Tigran Ayrapetyan

Tigran Ayrapetyan is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the USC School of Architecture since 2006, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Building Science and advanced structural systems. He holds an M.S. and B.S. in Civil/Structural Engineering from UCLA. With over three decades of experience, he specializes in structural engineering, earthquake engineering, and architectural design of complex structures, including long-span aluminum geodesic domes, space frames, and seismic-resistant designs. His work spans national and international projects in commercial, industrial, and residential sectors.

He previously served as a Structural Consultant and Project Manager at Temcor (1994–1998), addressing structural design and installation of large-scale projects like water reservoirs and petroleum tanks. At EQE International (1994), he studied seismic performance of steel structures post the Northridge Earthquake, contributing to repair methodologies for failed moment connections. Earlier roles include co-ownership of A & A Design (1991–1993) and consulting for Prof. Goetz Schierle on an NSF-funded grant for lateral design graphs.

• Education:
• M.S., Civil / Structural / Earthquake Engineering, UCLA
• B.S., Civil / Structural Engineering, UCLA

His research interests focus on innovative structural materials (e.g., aluminum), computational methods in finite element analysis, and integrating building systems for sustainable and efficient designs. Notable projects include the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Shanghai International Gymnastics Center, and geodesic domes up to 415 ft in diameter. He has also provided expert seminars on seismic design and long-span structures since 1994.

• Awards:
• 2012: Certificate of Recognition from California State Assembly for community and educational service
• 2012: Recognition Plaque from The Knights of Vartan for educational leadership

In advising and grants, he collaborated on an NSF-funded research project (LDG: Lateral Design Graphs) with Prof. Schierle (1990–1991). His consultancy firm, Tigran Ayrapetyan, M.S., P.E., Structural Consulting (since 1998), has worked with high-profile clients like Children’s Hospital LA, McCarran International Airport, and JPL. He also contributed to post-earthquake assessments and repairs, notably at the Borax facility in Valencia, CA.

Though not explicitly mentioned, his professional affiliations and teaching roles suggest involvement in academic teams focused on building science and structural innovation. His career bridges academic instruction and practical engineering, emphasizing real-world applications of advanced structural concepts.