Every Project Benefits From Our Cumulative Structural Engineering Experience

A technique embraced on an earthquake retrofit benefits a remodel project. A preservation job informs a seismic analysis. And so on.

New Structures

Big or small, every project is unique. We get that.
Let us help you realize your vision!

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL. EDUCATION. FAITH. MEDICAL. MULTI-FAMILY/MIXED-USE. PUBLIC. RESIDENTIAL.

 

SSF helps dreams become reality. Our preference is to contribute our design expertise as early as possible in the design process.

 

Proceeding beyond the vision, we begin to design the structure. SSF utilizes state-of-the-art technology to create an efficient structural system.

 

Once design is complete, construction begins. Seeing the vision become reality is an exciting moment for everyone. SSF is committed to providing outstanding service during the construction phase. (Video courtesy of Forma Construction)

 

Watching a project wrap up is one of the most rewarding experiences in the building industry. At SSF the process is just as important as the final product. (Image courtesy of Schacht Aslani Architects)

RELATED BLOG POSTS

US BioTek Wins Award / / 04.30.15

US BioTek wins the 2015 Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Health Care Award.

Kubota Garden Pavilion / / 04.28.14

A new timber pavilion supported by a 3-sided stone wall for the Japanese Garden in the Rainier Beach Neighborhood.

Beryl Apartments, 12th & Pike / / 07.06.15

Tarragon, Ankrom Moisan, Compass Construction and SSF just completed an 88-unit market-rate project on Capitol Hill.

SEE OUR NEW STRUCTURES

 

 

Existing Buildings

We are passionate about existing structures. We
give them the respect they deserve.


EARTHQUAKE RETROFITS. HISTORIC PRESERVATION. ADAPTIVE REUSE. PML STUDIES. BUILDING ASSESSMENTS. FORENSIC ENGINEERING.


 

BEFORE

Before

AFTER

RELATED BLOG POSTS

Fran's New Factory Opens / / 10.06.14

Frans Chocolates new manufacturing and headquarters facility in Georgetown.

Sherman Clay Building Renovation / / 07.09.14

SSF was the structural engineer for the $3 million upgrade of this 1926 Neoclassical, historic building.

Maple Leaf Reservoir Park / / 11.04.13

Maple Leaf Park expands from 5 to 21 acres.

SEE OUR EXISTING BUILDINGS

 

 

Special Projects

Bring us your unique project. We love a good challenge.


ART INSTALLATIONS. CLIMBING GYMS. FIRE ESCAPE TESTING. FLOAT HOMES. FOLDING BUILDINGS. MECHANICAL UPGRADES. PARK STRUCTURES. SHIPPING CONTAINERS. TREEHOUSES. SHORING.


 

SEE OUR SPECIAL PROJECTS

 

 

TESTIMONIALS

“I love getting up in the morning to go to a place where I love the people I work with. I am fascinated with the young, smart minds that work here and feel that I learn as much from them as they learn from me; and at the same time privileged to work with those that have been with us for many years. I have often heard that we 'don’t seem like engineers,' well that is just fine with me.  We are 'engineers-for-the-people' - we can work with anyone.”


Dan Say, Principal

"SSF is equitable and truly values the happiness of their employees.  This is evident in the retention rate…people that work here stay here!  We get great bonuses, time and a half for overtime, 401k contributions and pay nothing for health care."


Brian Rittereiser, Principal

"Exceptional service, outside the box thinking, quick and accurate turn around time and most importantly, great people."


Mike Skidmore,  AIA, NCARB, Principal, Skidmore Janette Architects

“As an advocate for historic preservation, working with Swenson Say Faget has been tremendous.  They understand the significance historic buildings hold for our collective memory and have a knack for designing solutions that retain a sense of the past and highlight character-defining elements while meeting contemporary building needs.”


Chris Moore, Executive Director, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

"At SSF, the entire team is valued, from support staff, to IT and CAD, to technical staff. We provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which to excel. And most importantly ... who wouldn’t like a dog-friendly office?"


Heidi Maki, Associate Principal

"SSF Engineers all work on a variety of wood, steel, masonry and concrete projects.  It is pretty special to get that kind of breadth of experience."


