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Magnusson Klemencic Associates

From Alfawiki
Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Company typePrivately held company
IndustryStructural and civil engineering consulting
Founded1920
Headquarters
Seattle, Washington
,
United States
Key people
Ron Klemencic (Chairman and CEO)
ProductsStructural and civil engineering consulting services

Magnusson Klemencic Associates is a privately held American consulting firm specializing in structural and civil engineering, headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The company has contributed to projects with a combined value exceeding $99 billion, spanning 48 U.S. states and 54 countries worldwide. Among its prominent works are the World Trade Center, Columbia Center, Aqua, Doha Convention Center Tower, Olympic Sculpture Park, Salesforce Tower, and JW Marriott Indianapolis.

History

The firm originated in 1920 under the name W.H. Witt Company, based in Seattle. Following the death of founder Witt in 1929, leadership passed to partners Harold Worthington and George Runciman, both esteemed structural engineers responsible for notable Seattle landmarks such as the Joseph Vance Building. The company expanded significantly after World War II, leading to a rebranding in 1955 as Worthington and Skilling, with John Skilling—who would later be inducted into the National Academy of Engineering—joining as a partner. Under Skilling’s direction, the firm undertook major projects including the World Trade Center, IBM Building, and Columbia Center, operating offices in both Seattle and New York during the World Trade Center engagement.

In 1960, with Helge Helle and Joe Jackson becoming partners, the firm’s name changed to Worthington, Skilling, Helle & Jackson. By 1967, John V. Christiansen and Leslie E. Robertson joined as partners, prompting another renaming to Skilling, Helle, Christiansen, Robertson. Robertson eventually separated the New York branch to establish Leslie E. Robertson Associates. The addition of Bill Ward as partner in 1983 led to the firm being called Skilling Ward Rogers Barkshire.

Jon Magnusson joined the firm in 1976 and rose to principal by age 30; by 1987, reflecting his leadership role as CEO at 34, the company was renamed Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire. Magnusson received recognition from the American Institute of Architects in 2003. Ron Klemencic became part of the team in 1992 after moving from KPFF Consulting Engineers, advanced to president, and in 2003 the firm adopted its current title—Magnusson Klemencic Associates—marking the first time since 1955 that Skilling’s name was omitted from the company title. The tallest project currently underway by the firm is the Doha Convention Center Tower, which will reach a height of 1,808 feet.

Overview of firm name evolution:

  • 1923–1955: W.H. Witt Company
  • 1955–1960: Worthington & Skilling
  • 1960–1967: Worthington, Skilling, Helle & Jackson
  • 1967–1983: Skilling, Helle, Christiansen, Robertson
  • 1983–1987: Skilling Ward Rogers Barkshire
  • 1987–2003: Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire
  • 2003–present: Magnusson Klemencic Associates

Notable staff

Over its history, Magnusson Klemencic has been home to distinguished engineers including John Skilling, Leslie Robertson, and Jack Christiansen—all former partners and members of the National Academy of Engineering, which represents the pinnacle of recognition for engineers. John Skilling was honored as a "pioneering building engineer." Multiple MKA engineers such as Bill Ward, John Skilling, John Hooper, Jon Magnusson, and Michael Valley have been recipients of the Structural Engineers Association of Washington’s Engineer of the Year award.

Ron Klemencic, currently serving as Chairman and CEO, was awarded the 2018 ENR Award of Excellence for his innovative leadership fostering collaborative research and development as well as enhancing constructibility within the built environment. In 2019, he earned the ASCE Outstanding Project and Leaders (OPAL) Award recognizing his lifetime contributions to design excellence. Additionally, Ron chaired the nonprofit Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat from 2001 through 2006 and holds a directorship at the Charles Pankow Foundation where he spearheaded initiatives advancing performance-based seismic design through foundation-supported research grants.

Distinguished Projects

Since its establishment in 1996, MKA has been honored with the Grand Conceptor Award on three occasions. This prestigious accolade is presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and recognizes exceptional engineering achievements across the United States. MKA earned this distinction for its work on the KeyArena (1996), the Seattle United States Courthouse (2006), and the Olympic Sculpture Park (2008).

High-Rise Buildings

Among the prominent skyscrapers crafted by MKA are:

Athletic Venues, Civic Spaces, and Additional Developments

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