About Us

OUR HISTORY: INTEGRITY BEYOND DESIGN

Don Kramer
Joe Gehlen
David Aronson
Mark Hughes

OUR HISTORY

In 1969, Washington State native and Navy veteran, Don Kramer founded Don Kramer and Associates and quickly became known for excellence in innovative wood-framed and post-tensioned concrete structures.

When Joe Gehlen assumed leadership in 1981, he added to this technical excellence a passion for service to our profession and community. Joe volunteered on numerous professional committees, including serving as President of CASE (Coalition of American Structural Engineers) when the quality guidelines for structural documents that are in use today were developed. He also was a representative to Seismology Committees that have input into the seismic design provisions used across the United States, and volunteered on several community building committees.

Today, Principals David Aronson and Mark Hughes are continuing the strong traditions that have contributed to KGA’s 50 years of success, while implementing new techniques and technologies that enable us to continue our standing as an industry leader.

MODERN DESIGN

Innovative solutions using current technologies and modern concepts lead our work beyond the boundaries of conventional design.

TIMELESS TRADITION

Relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and high standards of quality never go out of style.

50
YEARS OF SERVICE

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SINCE 1969

In multi-disciplinary projects we always seek ways to provide our clients with reputable cost-effective structural engineering support. When we work on a project with Kramer Gehlen Associates (KGA) we are confident that the projects will be delivered with innovative approaches and their skilled staff will help solve challenging design/construction issues. We have worked on numerous projects in the Pacific NW with KGA since 2008 and they always provide high quality design services and excellent customer service.

Daniel ScarpinePE, Aquarius Environmental

With decades of experience working together on a wide range of project types, we at Walsh Construction have found the people of KGA to be truly great team players and highly creative engineers.  Whether working on buildings with concrete, masonry, steel or wood structure, we can count on KGA to come up with design solutions that are highly constructable yet also very cost-effective, always helping us to get the job built efficiently while also meeting the budget constraints that our clients have established. We have found KGA to be a great partner in creating great buildings across the Pacific Northwest!

Mike SteffenWalsh Construction

KDA has worked with KGA for over 30 years on some of the most complicated projects we’ve done. What keeps us coming back is their creative approach to design, their willingness to be innovative and think outside the box, their attention to detail, their responsiveness and their collaborative approach.

Brian AndringaPrincipal, AIA, KDA Architecture

KGA has always been great to work with.  They have a deep bench of highly qualified engineers in all structural disciplines.  Their designs are never overly conservative; I feel they provide the best value for their clients.

Bob ForsterExecutive VP, Walsh Construction Company

I’ve worked with KGA for well over a decade and in several states. They’re responsive, can-do engineers, that make projects happen, and keep clients happy.

Chris EbertPrincipal, Ankrom Moisan Architects

I have had the pleasure to work with KGA for over 20 years. Their creative solutions, timely response and the dedicated personal relationships are top notch.

Doug OuderkirkArchitect

KGA sets a high standard for responsiveness and accountability. They are reliable collaborators that listen and respond with what’s needed.

James Smith Principal, Ankrom Moisan Architects, Inc

I have worked with KGA for the past decade and have been impressed with their quality of service and their commitment to client service.

Tuan Q. LuuManaging Principal, Ankrom Moisan Architects

Over the years when we are considering which structural engineer to use, KGA is the one that rises to the top.  This is due to their ability to produce creative structural solutions to challenging architectural designs.

Dennis DeanPrincipal, AIA - KDA Architecture

I have worked with KGA for more than 30 years, and they have always provided great structural engineering and project services.

Chris DalengasPrincipal, Ankrom Moisan Architects, Inc

Kirkland Development has been partnering with Kramer Gehlen & Associates for over 10 years. We’ve used KGA for large and small projects, and are currently using them on the Kirkland Tower / Hotel Indigo on the Vancouver Waterfront. KGA is always a collaborative partner and I appreciate and value the experience they bring to each of my developments. I highly recommend them and anticipate continuation of my well-established relationship with David and his team.

Dean KirklandKirkland Development LLC

KGA has been an indispensable partner, making our client’s mass timber buildings a reality.

Scott Barton-SmithAssociate, Hacker

I have been able to enjoy a great working relationship with KGA for over 20 years. Their designs are excellent. The staff works well with the contractor to resolve issues that can come up during construction. I would recommend KGA to anyone. They will start your project off in the right direction.

Bob ElkeyVK Powell Construction Company

I appreciate working with KGA. I can count on KGA to be straight forward, responsive, knowledgeable, flexible, and dependable. Grateful they are willing to work with us to ensure our projects are successful.

Esther Cho LiuPrincipal, LSW Architects

KGA works on a wide range of building types of all different scales from a large high rise constructed of steel to a smaller tenant improvement project of wood construction and will give equal attention to the detailing. KGA will push the envelope in design when there is a need to think outside the box.

Mariah KierseyPrincipal, Ankrom Moisan Architects

KGA was selected for the job because of their creative approach to the problem and ability to think outside of the box.  Not only did the project come in under budget, it exceeded all our expectations.

Janet FarstedAdministrator, Port of Tillamook Bay

KGA is dependable, creative, very competent and great business partners.  They have an approach to their business that has definitely proven to be compatible with our own.  In short we trust them to support and complement our work.

Tom MoisanPrincipal, Ankrom Moisan Architects, Inc

I have been working with KGA for many years now and have found them to be an extremely valuable asset for our company. KGA has helped us engineer many complex support and shoring systems for our scaffolding, and has provided engineering for design build masonry and stone support systems. I am very happy with their work and ability to communicate clearly any engineering constraints driving the design, and look forward to working with them for many years to come.

Nathan WesterbergJ&S Masonry, Inc

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Caring for our community is a closely held core value of KGA. We take pride in our projects because the people we know and love occupy the structures we help create. Going beyond bricks and mortar, we participate in programs like “Girls Build” and “Architects in Schools,” aid in disaster relief, and sponsor the Don Kramer Memorial Scholarship for promising engineering students.

OUR AMAZING TEAM

We are a diverse team of community-minded professionals at the forefront of our industry. Exceptional technical skills maintained through professional licensure, involvement in numerous professional societies, and the constant pursuit of continuing educational opportunities ensure we remain there.

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