Brian Rittereiser, Principal

“Swenson Say Faget’s engineers are great collaborators in crafting project-specific structural design and detailing solutions.”


Brad Miller, Principal, Miller Hayashi Architects

What makes SSF different from other engineers? "SSF is more concerned with keeping clients (and employees) happy than trying to make a quick buck. We push for quality in every job we do."


Chris Potter, Associate Principal

"I’ve been working with SSF for over 15 years with 3 different companies, including my own. To me they’re a co-worker I can always depend on, and that peace of mind makes doing my job a whole lot easier!"


Dave Stave, Designer / Principal, William E Buchan Inc / Stave Drafting & Design

Why do you choose to work at SSF? "Flexibility, Flexibility, Flexibility! Also, a great group of engineers."


Dennis Nelson, SSF Team

"I’ve never worked with a more collaborative, creative and thoughtful group of engineers."


Jay Janette, Principal, Skidmore Janette Architects

“I have worked with SSF on both public and private commercial buildings. From new construction to historic preservation projects, they have become a critical asset to the success of our team. They are talented structural engineers, who understand the construction / design requirements of our clients and integrate them with the realities of the budget. They are extremely creative. I cannot give them a higher recommendation!"


Eric Cederstrand, President, Commencement Bay Development

"Swenson Say Faget’s commitment to our community and the built environment is evidenced in their long-term leadership and support of many of our community organizations. They are engaged and creative partners of both AIA Seattle and Design in Public, and an integral part of our success."


Lisa Richmond, Executive Director, AIA Seattle

"We allow people to be themselves.  I’m proud of the people we have and the work that we do every day."


Chardie Byrne, Principal

"I value Ryan Reichman’s contributions, especially in the early stages of the design process because he thinks like an architect."


Paul S. Akiyama, Architect, Akiyama Architecture, LLC

"Heliotrope has worked with Dan Say and Ryan Reichman almost exclusively for over 15 years now, and have watched them all lose their hair - while we’ve retained ours. We are huge fans of their professionalism and creativity - and they can do math!”


Joseph Herrin, AIA, Principal, Heliotrope Architects 

"Working with SSF is fun, friendly and creative. The folks at SSF are always open to pursuit of the best idea for the project at hand."


Jonathan Hartung, Principal, SHKS Architects

“We have been working with SSF since 1997. Our experience has been consistently positive. Our detail oriented residential projects require a high degree of interaction with engineers; we have found SSF to be engaging, timely and collegial. With this experience, we would not think of working with anyone else.”


Daniel Stettler, Principal, Stettler Design

"When we have a vision for a structure, I know that I can easily communicate it with the SSF team. Finding an engineer who is not only technically capable, but is also able to communicate the design concept through the skeleton of the building; that is a match made in heaven. They also know how to throw a good party!"


Alev Seymen, LEED AP, Project Associate, Board & Vellum

"SSF hits it out-of-the-park with communication and creative design. For all projects, we provide a personal commitment and a fun, collaborative experience."


Blaze Bresko, Principal

"I think clients like the fact that we have both talent and personality. We’re a smart group of individuals with varying interests, tons of character and stories to tell.  We’re engaging, not stuffy."


Chardie Byrne, Principal

"It is rare to find a company that doesn’t pigeon-hole employees into a certain project type for the sake of 'efficiency'.  SSF promotes diverse work experiences to help employees grow in their careers."


Zane Kanyer, Principal

"SSF is my first choice for structural engineering. What I most appreciate about SSF is that they are highly skilled engineers AND they understand construction, so their designs are straightforward, practical and economical. My clients love SSF because they can explain hard to understand concepts in clear language. As an architect, I find that they are sensitive to my design goals and work hard to make them happen.”


Sheri Olson, FAIA, Sheri Olson Architecture

"I’m given the autonomy to do what I was hired to do: be an engineer and work with great colleagues and clients!"


Robert Henry, SSF Team

“I never thought working with engineers could actually be fun until we connected with SSF!”


Terry Miller, Schultz | Miller

Why do our clients choose to work with us? "I think our clients like that we prioritize answering the phone and responding to emails even when things are busy.  From what I hear, that's less common than you would expect!"


