Sten Engineering: ADU Design and Structural Engineering in Los Angeles
Sten Engineering is a Los Angeles-based firm that brings together engineers, designers, architects, project managers, and general contractors to deliver a range of construction and engineering services across Southern California. The company has built its reputation through a combination of technical expertise and a hands-on approach to each project they take on.
One of their core areas of focus is the design and planning of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). As an experienced ADU contractor and engineering firm, Sten Engineering works with property owners who want to add functional living space to their existing properties. Whether the goal is a detached ADU, a garage conversion, an in-law suite, or a backyard cottage, the team approaches each project with attention to local regulations and the specific needs of the client.
Their ADU work covers both the architectural and structural engineering sides of the process. This means clients can work with a single firm rather than coordinating between multiple separate parties. Sten Engineering handles structural plans, collaborates with architects, and guides clients through the city approval and permitting process — which can often involve multiple rounds of corrections and revisions.
Engineering Expertise Behind Every Project
The firm was founded by Evgeny Nagovitsyn, M.Sc., P.E., who holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Land Use Planning and Management Development and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California.
Evgeny brings more than ten years of professional experience to the firm, including work as a land surveyor in the Russian Federation and as a civil and structural engineer in Los Angeles. His background spans masonry, timber, structural steel, and reinforced concrete design, as well as shop drawing review and collaboration with architects and MEP engineers.
This technical foundation is central to how Sten Engineering approaches accessory dwelling unit projects. Structural integrity, code compliance, and practical space planning are all considered throughout the design process.
ADU Services Tailored to the Los Angeles Market
Los Angeles has specific zoning rules and building codes that affect how ADUs can be designed and built. Sten Engineering's familiarity with these local requirements means they can help clients navigate the process more efficiently. Their services are relevant to a range of ADU types, including:
- Detached ADU builder services for standalone backyard units
- Garage conversion contractor work for converting existing structures
- JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) planning within existing home footprints
- Granny flat and Casita design for multigenerational living
- Structural engineering plans required for city permits
The firm provides cost estimates and maintains open communication with clients throughout the project. Each project is treated individually, with pricing and scope adjusted to fit the client's budget and goals. Sten Engineering does not apply a one-size-fits-all approach — the specifics of each property and each client's needs shape how the work is carried out.
For property owners in the Los Angeles area looking for an ADU builder with a solid engineering background and experience working within the city's permitting system, Sten Engineering offers a practical and technically grounded option.
