Russell Berkowitz has been with Forell | Elsesser since 1999 and is a Principal with 23 years of structural engineering experience. In addition to his project management work, he serves as Lead Analyst for the firm’s most complex structures. Russell’s strength lies in his ability to bring energy, dedication, and personality to his collaborations within a project team.
Russell has a passion for the analysis and design of advanced seismic protection systems. His knowledge of state-of-the-art structural analysis and seismic risk evaluation methodologies is instrumental in keeping Forell | Elsesser at the forefront of advanced seismic design and risk assessment. As Project Manager for the recent seismic rehabilitation of Giannini Hall at UC Berkeley, these qualities were instrumental in optimizing the seismic retrofit design of the geometrically complex structure. Russell’s experience includes new and retrofit design of educational, commercial, institutional, healthcare, and laboratory structures. Russell is a California licensed Structural Engineer and received a Bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley.
His passions outside of the office include training for the infamous Tour of California Death Ride on his bicycle and writing, producing, and performing live music
Professional Associations
- Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), Learning From Earthquakes Team
- Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC): Seismology Committee, Former Chair; Existing Buildings Committee, Former Vice-Chair; Ground Motions Seismology Sub-Committee
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), ASCE 31/41 Document Upgrade Committee
