Brent Blackman SE

Senior Structural Engineering Partner

Brent Blackman brings more than 30 years of structural engineering experience to DSE Experts. As President of a prestigious engineering firm based in El Segundo, California, Brent has built a career focused on delivering efficient, sustainable structural solutions that are closely aligned with architectural vision. He is known for his hands-on approach, staying involved in every phase of a project from initial design through construction completion — a method that consistently helps reduce costs and improve project schedules for clients.

Throughout his career, Brent has worked on a wide range of complex projects, including seismic evaluations and retrofits, structural upgrades for creative office campuses, entertainment industry facilities, and major university buildings. His project portfolio includes notable clients across Los Angeles, Burbank, and Culver City, and his work has involved both new construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures.

Brent’s background also includes significant forensic engineering work, where he has been retained to investigate structural failures and assess seismic risk. His ability to diagnose issues and present clear, defensible findings has made him a valuable asset in litigation and expert witness settings, particularly for seismic risk assessments, retrofit design evaluations, and structural system failures.

He holds a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina. Brent is a licensed Structural Engineer in California, Arizona, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, as well as a licensed Civil Engineer in California. He is a LEED® Accredited Professional and a founding member of the U.S. Resiliency Council. His professional affiliations include the Structural Engineers Association of California, the American Institute of Steel Construction, and the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.

At DSE Experts, Brent strengthens our ability to provide thorough structural evaluations and expert testimony on a broad range of engineering issues, especially those involving seismic performance and building resilience.