12.18.2013 — MKA and our employees are proud to give back this holiday season. Our staff adopted 13 families through the YWCA Seattle King Snohomish Adopt-a-Family and also raised more than $36,000 for United Way of King County! Way to get into the holiday spirit, everyone! » MKA Holiday Spirit |
11.25.2013 — Kris Dane, Building Information Modeler, presented "Building Information Modeling: Moving Ahead by Going in Circles" at Seattle University. » Building Information Modeling: Moving Ahead by Going in Circles |
11.25.2013 — MKA will be at several career fairs in January and February, hoping to meet potential employees. Stop by to talk with COO Andy Fry about working at MKA. » MKA Spring Career Fairs |
 11.23.2013 — Patricia Decker earned the title of this year’s Washington State Cyclocross Cat 4 Women’s Champion at Arlington Municipal Airport. Despite a dropped chain on her second lap and a flat front tire on her final lap that prompted her to switch to her single-speed bike, Patricia still came in more than a minute ahead of the second finisher. She also earned her upgrade from Cat 4 to Cat 3! » Patricia Decker, Cyclocross Champion |
 11.15.2013 — Construction of Seattle’s Elliott Bay Central Seawall begins next week! MKA’s seawall replacement design includes a light-penetrating sidewalk to improve salmon migration. For more details check out the Waterfront Seattle website: www.waterfrontseattle.org » Elliott Bay Central Seawall Construction Starts |
 11.14.2013 — Don Davies presented "Engineering New Paradigms in Sustainable Construction" at the Washington Aggregates Concrete Association Winter Workshop at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma. » Don Davies Presents Washington Aggregates Concrete Association |
 11.14.2013 — Drew Gangnes and Rita Greene attended the Trust for Governors Island completion celebration for the first 30 acres of new park on Governors Island.
» Drew Gangnes and Rita Greene Governors Island |
11.13.2013 — Ron Klemencic presented a webinar on Technical Brief 7 Report: "Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete Mat Foundations: A Guide for Practicing Engineers", sponsored by ATC » Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete Mat Foundations: A Guide for Practicing Engineers |
 11.08.2013 — Peter Somers and Brook Jacksha attended NAIOP’s Night of the Stars Awards Gala in Bellevue where three MKA projects were recognized with awards: Via6, an apartment building with two 24-story towers (shown at left), won Mixed-Use Development of the Year; 2020 Fifth Avenue Data Center, a renovation, expansion, and structural conversion of a 5-story parking garage into an 8-story data center, won Redevelopment of the Year; and the University of Washington Husky Stadium, a complete renovation of a university football stadium, won the Judge’s Award. » NAIOP Night of the Stars Awards |
11.05.2013 — Dave Fields presented "High-Strength Reinforcement: Optimum Grade for Member Design" at the CRSI Fall Business & Technical Meeting in Chicago, Illinois » High-Strength Reinforcement: Optimum Grade for Member Design |
 11.04.2013 — Jay Taylor, Drew Gangnes, Greg Briggs, and Derek Beaman attended the AIA Seattle Honor Awards at Benaroya Hall, where two MKA projects won awards: Cleveland Convention Center and Medical Mart (Honor Award), and ShoWare Center (Honorable Mention). » AIA Seattle Honor Awards |
11.01.2013 — Derek Beaman co-presented "Design Professionals Roundtable: The Structural Engineer’s Perspective; Career Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Risk Mitigation" with Blaine Weber (Weber Thompson) at the Design Professional Liability Seminar put on by "The Seminar Group" in Seattle, Washington » Design Professionals Roundtable: The Structural Engineer’s Perspective; Career Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Risk Mitigation |
 10.31.2013 — Design and construction magazines are filled with articles about wood recently. Why has one of the oldest building materials suddenly become news again? The answer is twofold: wood’s sustainability benefits and new technology. Two recent ways MKA has embraced and pushed forward the possibilities of wood are with long-span earthquake-resisting portals for LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma and laminated structural members curving in three directions for the Lincoln Park Zoo South Pond Addition in Chicago. Some of the most intriguing research is in the use of wood in the structural frame of high-rise buildings…even up to 40 stories! The Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington is presenting a forum on November 21, 2013 at Benaroya Hall on this very topic. There will be dozens of owners, developers, design and technical architects, and builders (from both the office and the field) attending. Wood might be the answer for the sustainability, economy, and aesthetics for future projects. Admission is free, but advance registration is required at www.seaw.org under “Events.” We hope to see you there! » What’s All the Buzz About Wood? |
