Who we are
Saunders Seismic is a trusted solutions partner delivering seismic retrofitting and structural repair services for commercial property stakeholders in the western U.S.
We're not just fixing buildings–we're protecting investments, ensuring safety, and building relationships based on integrity and experience.
OUR STORY
Founded in 1979 as a general contractor, Saunders completed Los Angeles’ first-ever commercial seismic retrofit by 1984. Since then, we’ve completed more than 2,000 retrofit and repair projects, earning a reputation for doing the job right the first time.
For industrial and commercial property stakeholders seeking structural resilience, Saunders Seismic is the trusted partner that delivers retrofit and repair solutions with integrity, clarity, and care.
With Saunders, you don’t just get a seismic retrofit. You get the Saunders Retrofit—a streamlined, reliable process that minimizes disruption, maximizes safety, and gives you peace of mind from start to finish.
What Sets Saunders Apart
A proven process, experienced crews, and clear communication—designed to make your retrofit or repair easier from start to finish.
Built on Experience
We’ve specialized in industrial and commercial retrofits for over 40 years.
Our seasoned team knows how to solve problems before they happen.
Accurate, Detailed Estimates
Our technical estimating tools deliver precise bids, so you know what to expect before construction begins.
Skilled, In-House Crews
Our veteran craftsmen lead every project. We don’t outsource the work—we take pride in it.
Minimal Tenant Disruption
We keep your building safe and your operations running, often working in phases or off-hours to reduce interference.
Clear Communication
You’ll get regular updates, weekly progress reports, and a responsive team ready to answer your questions.
Early Cost Input
Our project budgeting services help align scope with owner expectations and ensure financial feasibility from the start.
Value-Focused Engineering
We collaborate with top engineers to eliminate waste, streamline designs, and avoid unnecessary scope.
Proven Track Record
We’ve successfully completed every project we’ve taken on since 1979.
Built on Experience
We’ve specialized in industrial and commercial retrofits for over 40 years.
Our seasoned team knows how to solve problems before they happen.
Accurate, Detailed Estimates
Our technical estimating tools deliver precise bids, so you know what to expect before construction begins.
Skilled, In-House Crews
Our veteran craftsmen lead every project. We don’t outsource the work—we take pride in it.
Minimal Tenant Disruption
We keep your building safe and your operations running, often working in phases or off-hours to reduce interference.
Clear Communication
You’ll get regular updates, weekly progress reports, and a responsive team ready to answer your questions.
Value-Focused Engineering
Our project budgeting services help align scope with owner expectations and ensure financial feasibility from the start.
Proven Track Record
We’ve successfully completed every project we’ve taken on since 1979.
Seismic Retrofit and Structural Repair Services Across the Western U.S.
Earthquake risk doesn’t stop at state lines—and neither do we. Saunders Seismic helps commercial, industrial, and multifamily property owners strengthen their buildings in some of the most seismically active regions in the country.
Whether you’re in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, or Utah, we bring decades of retrofit expertise and in-house construction capabilities to every project.
Don’t see your area? We likely work there too. Contact us to confirm service availability.
Built on Experience and Trust
Our leadership and project management team is built on experience, trust, and long-term commitment. With in-house trained crews and dedicated employees who have been with us for years, we bring consistency and reliability to every project. Our expertise in managing retrofit work within occupied and sensitive spaces ensures projects are completed with precision, care, and minimal disruption.
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NICOLAS DEL VILLAR
President
As President of Saunders Construction, Nick provides strategic oversight and hands-on
leadership for seismic retrofit and structural repair projects across the western U.S. Since taking
on the role in 2016, he has guided the company through continued growth while maintaining its
reputation for safety, reliability, and client-focused service.
With a background in end-to-end project management, Nick excels at turning complex retrofit
needs into streamlined, well-coordinated execution plans. His skill set spans project initiation,
governance, planning, and communication—ensuring every project begins with clear
expectations and proceeds with minimal disruption to tenants or operations.
He works closely with field teams, subcontractors, engineers, and property stakeholders to
keep construction efforts aligned with scope, schedule, and budget. From early planning to final
walk-throughs, Nick brings structure, accountability, and a proactive problem-solving approach
to every stage of the process.
His leadership continues to strengthen client partnerships and drive successful outcomes for
commercial and industrial retrofit projects across the region.
EDWARD ROBLES
VP Operations
Edward’s career at Saunders Construction began in 1996 as an installer, and over the years he
worked his way up to Vice President of Operations. That hands-on experience laid the
foundation for the leadership role he holds today, overseeing seismic retrofit and structural
repair projects across the Western U.S. Along the way, he helped establish the company’s field
operations and personally trained every superintendent who has served under his guidance.
Edward’s responsibilities span estimating, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, and permit
tracking, but his influence goes beyond logistics. He focuses on clear communication, proactive
problem-solving, and setting realistic expectations—helping owners, property managers,
engineers, and tenants navigate projects with confidence.
