SADE | Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

  • SADE stands for Structural Analysis and Design Engine.

    • SADE is redefining structural engineering in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

    • SADE is an AI-powered structural engineering service and platform that delivers permit-ready structural drawings, calculations, and reports more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional methods.

    • Our AI-driven end-to-end platform automates much of the design workflow, reducing weeks of manual work to hours.

    • Every output is reviewed and stamped by a licensed professional engineer

    • CAL is a domain-specific, multimodal, agentic AI system for SADE that streamlines code compliance, permit preparation, and design validation. It uses RAG, expert code interpreters (ASCE, ACI, IBC, CBC), and a legal precedence arbitration layer.

    • It processes structured (spreadsheets, BIM data) and unstructured (PDFs, CAD drawings) inputs through a preprocessing pipeline, routes queries via a centralized orchestrator, and uses a single LLM backend to dynamically invoke specialized code interpreters.

    • The legal authority module resolves overlapping regulations to ensure jurisdictional compliance, generating accurate, context-aware outputs—compliance reports, flag summaries, and annotated revisions—making it a powerful AI co-pilot for design documentation, plan-check readiness, and jurisdiction-specific rule adherence.

    • It’s also an homage to Hal from 2001 Space Odyssey & UC Berkeley.

    • Architects & builders who want to eliminate structural bottlenecks and receive structural plans in sync with architectural design.

    • Homeowners working on additions, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), renovations, or new homes, seeking affordable, reliable structural design with fast turnaround.

    • Structural engineers who want to automate repetitive tasks, scale their practice, and focus on high-value engineering rather than manual drafting and calculations.

    • SADE works particularly well for projects such as ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), residential additions, small commercial structures, typical residential framing, and foundation systems. 

    • If your project involves standard structural systems and typical permit workflows, SADE is optimized to deliver permit-ready structural drawings, calculations, and reports quickly.

Workflow & Delivery

    • Depending on project complexity and the completeness of your architectural drawings

      • SADE can deliver permit-ready structural drawings and reports in as little as 3 days, with a typical turnaround time of 1 week for standard residential work. 

      • SADE is much faster compared to traditional timelines, where engineering alone may take multiple weeks. (sade.onl)

  • Because SADE automates much of the workflow, costs are significantly lower than traditional structural engineering in many cases. 

    • For example, for an ADU project, your site shows a comparison: “Traditional structural engineer ~$4,000 and 1 month wait” vs. “SADE AI-powered services ~$2,000 and as fast as 3 days”. (sade.onl) 

    • Final pricing will depend on scope, location, structural complexity, and permitting jurisdiction.

    • You will need to provide your architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections), or design intent drawings, any geotechnical or soil reports required, existing structure information (for additions/renovations), and any local jurisdiction requirements or special conditions (seismic zone, snow load, wind load, etc.). 

    • The more complete your input, the faster SADE can deliver.

  • You will receive:

    • Full structural drawings stamped by a licensed professional engineer (PE), ready for permit submission.

    • A structural report summarizing design assumptions, calculations, and code references applicable to building codes and jurisdictional requirements.

    • Supporting data and documentation that architects, builders, and permitting agencies can review.

      • Coming soon: A completeness/readiness report aligned with jurisdiction to submit/hand-off the structural package with confidence. 

    • Yes. SADE’s platform is built to support compliance with applicable building codes (IBC, ASCE, local amendments), structural loads (seismic, wind, snow), and typical permit workflows. 

    • Each project is reviewed and stamped by a licensed engineer familiar with local jurisdiction requirements, helping ensure the output is “permit-ready.”

    • SADE primarily serves clients where its platform is enabled; contact SADE  with your project address or jurisdiction to confirm. 

    • Because building codes and permitting requirements vary by city and county, SADE evaluates each project to assess eligibility. 

    • (If your jurisdiction has highly unusual or custom engineering requirements, SADE will advise whether the platform currently supports that customization; if not, SADE could take it on as a special case, or a traditional engineer is more suitable.)

    • A licensed professional engineer reviews every project, stamps the drawings, and reports.

    • The SADE platform is a proprietary AI-driven pipeline to streamline repetitive work and reduce manual errors.

    • The SADE process includes automated checks for loads, member sizing, code citations, and member schedules—all aligned with the licensed engineer review.

    • The result: faster delivery and exceptional quality that meets permit submission standards.

  • SADE supports revision workflows: 

    • If your architectural plans change after structural design begins, you can submit updated drawings, and SADE will update the structural design and drawings accordingly. Revision fees and timelines will depend on the scope of change; early engagement of SADE helps minimize additional revisions.

    • Yes—you can choose a “calculations-only” workflow if your permit jurisdiction allows engineer-sealed calculations without full drawings. 

    • However, SADE’s standard offering includes complete drawings & calculations & reports, which simplifies permitting and reduces the risk of extra iterations with the building department.

Comparisons & Advantages

    • Speed: SADE’s AI-enabled workflow significantly shortens the workflow by 70%.

    • Cost: Automation reduces manual hours, lowering overall cost.

    • Clarity: Deliverables are streamlined, standardized, and often optimized for permitting.

    • Risk reduction: A licensed engineer reviews and stamps, and traceable design assumptions, making it comparable to traditional engineering.

    • SADE is laser-focused on structural engineering, not multiple trades, allowing for deep specialization and faster turnaround for structural design.

    • SADE emphasizes permit-readiness: drawings & calculations & a Professional Engineer stamp rather than simply outputting a design option.

    • The SADE platform caters to architects, builders, and homeowners as well as structural engineers, offering both full-service structural design and an automation platform for engineers.

    • SADE targets standard residential /ADU+ workflows, delivering clear metrics (e.g., “half the cost”, “as fast as 3 days” for typical projects), a predictable and straightforward model for clients. (sade.onl)

Customer Success

    • If your project involves: significantly large spans, highly unusual structural systems (e.g., exotic materials), ultra-high seismic zones without precedent, or bespoke industrial/commercial facilities, SADE will assess and may recommend engaging a traditional structural engineering firm (or a hybrid workflow). 

    • Ultimately, the goal is to ensure your project is delivered to the right standard and avoid compromising the timeline or compliance requirements.

    1. Submit your architectural drawings and project information, including the site address, geotech if available, and project type.

    2. SADE reviews your input and confirms eligibility & quote.

    3. Upon approval, SADE’s AI-pipeline generates initial calculations/drawings; licensed PE reviews and stamps.

    4. You receive deliverables (drawings, reports, calculations).

    5. Submit to the permitting authority; SADE can assist with revision if required.

    6. If revisions are needed post-submission, you provide updated input, and SADE handles updates (per revision-fee terms).

    • SADE delivers permit-submission-ready drawings and reports. 

    • Should your jurisdiction issue comments or require resubmittal, SADE may support project revision workflows. 

    • For major permitting advocacy (meeting with building officials, responding to detailed code‐analysis queries), SADE may refer to partner engineers or coordinate additional services.

    • Payment details (deposit, milestone, final delivery) will be provided in the quote for your specific project. 

    • Because delivery timelines are accelerated, payment is typically structured around project start and delivery milestones. 

    • Contact SADE for your quote.

    • All project data and uploaded drawings are handled according to SADE’s data privacy and security protocols.

    • Your intellectual property remains yours. 

    • SADE may (with consent) anonymize and aggregate project metrics (e.g., “average turn-time”) to improve the platform, without identifying your project or disclosing your plans without your explicit permission.

    • Visit the SADE website, go to “Services & Pricing” or “Product”, fill out the project submission form with your architectural drawings and project info. 

    • A SADE representative will follow up on eligibility, a quote, and any next steps.