By Design: Stories From The West Hartford Design District
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Paul (left) and Carl Cianci. Courtesy photo
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Cianci Engineering: A Legacy of Precision, Problem-Solving, and Family Roots
By Irene O’Connor, Linked Media
In the heart of West Hartford’s Design District on Hurlbut Street, Cianci Engineering is a third-generation, family-owned consulting structural engineering firm with deep local roots and a strong regional footprint. From residential renovations to complex forensic investigations, the company mixes tradition with technical innovation to deliver structural solutions across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
A Family Legacy Built on Engineering Excellence
The predecessor firm to Cianci Engineering (Mayo & Cianci PC) was originally co-founded in 1973 by Paul S. Cianci whose commitment to structural integrity and community values laid the groundwork for what the company is today. Now under the leadership of his son, Carl, and grandson, Paul, the firm continues to uphold its founding values while expanding its services.
“Running a business has its challenges,” Paul Cianci says. “But there’s nothing like going through them with your family. I can always count on my father, and we go the extra mile for each other.”
Paul and Carl both grew up in West Hartford and are proud graduates of Hall High School – Carl in 1978 and Paul in 2004. That hometown connection plays a large part in their mission to serve the community with honesty, accountability, and precision.
Paul Cianci in his office with his son and his father, Carl. Courtesy photo
From Blueprints to Real-World Solutions
Paul joined the family firm in 2015 after spending six years at a nationally recognized engineering firm. With degrees in Civil Engineering from Villanova University, he brought with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for structural problem-solving. Paul has played a key role in the investigation and design of numerous structures across a wide range of building types and uses.
As Vice President, Paul now coordinates projects and manages a team of seven, including project and staff engineers, CAD operators, and administrative support. Whether it’s assessing a load-bearing wall in a kitchen renovation or evaluating damage from a major storm, Paul enjoys the challenge.
Paul says, “Solving problems for others in need is very rewarding at the end of the day.”
Engineering at the Crossroads of Design and Safety
Cianci Engineering works in both the residential and commercial design, with about half its projects in each. Recently, the residential side has grown significantly. With rising interest rates, many homeowners are choosing to stay in their homes and renovate – expanding kitchens, adding home offices, or building new additions.
The firm often partners with developers, architects, kitchen designers, and builders to assess structural concerns in early design stages. Whether it’s removing a wall or adding a kitchen island that requires reinforcement in the basement, Cianci Engineering ensures the design doesn’t compromise the structure.
“There’s a science to it,” Paul says. “Are we adding weight? Do we need to reinforce beams? These are the questions we help answer.”
When Disaster Strikes: Forensic Engineering & Expert Testimony
Beyond design, Cianci Engineering is widely recognized for its forensic engineering work. They are often called in after a fire or if a vehicle hits a building to determine exactly what happened with the structure. The firm also offers expert witness services in legal cases.
Their expertise was especially vital in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene and Superstorm Sandy. The Cianci team was on the ground evaluating buildings for structural damage, helping determine whether properties were total losses or candidates for restoration. They’ve also handled collapses caused by heavy snow loads and worked with insurance teams to bring properties back to their original condition, all while navigating changing building codes.
Looking to the Future
Cianci Engineering is rooted in tradition. Paul remembers being in the office with his dad Carl, looking at blueprints and learning about construction. Cianci Engineering continues to evolve. And with Paul’s young children now showing the same curiosity for construction and blueprints that he did growing up, the fourth generation may not be far behind. Learn more about this family-owned local consulting business at www.cianciengineering.com.
In addition to his work at Cianci Engineering, LLC, Paul is also a co-founder of Seal Pact, an engineering tech startup, that helps design professionals digitize their seals. A seal shows that a licensed engineer did the work. You can learn more about Seal Pact at www.sealpact.com.
IN OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND THE DESIGN DISTRICT:
A great golf tournament is coming up later this summer! The 2025 Futures Inc. Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 2, 2025, at the Country Club of Waterbury, one of the state’s most prestigious golf clubs, starting at 11 a.m. All proceeds go to supporting Futures Inc.’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities.
Click here to buy tickets: Futures Inc. Fundraising Golf Tournament – Futures Inc. or call 860-347-5099.
Courtesy image
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