials testing industry, gaining valuable experience in typical methods used in building structures. At AXIS, he leads a 13-member team, including drafting technicians, graduate engineers, and other professional engineers. His responsive, proactive, and hands-on approach to projects has earned accolades, including being named a SABJ 40 Under 40.

In this episode…

In the complex world of construction project management, recognizing that each participant — architects, engineers, contractors — has a distinct perspective is crucial. While specialized knowledge in their respective fields is essential, particularly for large and complex projects, an even more critical element is understanding how all these specialized roles interweave to bring the project to life.

Structural Engineer Mike Bratten stresses the primary role of collaboration, particularly between architects and engineers, for successful building projects. He highlights the growing recognition of involving engineers early in the design process to consider factors like function, efficiency, structure, and technical limitations. Further, preferences for building types, such as retail or multistory offices, can impact material choices (concrete vs. steel) and facade complexity. So, engineers must carefully balance design preferences with safety and practicality, paying close attention to detail.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill hosts Mike Bratten, the President of AXIS Structural, to discuss the intricacies of structural engineering and construction management. Mike highlights the importance of understanding architects' ideas and taking a hands-on approach for effective project execution. He also reflects on construction engineering in Texas and why project managers should build relationships with local manufacturers.