Ashraf Habibullah


Ashraf Habibullah is a Pakistani-American structural engineer and software developer best known as the founder, President, and CEO of Computers and Structures, Inc., a structural and earthquake engineering software company based in Berkeley, California. Upon founding the privately held company in 1975, Ashraf co-created the first structural-engineering software available to the personal computer, and has since created a suite of products, and developed their capabilities. Notably, ETABS, a multi-story building analysis and design software, received recognition as the Applied Technology Council and Engineering News-Record Top Seismic Product of the 20th Century.

Awards and recognition

Structural Engineering

In 2010, Ashraf received the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California H. J. Brunnier Lifetime Achievement Award for changing "the practice of structural engineering for the better with his development of efficient and usable structural analysis programs".
Additional recognition includes the 2011 American Concrete Institute Charles S. Whitney Medal for "development of world-class computer applications",
The 2000 SEAONC Community Involvement Award for "enhancing the life safety, environmental health, and economic well being of the public".
Habibullah is the recipient of many of Berkeley’s highest distinctions. A charismatic speaker, Habibullah addresses graduates of University of California, Berkeley, Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials program at its annual spring luncheon. His enthusiasm about the transformational benefits of his Berkeley education and the contributions of structural engineers to the well-being of society inspires graduates, faculty, and friends of the department each year. In 2013, he was inducted into the CEE Academy of Distinguished Alumni, which recognizes professional achievements and service to Berkeley.
With his longtime professional ties to Berkeley, Habibullah has emerged as one of the university’s most creative leaders, donors, and fundraisers. He radiates pride in Berkeley, commitment to its continued excellence, and deep affection for the faculty who guided him. Habibullah has long supported the work of CEE. He makes regular unrestricted donations to help the department meet critical funding needs. In 2014, he received a University of California, Berkeley Foundation Trustees' Citation Award for his service to campus fundraising.
He addressed as a keynote speaker at CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY on the eve of the 2019 CalPoly SLO Fall Commencement.

Arts and Culture

Ashraf founded the Engineers' Alliance for the Arts in 1997 such that school children may explore the artistic aspects of technology and structural engineering. For this "commitment to the social and artistic needs of the community", Ashraf received the American Society of Civil Engineers George Winter Award in 2005.
Another contribution to arts and culture, Ashraf co-founded Diablo Ballet in 1993, for which he received the 1998 Arts Recognition Award from the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County.
For his involvement with both Diablo Ballet and the Engineers' Alliance for the Arts, Ashraf received the San Francisco Business Arts Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Arts Community in 2004.