Rob Houser is perhaps one of the most experienced structural engineers in the region. He has taken notes and talked to professionals and tradespeople on commercial, industrial and residential job sites since shortly after growing his first beard.

After growing up in Kingsport, Tenn., Rob joined Bender & Associates as an intern in 1985 and has been designing structural solutions for all manner of buildings, from new construction to remodels, re-fits and historical preservations. Results of his work stand throughout Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.
 

In Rob’s four-plus decades in the field, he has tackled as many varied projects as you can imagine. He has expertise in myriad construction materials and their uses and with his background in architecture, he has a unique understanding of his clients’ and designers’ intentions. He is an industry leader and is highly regarded for his expertise and creative solutions to engineering challenges.
 

That creativeness shines in his work with architects and designers who like to push the envelope of traditional construction. His years of experience have given him creative ways of solving complex engineering projects. 
 

Clients frequently call on Rob to visit their existing buildings and structures to analyze and assess how they were built, what problems may exist and what types of retrofits or repairs may be needed. He strives to provide the most economical solution. If no repairs are needed, he’ll say that, too.
 

He has an intimate knowledge of building codes and has relationships with building inspectors and key regional players in the construction business. In fact, many building inspectors in the region refer individuals to him to help with their code compliance issues.
 

If someone isn’t calling him for help with their existing designs or buildouts, they’re dialing him for a recommendation or referral.
 

After graduating magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Architecture degree and then collecting a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Rob joined Bender & Associates as a draftsman. Soon he consulted on engineering projects, and before long he was firm founder Richard Bender’s trusted engineering source.
 

Rob took over for Bender in 2018 and invested in updated software and technology and helped Bender & Associates further adapt to a changing marketplace. He also solidified his reputation as the one of the best — and most congenial — structural engineer in town.
 

If you don’t find Rob grilling a steak at home or at a Tennessee Vols game, he’s likely having fun with his wife and one of his four grandkids — or Mingo.​