About Our Work

The 40th Parallel Story

Daniel Belleau and Dana Michel began working together in 2017 and officially launched 40th Parallel Structural Engineering in 2022. From the start, they set out to build something different: a practice that is sharp and professional, but also approachable and human. At 40th Parallel, clients aren’t left navigating layers of staff — they work directly with the principals themselves, receiving senior-level experience and attention from concept to completion.

Daniel brings depth of technical expertise and a knack for finding efficient solutions to complex problems. Dana is relentlessly detail‑oriented, ensuring every design is clear, accurate, and coordinated from start to finish. Together, they’ve built a firm trusted across Colorado and Wyoming for being responsive, precise, and collaborative. Whether you’re planning a remodel, a new home in the mountains, or a commercial build on the plains, their passion is the same: making engineering straightforward and helping bring your vision to life.

Our Vision:

We believe engineering goes beyond calculations — it’s about building trust, clarity, and places that endure.

  • We aim to:
    Shape future-ready communities with safe, efficient, and lasting design solutions across Colorado and Wyoming.
  • Lead with sustainability by advancing energy‑efficient, resilient, and adaptable building systems.
  • Collaborate openly so every partner — from architect to contractor to homeowner — feels supported and confident.
  • Keep learning and innovating to do our jobs better through education, technology, and creativity.

For us, vision means combining expertise and passion to make projects smoother, simpler, and more inspiring for everyone involved.

“Best structural engineer I know. Helps work with clients to deliver their project, but also presents opportunities for cost savings along the way”

– Luis Rodriguez|Buffalo Construction & Design

“I have been doing work with them for 8 years. Easy to work with and always has solutions for questions.”

– Albert Lopez|Executive Building Contractors

Expert Engineering:

Structural Design

We design safe, efficient, and elegant structural systems for new residential and commercial projects. Our work balances stability with aesthetics, ensuring every detail supports the architect’s vision while remaining practical and constructible. From custom mountain homes to office buildings on the plains, we focus on creating structures that last.

Strong foundations start with a deep understanding of local soils and site conditions. In Colorado and Wyoming, that means expansive soils, shifting ground, and unique terrain challenges. We engineer reliable foundation systems that are tailored to your site — giving your building the stability it needs from day one.

From heavy snow in the Rockies to Wyoming’s high winds and regional seismic considerations, we design structures that stand up to the elements. Our load analysis ensures your building is safe, resilient, and perfectly adapted to the realities of the local environment.

Good design starts before construction documents. We partner early to provide feasibility studies, cost‑sensitive guidance, and structural insights during concept phases. This proactive approach helps architects, contractors, and owners make smart decisions upfront — saving time, money, and stress later on.

Questions come up in the field, and we believe in being responsive. We review shop drawings, answer contractor questions, and troubleshoot unexpected issues on site. Our goal is to be a practical partner during construction, ensuring projects move forward smoothly and with confidence.

Every material has strengths, and we know how to use them wisely. From steel and concrete to heavy timber and masonry, we develop systems that take advantage of each material’s benefits while meeting the demands of the project. This versatility allows us to design creatively while staying constructible.

Clear communication leads to better projects. We use Revit to model structural systems in 3D, so clients, architects, and contractors see exactly how designs fit together. This reduces surprises in the field and helps the entire team collaborate more effectively.

“For us, engineering isn’t just numbers. It’s about making projects go smoother and helping people bring their vision to life.”

Meet Daniel & Dana

Daniel Belleau
Principal, P.E.

Daniel Belleau has been working in the field of structural engineering since 2013. A graduate from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Daniel studied Architectural Engineering and graduated Suma Cum Laude. In addition to residential and commercial design, he has experience in the field of bridge analysis and load testing.

Outside of engineering, Daniel is passionate about spending time with his family in the Colorado mountains.

Dana Michel
Principal, P.E. (CO, TX, WA, WY)

Dana Michel has been working as a structural engineer since 2005 after graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a degree in architectural engineering. He has worked on a variety of residential projects over the years – including mountain dream homes, multi-family units, remodels of 60’s-era ranch homes, and renovations of historic homes. He has also worked on commercial projects, including office buildings, breweries, and mixed-use buildings. He enjoys projects that combine interesting architecture, a variety of building materials, and intentional design.
He especially enjoys being part of a team where talented, driven people work together to see a project come to fruition. In addition to engineering, Dana is excited to spend time climbing and skiing with his family and friends.