Company History Timeline

CSD was incorporated as Computerized Structural Design when two local professors, Don Buettner (President) and LeRoy Lutz (Vice-President), working at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, decided to leave the world of academia and return to the professional practice of structural engineering.

CSD continued serving architectural projects through the late 1980s, when the firm transitioned to focus on the industrial, construction and manufacturing markets it primarily serves today.

Jim Fisher brings a balance of academic excellence, practical engineering experience, and a memorable personality to the new firm.

Located north of Milwaukee to accommodate continued growth. With remodeled offices and an expanded footprint, CSD is still located here today.

A personal friendship between CSD partner Leroy Lutz and the owner of Super Sky Products, formed in a bowling league, grows into a business relationship between two companies that continues to this day.

Jim Fisher‘s industrial involvement and personal relationships lead to CSD’s first projects with Nucor Steel, beginning the metals industry work that remains a large portion of CSD’s services today.

with an eye towards future growth and strengthening client relationships.

Curt Miller provides engineering for CSD’s first rack structure, leading to a relationship with Broad Rack Structures / Indiana Bridge which continues today.

 CSD partner Leroy Lutz provides services to wastewater equipment manufacturer Envirex, including developing software to automate the design process. CSD President Mahmoud Maamouri continued this relationship and expanded these services to many other equipment manufacturers.

CSD’s connection design work begins with its first major project, the Washington D.C. Convention Center. This service area has grown significantly and remains a core part of CSD’s business today.

CSD designs a paint shop for Nissan in Mississippi as the first of many large scale projects in the automotive industry.

Tom Whittow, one of CSD’s leaders in the mill industry, becomes CSD President when Don Buettner retires after 37 years. Serving a brief tenure until passing away unexpectedly in 2010, Tom’s integrity, practical approach to projects, and responsiveness to clients is still evident throughout CSD.

Curt Miller becomes CSD’s third president. An expert in the analysis and design of rack supported buildings, Curt’s tenure as president was highlighted by nearly single-handedly maintaining CSD’s rack structures segment while also attending to duties as company president.

CSD leverages years of construction engineering experience to expand into large-scale, complex projects. This work continues to grow across a broad range of clients and project types.

During Mike Ryer’s time as President, he oversaw changes to CSD’s administrative practices, development of a strong intern program, and many other functions which provided the necessary environment for significant growth. 

CSD designs the Blue Origin Integration Facility with Turner Construction, marking the firm’s entry into the private space industry. This pioneering work leads to ongoing relationships and projects today.

CSD celebrates its 50th anniversary, commemorating five decades of structural engineering excellence. Since 1968, the firm has grown from its academic roots to become a nationally-recognized leader, maintaining the founding principles of expertise, responsiveness, and excellence that continue to guide every project.

Drawing on our expertise from authoring AISC Design Guide 34, CSD expands miscellaneous metals design services to fabricators and erectors, including a major stair project for the Raiders’ stadium in Las Vegas.

CSD designs the new Aluminum Dynamics facility in Mississippi, building on nearly 40 years of expertise in the steel producing industry.

Mahmoud Maamouri has led numerous projects across various sectors of our business, and has shared his expertise through technical lecturing and publications, and as a college instructor. His expertise and a commitment to excellence will continue to grow CSD’s reputation as a leader in the industry.