The most important aspect of a retaining wall system is its structural integrity. For this reason, every wall constructed by ERWS is designed by an independent professional structural engineer. ERWS does not perform engineering services. As part of each project, ERWS retains a licensed professional engineer to perform all engineering services. Each engineering firm retained by ERWS is an independent consultant, which relies on years of experience to design each wall.

The design engineer uses specific site information to design each retaining wall system. Site soil conditions, loading criteria, such as surcharges, and sliding and overturning movements are all considered in the structural design. All walls are designed with a minimum factor of safety against sliding of 1.5 and a minimum factor of safety against overturning of 2.0. In the event that global stability issues become a problem, the structural engineer will coordinate with the geotechnical engineer of record to determine proper design parameters.

During the course of construction, periodic inspections are made by the consulting engineering firm to insure the construction practices of ERWS match the design criteria. When each project is completed, a certificate of completion and copies of the consulting engineer's inspection reports are provided to the owner.

The beauty of the native stone retaining walls goes beyond their appearance. The design parameters are amazingly flexible. Native stone retaining walls can be designed to accommodate wind loads from fencing, surcharges from buildings, roadways and parking lots, as well as local and global stability issues.