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OUR HISTORY

The alert went out in the form of a meeting announcement in October 1988 to 30 structural engineering firms in the Consulting Engineering Council of Metropolitan Washington (CEC-MW). This meeting was necessary to address the dismal state of our business environment which had deteriorated during the decade of the 1980’s. Due to our lack of attention to basic business practices, structural engineers were being denied responsibilities in the design process, often working without written contracts, and working for reduced fees due to client bid shopping practices. The industry as a whole was suffering from an increasing volume of legal claims and professional liability insurance rates which skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Many engineers were practicing without coverage. Something had to be done to address and reverse these trends. The writing was on the wall, and only structural engineers, themselves, could turn the tide.

Major topics of discussion addressed at the early meetings included: Inter-professional Contracts and Separate Contracts directly with owners; Educating Clients to Recommended Structural Engineering Services required to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the public; Quality of Service; Equitable Fee structure; Office Practices; and Professional Liability Insurance. The future success of the organization was immediately evident by the overwhelming turnout at each meeting. Committees were formed to address business and professional issues we faced on a daily basis. Basic guidelines for contracts, developing man-hour breakdowns for fee structures, risk identification and management, insurance premiums and limiting liability, project and office quality management, and client education were presented to members at monthly dinner programs.

Paralleling the growth of the Structural Engineers Association (SEA) was the growth of the national Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) within the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) plus the Structural Engineers Risk Management Council (SERMC) founded by ACEC and the insurance carrier DPIC. The essence of the CASE movement was reflected in SEA which elected to become a chapter of CASE, giving birth to SEA/CASE-MW. This close association has allowed SEA/CASE-MW to contribute valuable material to national efforts for improving structural engineering business practices. Just this year, members voted to simplify our name to SEA-MW.

As we approach our 35th year, this history demonstrates the determination and commitment of the Structural Engineering community to improving our business and service to the Washington metropolitan area. Members of SEA-MW are quick to relate the success of our efforts to educating ourselves in sound business practices, reducing risk, and improving our service. One of the main keys to our success is effective communication among ourselves and with our clients.

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SEA-MW By-Laws

OUR CHAIRPERSONS

 2020-2021 Scott Stewart
 2019-2020 Christopher Crilly 
 2018-2019 Douglas Lauer
 2017-2018  Dave Smith
 2016-2017  Alex Salmin
 2015-2016  Zach Kates
 2014-2015  Justin Domire
 2013-2014  Peggy Van Eepoel
 2012-2011  Tom Bouffard
 2010-2012  Matthew Daw
 2008-2010  Frank Malits
 2007-2008  Sam Rihani
 2005-2007  Paul Hobelmann
 2004-2005  Rich Apple
 2003-2004  Gary Strand
 2002-2003  Mike Lenkin
 2000-2002  Bernie Dennis
 1999-2000  Mike Goss
 1998-1999
 Tom Bouffard
 1997-1998  John Rossi
 1996-1997  Luis Fernandez
 1995-1996  David Holbert
 1994-1995  Ronald Wolfman
 1993-1994
 Wayne Bryan
 1992-1993
 Denis McMullan
 1991-1992
 Douglas Elliott
 1988-1990  Samuel Jolles

Improving the Business of Structural Engineering

© 2018 by Structural Engineers Association - Metropolitan Washington