 10.09.2013 — The new LEGO Architecture Studio set features the MKA-engineered Seattle Central Library on the side of the box! Inside are 1,210 white and clear pieces and a 272-page guidebook endorsed by leading architects and highlighting a few MKA projects. » LEGO Architecture Studio |
10.02.2013 — MKA Senior Principal Don Davies’ research on the embodied carbon content of structures is featured in the American Society of Civil Engineering’s "Civil Engineering" magazine. » Don Davies Embodied Carbon Research Footprint ASCE |
 09.30.2013 — A big CONGRATULATIONS to Jon Magnusson, who has been selected to receive an “Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Lifetime Achievement Award in Design” from the American Society of Civil Engineers. From the ASCE website, “The awards are given to model civil engineers who have demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievement, leadership and a long-term commitment to excellence…Lifetime recipients represent a model of achievement to which future generations of engineers aspire to match or exceed.” Only five awards are given each year, and only one of those is in the Design category (the other four categories are Construction, Government, Education, and Management). This is a tremendous honor, as it is one of the most, if not the most, prestigious award given to individuals in our profession, and Jon is a very well-deserved recipient. The winners will be officially announced at a black-tie gala in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 2014. » Jon Magnusson Receives ASCE Opal Award |
09.18.2013 — The MKA-engineered new Federal Way Library is holding their grand opening celebration on September 28! Did you know the new building is supported by wood beams salvaged from the old library? » Federal Way Library Grand Opening |
09.12.2013 — » MKA CenturyLink Field Guinness World Record |
 09.05.2013 — MKA’s leadership continues to evolve, as announced in our recent mailer: Ron Klemencic, P.E., S.E., is now Chairman & CEO, and Derek Beaman, P.E., S.E., is President. Former Chairman & CEO Jon Magnusson, P.E., S.E., Hon. AIA, remains actively involved in project execution. Special thanks to the Seattle Art Museum for sharing their lobby for our photo shoot! » MKA Leadership Evolution |
 08.31.2013 — After 2 years of renovation, Husky Stadium reopened on Saturday, with a season-opening win against #19 Boise State (UW = 38, BSU = 6!). » University of Washington Stadium Reopens |
08.28.2013 — MKA Chairman and C.E.O. Ron Klemencic speaks at the Congreso Estructuras 2013 conference. Ron is giving the Plenary Lecture on “Performance-Based Design of Tall Buildings: Guidelines, State of Practice and Case Study.” » Congreso Estructuras 2013 |
08.24.2013 — Amy Haaland ran in the Hood to Coast Relay and Kristine Svehla-Brown did the Lake Sammamish Triathalon and placed 2nd in the Athena Division. Nice work! » Lake Sammamish Triathalon |
08.17.2013 — Krzysztof Zaleski, Andy Fry, Amy Haaland, and Adam Theiss all ran in the Columbia Winery Charity Run and Walk 5k/10k . The event helps raise funds for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. » Columbia Winery Charity Run and Walk 5k/10k |
 08.16.2013 — Not only did MKA Building Information Modeler Alison Cheuk make a chocolate cake in the shape of a squirrel (amazing in and of itself)…she modeled it in Rhino, made templates for cutting/assembly guides, anchored it with chopsticks, and created it all out of 1.5" layers. Magnificent! » MKA Cake Engineering |
 08.01.2013 — And the feats of athleticism just don’t stop! During the month of July, six MKA employees participated in the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride, two were on a Ragnar relay team, one raced in the ChelanMan Olympic Triathalon, one raced in the Lake Stevens 70.3 IronMan, and one rode the RAMROD (Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day). Great job, everyone! » MKA Feats of Athleticism |
07.31.2013 — Food Lifeline’s Food Frenzy fundraiser just came to a close with MKA raising nearly $5,000 in donations as well as 90 hours of volunteer service accrued throughout the year! Nice work, everyone! » MKA Food Frenzy |
