About Straterra · The Fixers

A principal-led firm built for complicated sites.

Straterra was founded by three engineers who believed geotechnical work should move projects forward, not slow them down. We built a firm where experienced engineers stay closely involved from scoping through field decisions, delivering practical guidance designed for real-world conditions and the decisions that keep projects moving.

What we stand for

The Fixers.

We turn technical complexity into clear direction.

Vision

To be the trusted partner that our clients call when a site gets complicated.

Mission

Solve subsurface and site problems with principal-led judgment, clear deliverables, and the speed real projects require.

Promise

You will work with the same team who scoped your project, from the first call through the final report.

How we work

A different kind of consulting firm.

Principal-led
Every project is led by a licensed principal — from the first call through the final report. You won't be handed off.
Cross-disciplinary
Geotechnical, environmental, and construction advisory work happen in parallel under one roof, so site risk gets evaluated as one problem, not three.
Decision-focused
Our reports answer the question you actually need answered: can we build it, what will it cost, and what's the fastest path forward.
Straight talk

An honest read on what we're built for — and what we're not.

What we are

  • Problem solvers first
  • Practical technical experts
  • Collaborative partners
  • Direct and responsive professionals
  • Focused on maintaining project momentum

What we are not

  • A report factory
  • Theoretical consultants
  • Slow-moving corporate engineering firms
  • Distant advisors removed from project realities
Leadership

The principals.

The people you'll work with — directly.

Erik Freeburg, PE

Erik Freeburg, PE

Principal

Erik Freeburg is a Principal at Straterra with more than 20 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, special inspections and geotechnical forensic evaluations. Throughout his career, he has helped clients navigate projects ranging from retail developments and commercial facilities to high-rise structures, major transportation infrastructure and complex site developments.

Over the years, Erik has worked on an exceptionally diverse range of projects, including 40-story towers, multi-span bridges, turbine interchanges and large-scale commercial developments. That breadth of experience gives him a practical understanding of the challenges owners, contractors and design teams face at every stage of a project.

While Erik enjoys solving technical challenges, he will tell you the engineering is only part of what makes the work rewarding. For him, successful projects are built on relationships. He believes the best outcomes happen when owners, engineers and contractors work together to solve problems, communicate openly and keep projects moving forward. That people-first mindset has shaped his approach throughout his career and remains one of his greatest strengths as a leader.

At Straterra, Erik focuses on helping clients find practical solutions while building strong partnerships along the way. Whether he’s supporting a complex geotechnical investigation, evaluating construction issues in the field or guiding a project team through unexpected challenges, he brings a collaborative approach and a steady perspective grounded in decades of experience.

Erik earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Florida State University and his MBA from the University of Phoenix. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Outside of work, Erik serves as an assistant wrestling coach at Legacy Middle School and volunteers in the children’s ministry at 5 Stones Church. He and his wife, Crystal, have been married for nearly two decades and are raising two children, Cael and Sloane.

When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Erik doing something active. He and Crystal enjoy playing tennis, and he’s always looking for the next adventure, whether that’s trail running, mountain biking, paddling or competing in adventure races. His love for the outdoors and teamwork carries over into both his professional and personal life.

At the end of the day, Erik believes great projects are built the same way great teams are built, through trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to finding solutions together.

Mark Luskin, PE, PG

Mark Luskin, PE, PG

Principal

Mark Luskin is a Principal at Straterra with more than 25 years of experience helping clients navigate complex geotechnical, environmental and construction challenges. As both a licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Geologist, he brings a unique perspective that combines technical depth, practical problem solving and a comprehensive understanding of site conditions from the ground up.

Throughout his career, Mark has supported a wide range of public and private sector projects, providing leadership across geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and construction materials services. His experience spans transportation infrastructure, commercial development, industrial facilities and environmental remediation projects, helping clients move from planning through construction with confidence.

Mark’s expertise includes geotechnical analysis and design, environmental site assessments, brownfields, remediation systems, geophysical investigations, construction materials services and karst evaluations. Across the Southeast, he has helped clients understand and manage challenging subsurface conditions, identify risks early and develop practical solutions that support successful project outcomes.

What sets Mark apart is his broad perspective. Having advanced from field technician to executive leadership roles, he understands projects from every angle, from field operations and testing to technical design, project delivery and business strategy. That experience allows him to ask the right questions, communicate clearly and focus on solutions that balance technical requirements, project goals and budget realities.

At Straterra, Mark enjoys working alongside owners, engineers, contractors and developers to solve complex problems and keep projects moving forward. Whether evaluating subsurface conditions, managing environmental concerns or guiding multidisciplinary teams, he brings a steady, practical approach built on decades of experience and sound judgment.

Mark holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Physics and has completed graduate studies in Urban Land Use Planning. He maintains professional engineering and geology licenses in multiple states and remains actively engaged in the engineering community through leadership roles that support industry advancement and professional development.

Originally from Selma, Alabama, Mark has lived in five states and has called Tennessee home since 2002. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children, Audra and Asher. Outside of work, you’ll find Mark on a golf course, hiking Tennessee trails, cheering on the Atlanta Braves or exploring a new mountain biking trail with his son. He’s also a proud Dance Dad who rarely misses an opportunity to support his daughter and her dance company.

For Mark, engineering has always been about helping people solve problems, make informed decisions and move projects forward with confidence.

David G. Marsh, PE

David G. Marsh, PE

Principal

David Marsh is a Principal at Straterra with more than 20 years of experience helping clients navigate complex site conditions, challenging developments and high-stakes construction projects. His experience spans geotechnical engineering, geophysical surveys, construction materials testing, special inspections and project management across the Southeast.

Over the course of his career, David has supported projects ranging from commercial and retail developments to mission-critical data centers, industrial facilities and large-scale infrastructure. As Geotechnical Engineer of Record for multiple mission-critical developments, he has helped deliver millions of square feet of industrial and mission-critical facilities where performance, schedule and reliability are non-negotiable.

David is known for bringing a practical mindset to every project. Rather than chasing the most complicated solution, he focuses on finding the most effective one. He approaches each project as if it were his own development, balancing technical rigor with real-world constructability, schedule demands and client objectives. That perspective helps teams make confident decisions and keep projects moving.

At Straterra, David enjoys the variety that comes with the work. No two sites are exactly alike, and every project presents a new challenge to solve. Whether he's evaluating subsurface conditions, supporting a contractor in the field or helping an owner assess risk, he brings the same steady, solutions-oriented approach.

David holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University, a Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Civil Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering from North Carolina State University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Outside of work, David serves as a Deacon at Faith Presbyterian Church and as an adult leader in his son's Trail Life troop. He and his wife are raising five children, which keeps life moving at a pace that rivals most construction schedules. When he's not working, you'll likely find him roasting coffee, making sausage, tending a smoker, hiking in the mountains or cheering on Mississippi State baseball.

His philosophy is simple: work matters, but people matter too. He believes great work happens when talented people enjoy what they do, respect those around them and take pride in solving problems together.

Get in touch

Have a project we should look at?

Send us the site, the timeline, and what's giving you pause. A principal will respond — usually the same day.