Evin Gibson, Associate Principal

"I have worked with SSF on projects large and small since they opened their office in 1995. Over the years they have grown considerably while I have continued to downsize. I get the same care and attention on projects that I always have. All the staff I have collaborated with have been professional, creative, and just fun to work with. I hear there are other structural engineers in town….but why?"


Bill Denny, Bill Denny Architect

"SSF offers engineers the rare combination of diverse project types and scales with great clients in a fun, collaborative work environment. We enjoy thinking creatively and generating new approaches to resolve structural challenges."


Ryan Anderson, Associate Principal

Why do you choose to work at SSF? "I love working at SSF! We get to work on interesting projects, my coworkers are fantastic, and I feel valued and supported as an employee. We do have great benefits, which is awesome, but it's the culture and work environment that have kept me here since 2013."


Beth Brown, SSF Team

Why do our clients choose to work with us?  "We tend to say yes more than we say no, and we don’t always act like typical engineers."

 


Dan Say, Principal

"I look forward to going to SSF every morning. Our efforts are targeted toward producing the best work product possible for our clients. To do that, we focus on creating a work environment that fosters creativity and happiness among employees. That may mean wearing shorts and a t-shirt to work or bringing your dog. Being as comfortable and happy as we can be allows us to produce the best work possible. I believe this shows in our product."


Brett Mozden, Principal

What drew you to work at SSF, and why do you think our clients like to work with us? "I enjoy SSF's casual work environment, extra-large work spaces and the opportunity to work very independently. I think clients like to work with us because of our quick response time."


Bart Blans, SSF Team

"When I was in grad school, I had a few classes with an SSF employee. He and I had similar personalities and he thought I would be a good fit. I love the work and the opportunity to design almost every project type you could imagine, from residential to retrofits to climbing gyms. I've been here since 2004 and am fortunate enough to be a shareholder. I think he was right!"


Zane Kanyer, Principal

“I can’t say enough great things about Swenson Say Faget. Whether we need a simple beam sized, or a 10,000 SF home engineered, we love working with SSF. The engineers are all great communicators (which can be rare in this field), timely, and most importantly the designs make sense both for our aesthetic ideals and for the builders in the field.”


Michelle Linden, Principal, Atelier Drome Architecture, LLP

"Swenson Say Faget is a group of dynamic, innovative, and collaborative structural engineers. We have enjoyed the great fortune of working with them on a multitude of projects ranging from high end residential to parks to large structures. Not only are they phenomenal structural engineers, they are great fun to work with! I highly recommend them!"


Laurie J. Pfarr, P.E., LEED AP, CESCL, Principal/Owner, LPD Engineering, PLLC

"SSF Engineers have a high level of responsibility on projects and are empowered to make important decisions and come up with creative solutions. We are not just plugging and chugging through calculations we’ve done 100 times."


Brian Rittereiser, Principal

"Alternate Transportation Supported!  SSF has bike racks and a shower for bicycle commuters!"


Dan Morrow, Retired Principal

"I like working here because I have the freedom to explore my ideas. I came here because the opportunities for growth are unparalleled, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. I stay here because my coworkers are awesome, you can’t beat the perks and there’s a constant effort by SSF leadership to make things even better. Shareholders wholeheartedly support my volunteer efforts – and I get volunteer PTO!"


Sean King, Associate Principal

What drew you to work at SSF, and why do our clients choose to work with us?  "The SSF team is made up of genuine people who value aesthetics. We communicate well with our clients and work hard to find solutions to support their design - within the limits of Newtonian physics!"


Robert Henry, SSF Team

Why do our clients choose to work with us? "We value architectural character in both historic buildings and new construction and believe that the structure should work in concert with the architecture."


Ryan Anderson, Associate Principal

Why were you drawn to join the SSF Team and why do our clients choose to work with us?  "SSF works on interesting and diverse projects, and values and invests in the employees. I wanted to be a part of that. For our clients, SSF brings creative solutions and a willingness to think outside-the-box to achieve project goals."


