Both native Houstonians with entrepreneurial families, James and Audra were married in 1996. James obtained his BSCE and MSCE from the University of Houston. Audra earned her BS in Environmental Management from UH Clear Lake. James worked professionally in a variety of fields from engineering consultation at Walter P. Moore, to offshore at Atlantia, and petrochem at Dow Chemical. Audra’s experience ranges from oil and gas environmental compliance, production accounting and software data testing.

In 2006, Audra and James started what would become JDSI. JDSI is a Texas engineering firm specializing in residential structural engineering, with additional expertise supporting select light commercial projects throughout the Gulf Coast and inland regions of Texas. From remodels and additions to custom homes and new construction, we deliver practical engineering solutions built on sound design, code compliance, and real-world construction experience.

Our structural expertise is focused on wood-frame and light steel construction, including projects located in Texas’ demanding high-wind and coastal environments. We understand the unique design challenges these structures face and provide engineering solutions that contractors, builders, architects, and property owners can build with confidence.

Complementing our structural services, JDSI also provides civil engineering for residential and light commercial developments, including site plans, grading and drainage design, and other supporting civil engineering services required for permitting and construction.

Beyond design, JDSI provides engineering inspections throughout the construction process, including Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8), construction phase inspections, and progress reports that assist financial institutions with construction draw requests. Our commitment is simple: responsive service, practical engineering, and dependable results from concept through construction.”

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Olivia is the eldest daughter of James and Audra Deaver. She attended Winthrop University where she played Division I lacrosse and graduated with honors, obtaining a degree in Exercise Science. Olivia is passionate about using her administrative and organizational skills to build solutions that improve efficiency between engineers, clients, and contractors. Her goal is to continue developing and improving processes and client relationships in efforts to establish JDSI as a leader in its field.

Born and raised in Houston, Thelma is the newest member to join our JDSI team. Prior to arriving here, she worked as an administrative assistant in a religious spectrum for the past 13 years. She has many years of experience supporting busy professionals in a fast-paced work environment. Thelma is skilled at managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling phone calls and emails, and ensuring that day-to-day office tasks run smoothly. She is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to her new role supporting the engineering team.