Narragansett Engineering Inc

10/17/2026

Can you build an ADU in Rhode Island? Under the updated state law, probably yes, but utilities and septic capacity are the main hurdles, not zoning. Here's what you need to know about lot sizes, local rules and why a soil test comes first.

We get a lot of questions about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), so here are the basics. Yes, you can probably build one Rhode Island’s ADU law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-73, as amended in 2024, requires every municipality to allow one ADU per lot by right on any residential lot of 20,000 square fee...

09/22/2026

A tough soil evaluation isn't always the final verdict.

Before resigning a project to costly advanced septic designs or an automatic denial, wet season monitoring offers a way to establish the real groundwater table through direct measurement rather than conservative estimates.

We break down the science behind RI's glacial till, the RIDEM testing window and why planning ahead for January is crucial in the full article on our website.

09/08/2026

Stopped by Sunset Cove over Labor Day weekend, great crowd to see No Rulz playing live!

NEI was glad to help get their outdoor bar retroactively permitted with the town and CRMC, which involved structural modifications and securing coastal assents. While there's still more work ahead with Coastal, the approvals allowed this local hotspot to reopen their outdoor bar and do great business for the rest of the summer.

09/01/2026

NEI recently developed conceptual design renders for a plan review of an existing gas station property in Tiverton, RI. The proposal converts the site into a mixed-use development, incorporating a new package store, residential apartments and modern EV charging stations.

The design helps support an independent, locally owned business in the process of modernizing its infrastructure to stay competitive. By blending commercial retail, residential space and EV integration, the proposed redevelopment transitions the property into a multifunctional site prepared for future needs.

07/17/2026

NEI is on-site supporting new foundation work at the historic Trinity Repertory Company in downtown Providence, RI. Crews are currently drilling and installing micropiles directly adjacent to the existing structure. These small-diameter, steel-reinforced piles are used because working next to a historic masonry building in a tight urban footprint rules out conventional foundations. They install with compact, low-headroom rigs and generate minimal vibration, protecting the historic structure while reaching deep bearing strata.

Once fully installed and pressure-grouted, the micropiles transfer the new building loads down through weak surface soils into competent bedrock below. The new foundation elements, such as grade beams or pile caps, tie directly into the pile heads so the structure rests securely on this deep network rather than shallow footings.

This project is being completed in partnership with RMA Geo-Environmental.

06/05/2026

NEI handled the architectural and structural renovation design for this residential property on Riverside Dr. in Tiverton, RI. The project focused on a comprehensive interior redesign combined with structural upgrades to modernize the home. A key element of the new interior layout is the vaulted ceilings which create an open, airy atmosphere throughout the living spaces.

The renovation also featured a complete overhaul of the home's exterior aesthetic, highlighted by a new elevated roof deck designed to maximize the property's water views.

06/03/2026

NEI recently completed the design, CRMC / Army Corps permitting and installation of this new wastewater discharge pipe at Blount Fine Foods in Warren, RI.

The project replaced an existing 80' steel discharge pipe from the 1970s that remained in use after the facility was updated for seafood processing, which had become heavily degraded with numerous holes.

The infrastructure was redesigned as a seamless high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe equipped with a diffuser system. Now fully installed, this updated system extends the treated effluent discharge near the midpoint of the river to enable more effective diffusion and long-term reliability.

06/01/2026

Construction progress continues at 62 Aquidneck Ave in Portsmouth, RI. Framing is currently underway following the completion of the foundation, pier system and septic installations. NEI was fully responsible for the comprehensive architectural and site design of this coastal project.

While the property is situated right outside of a high-hazard flood zone, the design incorporates proactive structural engineering to address long-term environmental risks. The structure utilizes a highly resilient pier and grade beam system designed to protect the building as coastal threats evolve. Unlike conventional foundation walls, this engineering approach features specialized "breakaway" panels intended to be sacrificial, allowing high-velocity floodwaters to pass through safely beneath the structure, complemented by integrated flood vents for lower-yield storm events.

General contractor: Elite Construction & Design

05/26/2026

We're pleased to see the final completion of this multi-year coastal project in Portsmouth, RI. Working alongside the owners' New Hampshire-based architects, our team provided local engineering support, including the full site survey, CRMC permitting, OWTS design and structural engineering.

Because both the main house and studio sit within a flood zone, the project required a full pier foundation design with breakaway walls. Also, the owners built and lived in the studio first before completing the main house, a roof deck and a bio-retention system for stormwater management.

It's great to see this project officially wrapped up, the sunset views from the new roof deck are epic!

05/15/2026

Congrats to for graduating from Roger Williams with a (second) masters, now in public administration. I'm so impressed by your overachieving and finishing this up after having Koen!