07.30.2013 — A group of about 30 MKA employees made it down to Safeco Field for the Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners game last Friday. We got a warm welcome, but the Mariners still lost! » MKA Safeco Field Mariners Game |
 07.19.2013 — » MKA Engineers Trip to Bertha |
 07.01.2013 — The MKA softball team is now six games into the season, with a record of 3-3. Not bad! » MKA Softball |
 07.01.2013 — In the “impressive but slightly crazy” category, Derek Beaman, MKA President, is about halfway into his 2013 personal goal of running one half-marathon a month! So far, he has run the Rain Run Half in Redmond (January), the West Seattle Half (February), the Mercer Island Half (March), the Magnuson Series Earth Day Half (April), the Cinco De Mayo Half in Snoqualmie (May), and now the North Olympic Discovery Half in Port Angeles (June). He’ll have quite a collection of t-shirts when the year is over! Shown above, Derek Beaman, Emily Carlip, Katelin Crook, Trace Farmer, Andy Fry, Amy Haaland, Mike Jewsbury, Mat Johnson, Erin Olson, Janet Ranf, and Kristine Svehla-Brown all ran the South Lake Union 10k on Sunday, August 18. Other non-MKA team members included Todd Olson, Danny Hartnell, and Shana Jewsbury. The MKA team won second place in the Corporate Challenge, behind Amazon. Way to go, MKA-ers! » MKA’s Runners at the South Lake Union 10K |
 06.29.2013 — Rita Greene (Civil Project Manager) and Greg Briggs (Structural Project Manager) attended the grand opening of the new wing of the St. Louis Art Museum on June 29. » St. Louis Art Museum Grand Opening |
06.22.2013 — John Hooper, Andy Fry, Amy Haaland, Jordan Gevers, Rita Greene, and Stephen Pool, all MKA employees, run in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon/Half Marathon. » Rock ’n’ Roll Seattle Marathon and Half |
06.15.2013 — Kristine Svehla-Brown, MKA Graphic Designer, is also keeping active this year. She is part of Team LUNA Chix’s Seattle Triathlon Team, which mentors and trains women of all ages and ability levels to help them meet their triathalon goals. On June 15, she was a “Race Buddy” for a first-time participant in the Dilettante Women’s Sprint Tri (1/4-mile swim, 13.6-mile bike ride, and 5k run). Way to go! » Team LUNA Chix’s Seattle Triathlon Team |
 06.08.2013 — The Roosevelt University Wabash Building project wins “Best Project” in the $50 to $150 million category of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois’ 2013 Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards competition. This keeps MKA’s streak alive, with SEAOI wins 12 of the last 13 years! » SEAOI Award for Roosevelt University Wabash Building |
 06.06.2013 — MKA participated in the second annual Seattle Science Festival, which ran June 6 through 16. Thanks to the many MKA employees who volunteered their time with the presentations on the structural design of the Experience Music Project as well as Expo Day, where MKA brought out its custom-made shake table. » MKA at the 2nd Annual Seattle Science Festival |
05.31.2013 — The University of Washington hosted the the ASCE/AISC National Student Steel Bridge Competition. Jon Magnusson, MKA Senior Principal, presented the keynote address at the awards dinner on to an audience of 800+ people, who enjoyed his talk about "Engineering Secrets Behind Seattle’s Latest Generation of Steel Landmarks." The overall winning team, for the second consecutive year, was from University of California Berkeley! A record 49 student teams competed in this year’s national event. » Jon Magnuson presents keynote address at the ASCE/AISC National Student Steel Bridge Competition |
 04.23.2013 — Shelley Clark (MKA Senior Principal), Jon Magnusson (MKA Senior Principal), and Ron Klemencic (MKA Chairman and CEO) attend the American Council of Engineering Companies Engineering Excellence Awards gala in Washington, D.C. They hosted a table of 10 for the City Creek Center team, with representatives from City Creek Reserve, Taubman, ZGF, Callison, Hobbs + Black Associates, and FFKR Architects. Shelley, Bill Williams of City Creek Reserve, and Ron Loch of Taubman went on stage to receive a national Honor Award for City Creek Center (MKA project). MKA was also a Host sponsor of the gala. » MKA at the American Council of Engineering Companies Engineering Excellence Awards Gala |
04.20.2013 — MKA’s Derek Beaman, Matthew Johnson, and Amy Haaland run the Magnuson Park Earth Day Half Marathon. » MKA Runners at the Magnuson Park Earth Day Half Marathon |
