Jon Magnusson Hon. AIA

As Chairman/CEO of Seattle-based engineering firm Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire [later Magnusson Klemenic Associates/MKA], Jon D. Magnusson (BSCE UW summa cum laude, MCE UC Berkeley) leads what many people consider the most creative consulting firm in the US today.  His design leadership has created and advanced a portfolio of completed projects in 43 states and 31 countries, recognized by national awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) in 11 of the last 16 years among 117 awards for engineering excellence -- and credit for 28 'world's firsts' in design.  In his native Washington, he served as Principal Structural Engineer on most of the Puget Sound's newest generation of landmarks, including Bellevue Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, Experience Music Project, Key Arena, Safeco Field, Seahawks Stadium, and the Seattle Central Library.  In 2002, ACEC of Washington named him Washington's Consulting Engineer of the Year; in addition, he has taken an active leadership role in national activities of ACEC and the engineering professions.
In the days and months following the tragedies of 9/11/01, Jon Magnusson helped Americans and the world to understand the miracle of engineering that allowed many to survive the attacks on the World Trade Center.  The original engineering masterpiece, and Jon's articulate explanations, exemplify the highest values of design and the design professions.  A dedicated partner in practice and ally in design, he has demonstrated outstanding and intelligent leadership in making design comprehensible and accessible, even to our youngest citizens, through his advocacy and his commitment to mentoring.

In 2001, Jon established a high school mentoring program in the Puget Sound area, known as the ACE Mentor Program, to expose students to architecture, construction, and engineering career opportunities.
AIA Doer's Profile 11/2006:  Jon Magnusson Hon. AIA

Reference:  John Skilling, an originator of the MKA firm, provided structural engineering services for the World Trade Center project.