From bid award to job completion, Edward manages start dates, manpower, tenant access,
contracts, and scope clarifications. He addresses RFIs, change orders, and subcontractor
challenges quickly, keeping projects on schedule and minimizing disruption. His hands-on
oversight ensures work is carried out according to plan, safely and efficiently.
Respected for his honesty, responsiveness, and ability to think outside the box, Edward
continues to bring stability and accountability to every project. His leadership strengthens client
relationships while reinforcing Saunders Seismic’s reputation for reliable, cost-effective
delivery.
RICK DADAMO
Senior Estimator
Rick has been a cornerstone of Saunders Construction since 2008, bringing more than 50 years
of experience in the construction industry to his role as Senior Estimator. He specializes in
preparing competitive, cost-effective proposals for commercial seismic retrofits and structural
repairs, drawing on decades of field knowledge to provide accurate budgets and clear
expectations for every project.
From the earliest stages, Rick reviews plans, conducts site visits, and coordinates with material
suppliers and subcontractors to clarify scope and identify value-engineering opportunities. His
focus is on delivering proposals that balance cost efficiency with the high quality and schedule
control Saunders is known for.
Once projects move from bid to execution, Rick stays closely involved to ensure a smooth
transition. He monitors schedules, resolves unanswered RFIs, and works with engineers,
owners, and property managers to keep progress on track. By addressing potential issues early,
he helps avoid costly delays and disruptions for tenants and stakeholders.
Known for his steady follow-through and practical problem-solving, Rick continues to
strengthen client trust and company performance through his commitment to accuracy,
collaboration, and long-term results.
DAVID ARIAS
Project Manager
Since joining Saunders Seismic in 2002, David has built a reputation for managing complex
projects with precision and care. As Project Manager, he oversees seismic retrofits and
structural repair work for commercial and industrial properties, including soft-story and
unreinforced masonry (URM) retrofits.
David’s role spans the entire project lifecycle—estimating, scheduling, budgeting, and tracking
permits—while keeping communication open with clients, engineers, tenants, and ownership
teams. From the first contract review to the pre-construction meeting, he ensures every detail
is addressed so projects begin on solid footing.
Known for his responsiveness and problem-solving skills, David frequently tackles challenges
such as RFIs, change orders, and field obstructions with a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
His focus on safety, clear communication, and staying on schedule helps minimize disruption
and build confidence among all stakeholders.
With more than two decades at Saunders, David continues to bring experience, accountability,
and hands-on leadership to retrofit and repair projects across the western U.S.
STEVEN SAUNDERS
Founder & CEO
Steven began his construction career at 16, working as a carpenter and framer. He later moved
into remodeling and finish carpentry before turning his focus to commercial and industrial
projects. In 1979, he founded Saunders Construction Inc. Just four years later, he completed Los
Angeles’ first seismic retrofit of an unreinforced masonry (URM) building—an effort that helped
shape the city’s Division 88 code and marked the start of the company’s focus on seismic
safety.
Today, Steven leads a team that specializes in seismic retrofitting and structural repairs for soft-
story, commercial, and industrial buildings. His project history spans custom homes,
government contracts, supermarket remodels, retail developments, mixed-use housing, and
historical structures—many of them occupied during construction.
Steven has developed field-tested systems that improve coordination between owners,
contractors, engineers, and consultants. His approach ensures that projects run smoothly, with
clear communication, accurate budgets, and minimal disruption.
With decades of experience and a strong reputation in the field, Steven continues to guide the
company with a focus on safety, integrity, and long-term performance.
Join Our Team
We’re always looking for dedicated, skilled professionals to grow with us. At Saunders Seismic, you’ll be part of a trusted team committed to quality, integrity, and lasting relationships.
FAQ
Every project is different, but some questions come up again and again. Here are straightforward answers to help guide your planning.
Visit our full FAQ page for additional answers.
Your budget covers more than just materials and labor. We factor in engineering collaboration, permits, deputy inspection fees, state taxes (for Washington projects), testing, tenant coordination, and the logistical considerations for commercial and industrial sites.
View our budget worksheet here.
The purpose of the budget determines the approach. For example, loan applications often require conservative numbers, while conceptual planning may allow for more flexible estimates. We also account for engineering variations and unknown conditions, which can affect the scope.
Offering low, medium, and high ranges gives you a realistic planning window.
Yes. While we aren’t engineers ourselves, we work with experienced structural engineers who specialize in seismic retrofits to ensure your budget reflects realistic retrofit and repair designs. Choosing the right engineer for your project is crucial to keeping your budget on track. Whenever possible, contact us before you engage an engineer. We can connect you with trusted professionals to develop the final plans.
SEL (Scenario Expected Loss) and SUL (Scenario Upper Loss) guide retrofit scope and cost. Most commercial budgets use these standards unless higher safety requirements apply, such as for public assembly buildings..