Rich Ames

SEAW Spokane Engineer of Merit 2006, SEAW Spokane President 2003

In 1972, Richard Ames graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He spent the next six years in a combat engineering unit of the Idaho National Guard. After completing basic training, he went on to obtain a Masters degree from the University of Idaho in 1976.

Rich has practiced structural engineering for 30 years, licensed in Washington and Idaho. He has worked for several engineering firms: a one-year stint with Tucker Engineering (1976-1977), a small civil firm; 10 years with Atwood-Hinzman (1977-1987), 12 years with Peden Petersen & Lee (later Coffman Engineers), and for LSB Engineers. He has worked on numerous projects in the areas of industrial and bridge design, and on architectural projects including the Gonzaga Foley Library, the Spokane County Public Works Building, and the Ferris High School Athletic Facility. His project experience in the aluminum and food processing industries also incorporates facilities design and a significant amount of overhead crane design and upgrades. Additionally, he designed several county bridges over the course of his career. His design of the Gannon Goldsworthy Pedestrian Bridge at Washington University won the 1997 Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) Design Award.

Rich joined SEAW Spokane Chapter at the very beginning of his career, active on the technical, library, scholarship, and seminar committees. He served as a board member and Secretary/Treasurer, and later as President.

Having grown up in a construction family, Rich enjoys doing woodworking, cabinetry, and welding projects.

Posted March 2012