A large mirror reflecting a building's windows

Designs Built to Last

At Petra Structural Engineering, we provide practical, efficient, and dependable structural engineering solutions for projects of every shape and size. Our priority is delivering high-quality designs for clients, architects, and contractors alike. Reach out today to see how we can help transform your idea into something lasting.

Our Services

Construction documents
Permitting submittals
3D modeling
Value engineering
Calculation submittals
Inspection and reporting
Construction administration
QA/QC assistance

Jake Nichols, PE, BSoCE, MSoCE

Principal

Jake holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky. He has been practicing strucutral engineering full time since 2021.

Aside from making a killer spreadsheet, Jake's favoritepass times are trad climbing, carpentry, and cheering on the wildcats at Rupp Arean with his wife, Lizzie.

📨jnichols@PetraSE.com | 📞 (859) 379-6878

Hudson

Chief of Security

Hudson has been keeping his friends safe from squirrels and Amazon drivers since 2024.

Hudson's favorite passtimes inlcude camping, playing tug-of-war, eating, snacking, and also eating. Hudosn loves eating. Please reach out if you have any food.

📨office@PetraSE.com | 📞 (859) 379-6878

Our Team

Our Story

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock {petra}. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock {petra}. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

-Matthew 7:24-27

Our name is derived from the Greek word petra used in Matthew 7:24–25 where Jesus describes a house built on a solid rock or foundation. The word he used to describe that firm foundation was petra.

The image of strength, stability, and perpetuity is more than meer symbolis or namesake —it is the standard we strive to work and live by. We believe that every structure, every decision, and every relationship should be grounded in what is solid, tested, and true. In a world where conditions constantly shift, our mission is to design work that endures—foundations that do not fail, systems that do not falter, and solutions that stand the test of time.

Good engineering is more than calculations and drawings. It is about responsibility. It is about trust. It is about building things that matter on principles that do not move. Just as a structure is only as strong as what it is built upon, we desire that all things in life—our work, our integrity, and our impact—be founded on the petra Jesus spoke of.