An interview with CJ Starke, PE, Project Manager, Structural Engineering
As WT Group continues to expand its footprint across Florida, the firm is delivering innovative engineering solutions that address the region’s unique environmental challenges, especially those found in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). From designing resilient structures to navigating complex code requirements, WT Group’s teams are helping businesses and communities build smarter, safer, and stronger for the future.
In this Q&A, CJ Starke, PE, Project Manager in Structural Engineering, shares his insights from the Ocean Bank canopy replacement project near Miami International Airport and discusses how WT Group approaches projects in one of the most demanding design environments in the country.
CJ:
In high-velocity hurricane zones, wind loading almost always governs the structural design. These regions are subject to some of the most intense wind forces in the country, so our planning starts with understanding how to manage large uplift and lateral loads that can occur during hurricane events.
At Ocean Bank, for example, we selected a spaceframe canopy system specifically because it offers redundancy and resilience, which are two essential characteristics when dealing with hurricane-force winds. This type of system distributes forces across multiple members, meaning that if one component is compromised, others continue to carry the load. That built-in flexibility helps the structure better resist cyclic loading and fatigue over time.
It’s a balance of engineering precision and real-world practicality. We’re not just designing to meet code. We’re designing for long-term performance and safety in an environment where nature tests every connection.
CJ:
Designing in HVHZ areas requires close coordination across multiple parties. The Florida Building Code (FBC) sets the framework for how we approach structural design in these regions, and every stakeholder has a defined role in ensuring compliance.
As engineers, we start by designing to meet or exceed the FBC’s wind load and impact resistance criteria. Then, the city’s building department reviews our permit drawings and calculations to verify that our designs align with those standards. During construction, inspectors and third-party reviewers play a crucial role by checking that the contractor’s work follows the approved design documents and building code requirements.
It’s a collaborative process that ensures accountability from start to finish. Each phase, from design to construction to inspection, is part of a system designed to protect the community and safeguard property in one of the country’s most hurricane-prone regions.
CJ:
To design structural systems in Florida, an engineer must be licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Achieving that requires graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program, gaining at least four years of professional experience, and passing both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams.
Beyond licensure, Florida also mandates completion of the Advanced Florida Building Code Course before an engineer can design any building or structure covered by the FBC. This training ensures that engineers stay up to date on the state’s specialized codes, which differ significantly from those in other regions due to the extreme environmental conditions here.
It’s a rigorous process, but it’s designed that way for a reason: public safety depends on it. Engineers working in Florida need to combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of how the local climate and code requirements intersect.
From coastal banks to inland commercial developments, WT Group’s Structural Engineering team helps clients throughout Florida design with confidence by balancing innovation, compliance, and safety in every project. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of HVHZ design or coordinating with local agencies, our engineers bring deep technical expertise and hands-on experience to every challenge.
Learn more about how WT Group’s Structural Engineering team supports clients across Florida: Contact Us
