Our team is ready to provide swift, reliable support to help parking structure owners stay compliant and safe. Our responsive QPSI-led team is here to make navigating the Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) process easy and stress-free.
Who is a QPSI? What do they help with?
A Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) is a Professional Engineer who meets specific experience and qualifications defined by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). QPSIs are authorized to inspect parking structures, assess their condition, and ensure compliance with Local Law 126 and RCNY §103-13. Certified by the NYC DOB, these professionals perform structural inspections and complete the required filings for the Parking Structure Inspection Program (PIPS).
While many engineers may be experienced with both designing and assessing various parking structures across the country, the QPSI certification from the City of New York requires local professionals to submit documentation of at least three years of experience in structural design, design of structural repairs, inspection and structural evaluation, and forensic structural engineering assessments. It also requires approval of comprehensive documentation, including professional work experience, project samples, and successful completion of an interview with the DOB’s Parking Structures Unit demonstrating their extensive understanding of various parking garage construction types, testing, and repair.
Walker’s QPSI is Your Guide
Ibrahim Erdem, PhD, PE, QPSI is the Director of Forensics, Restoration, and Building Envelope Services in Walker’s New York office. For over 20 years, Ibrahim has specialized in evaluation, failure investigation, and repair of structures. He was also New York City’s first DOB-certified QPSI.
The History of the Parking Structure Inspection Safety Program
In 2022, the Department of Buildings introduced the PIPS program as part of Local Law 126 in order to protect the public health and safety from the risks of aging parking structures in New York City often impacted by deferred maintenance.
The first PIPS cycle is currently ongoing and mandates the examination of parking structures in all five boroughs, including classifying them as either “Safe,” “Safe with Repairs and Engineering Monitoring (SREM),” or “Unsafe.” Parking garages are subdivided into subcycles as follows:
Exceptional Client Responsiveness on Critical Life Safety Issues
Our QPSI, together with our team of specialized structural engineers, offers technical expertise to assist with projects that may arise from a New York City PIPS filing:
- Immediate repair design and protection recommendations to address unsafe conditions in parking structures per NYC DOB requirements.
- Repair prioritization and parking structure feasibility and phasing studies.
- Relevant non-destructive testing, probing, coordination of laboratory testing, and structural analysis.
- Bidding and construction administration services.
For a comprehensive understanding of PIPS requirements and their impact on your parking structures, visit our detailed PIPS page.
For property owners, managers, and garage operators, safeguarding the structural integrity and compliance of your parking garages is paramount. By partnering with Walker’s QPSI-led team, you gain more than just compliance assurance—you receive a strategic ally dedicated to the longevity and safety of your property portfolio. Let our expertise in parking structures enhance your management strategy, supporting every aspect of your parking garage maintenance program so that it is not only code compliant but also optimized for future resilience and efficiency.