Beth Brown, SSF Team

"In my 25 year career in Seattle I have probably completed 30-40 projects with SSF; I admit I’ve strayed a couple of times, but we have always come back for the consistency, pragmatism and collaborative spirit.  We have brought 'interesting' designs to the table a few times, which were always met with a can do spirit, along with a dose of well deserved wry wit.  I think I even raised Paul’s heart rate from 50 to 54 once, love that low drama in our structural engineer!"


Jeb Thornburg, Architect/Founder, Indigo Architecture & Interiors

Why do you choose to work at SSF? "My desire was to be a part of a team that worked on cool projects, valued life outside of work, and had a happy and healthy work environment. I found just that (and more) with SSF!"


Dennis Kuzubov, SSF Team

Why do you choose to work at SSF? "We get to work on a wide range of interesting and meaningful projects with fantastic coworkers and clients. At SSF you're provided support and encouragement to grow in your career in a way that is most suited to you and your specific interests and passions."


Francesca Renouard, SSF Team

"We are only as good as those we work with.  SSF is the best and we value our partnership. Thanks for all you do."


Kevin Price, Creative Director/Lead Architect, JAS Design Build

"We’ve found SSF, and in particular, Brett Mozden, to be flexible, practical and creative. A pleasure to work with."


John DeForest, AIA, DeForest Architects

"I appreciate the company's community involvement, not only through our radio sponsorships with KUOW and KEXP, but our commitment to AIA, Design In Public, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Seattle, SMPS Seattle, Food Lifeline, The BLOCK Project, and more!"


Heidi Maki, Associate Principal

“We’ve worked with Swenson Say Faget for over twenty years and nothing’s fallen down yet!”


Mike Mora, Principal, Heliotrope Architects 

"I get paid to do what I love to do, what I believe I have been made to do, for my friends and with my friends.  If that isn’t motivation, I don’t know what is!"


Ryan Reichman, Principal

"Here's a quote I saw recently. 'God made structural engineers so architects can have heroes too.' "


Tony Williamson, SSF Team

"The Engineers at Swenson Say Faget have been our structural problem-solvers for over two decades. When we have a complex design to create or simply want to enjoy collaborating with their kind, fun, and very experienced engineers, we call SSF!"


Tim James Rhodes, RA, AIA, Rhodes Architecture and Light

"I like working here because of the great people, great leadership, fun projects, project variety, Tacoma location…great atmosphere. I keep working here for the same reasons. SSF's casual corporate vibe results in very productive, innovative and timely projects."


Tony Williamson, SSF Team

"SSF's structural engineers are unflappable, careful, creative, and dedicated.  My structural engineer is my wingman, and I truly value SSF working beside me through design and construction.  Through our 15 years of collaboration, our teamwork has created solid designs and strong projects."


Jim Cary, Principal, Cardinal Architecture PC

Why were you drawn to join the SSF team, and why do our clients choose to work with us?  "SSF is a leader in local historic preservation AND we genuinely care about the communities where we work.  From a client's perspective, we approach each project with an appreciation for what makes it unique.  We don’t rely on “one size fits all” type solutions."


Francesca Renouard, SSF Team

“Ncompass Construction confidently relies on SSF to assist with projects of all sizes.  From calculating a simple beam replacement, to whole house structural details, the SSF team consistently provides us with great personal service and quick turn-around.”


Stefan Hansmire, Ncompass Construction

"We challenge our staff to push their own limits as much as they can."


Gary Swenson, Retired Principal

Why do our clients choose to work with us? "We have a large range of project types that we work with regularly, and we are flexible when it comes to working out the specific needs of each client."


Chris Potter, Associate Principal

What makes SSF different from other engineers? "SSF tends to have a “can do” attitude and we are quick to respond when contacted."  Why were you drawn to join the SSF team?  "I was recommended by another employee. I was immediately attracted to what I perceived to be a well-run company with competent leadership. Luckily this perception proved to be true!"


Sean Johnson, SSF Team

What makes SSF different from other engineers?  "The variety of design philosophies, our appreciation for aesthetics, a building’s historical significance, and its impact on the community."


Scott Brown, SSF Team

Why do you choose to work at SSF? "Working at SSF is great because of the attentive mentorship, casual work environment, and variety of projects I work on every day. SSF has provided me with the tools and guidance to grow as a young structural engineer ten times over since my first day."


Mitchell Borseth, SSF Team