 04.18.2013 — Chris Lubke, MKA Associate, presents "Construction of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center" with Taurean Spratt (Turner Construction), Jack Krebs (Osborn), Richard Christ (Barber Hoffman), and Mike Pastir (Schuff Steel) for the Structural Engineers Association of Ohio in Cleveland, Ohio. » Chris Lubke Presents in Ohio |
04.17.2013 — Dave Eckmann, MKA Senior Principal, was a member of the Planning Committee for the 2013 NASCC Steel Conference held in St. Louis, Missouri. Two MKAers gave presentations at the conference: John Hooper presented "Tips for Starting your Career," and Tom Meyer co-presented "How to Design a Cable or Cable-Net Wall Structure" with Craig Huntington of Huntington Design Associates. » MKA Presents at the 2013 NASCC Steel Conference |
04.14.2013 — MKA’s Jordan Gevers ran the Whidbey Island Half Marathon and finished with a sub-8:30 pace. » Jordan Gevers Runs the Whidbey Island Half Marathon |
04.05.2013 — MKA’s Adam Koczarski played in two brackets of the Washington State Racquetball Singles Championship Tournament. He made it to the quarter finals of the men’s B division before losing and won the consolation championship title in the men’s aged A division (45 and older). » Adam Koczarski in the Washington State Racquetball Singles Championship Tournament |
 04.04.2013 — Rob Chmielowski, MKA Principal, presents "San Ysidro U.S. Land Port of Entry" at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign CEE Structural Engineering Conference. » Rob Chmielowski Presents at UIUC |
03.27.2013 — Jon Magnusson, MKA Senior Principal, presents "Tower and City" with Derek Pirozzi at the AIA Millennium Talk series in Seattle, Washington. » Jon Magnusson presents |
03.24.2013 — MKA’s Kristin Booth participates in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb up Columbia Center, conquering 69 flights of stairs and over 1,300 steps! » MKA at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb up Columbia Center |
03.24.2013 — MKA’s Derek Beaman, John Hooper, and Amy Haaland run the Mercer Island Half Marathon, all with a sub 8:30 pace! » MKA at the Mercer Island Half Marathon |
03.06.2013 — Don Davies, MKA Senior Principal, presents "Topology Optimization: Designing with Effective Work and Iterative Shape Analysis" and also serves as a Session Chair at the Second Annual Vertical Cities Conference in Seoul, Korea. » Don Davies at the Second Annual Vertical Cities Conference in Seoul, Korea |
 03.05.2013 — Theater Commons and Donnelly Gardens, an MKA project, is certified as a Sustainable Landscape under the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) Pilot Program. It is the first such certification in Washington and one of just 15 nationwide. SITES is an interdisciplinary effort led by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at University of Texas at Austin, and the U.S. Botanic Garden and is a voluntary, national rating system for sustainable landscapes of all types. » Theater Commons and Donnelly Gardens certified as a Sustainable Landscape under the SITES Pilot Program |
03.01.2013 — Chris Motter, University of California Los Angeles, presents "Large-Scale Testing and Analysis of Concrete-Encased Steel Coupling Beams Under High Ductility Demand," (co-authored by MKA’s Dave Fields, John Hooper and Ron Klemencic) at the 10th International Conference on Urban Earthquake Engineering at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. » "Large-Scale Testing and Analysis of Concrete-Encased Steel Coupling Beams Under High Ductility Demand |
02.21.2013 — Ron Klemencic, MKA Chairman and CEO, presents "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants - How Far Can You See?" at Purdue University while at the university to receive a "Distinguished Engineering Alumnus" award from the College of Engineering. This award has only been bestowed to 490 individuals in the history of the University. » Standing on the Shoulders of Giants - How Far Can You See? |
02.09.2013 — Emily Carlip, MKA engineer, gives a presentation as part of the 2013 ASCE Young Members Forum Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition, which MKA sponsored. » 2013 ASCE Young Members Forum Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition |
 02.04.2013 — Matt Streid, MKA engineer, co-presents (with Joe Dietz of VOA and Pete Huey of Power Construction) "From Conception to Completion: Chicago’s Roosevelt Tower," at the CTBUH Student Workshop (hosted by the CTBUH Young Professional Committee) at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. » From Conception to Completion: Chicago’s Roosevelt Tower |
