KPFF Special Projects

30 Years of Special Projects at KPFF!

In 1996, KPFF established the Special Projects Group to tackle the kind of work that doesn't fit a standard playbook — projects demanding unique management approaches, multi-discipline coordination, specialized technical expertise, and a willingness to think differently. Three decades later, that founding vision has grown into a 150+ person team across Seattle, Tacoma, and Long Beach, delivering civil, structural, and mechanical engineering, construction management, and project management on some of the most distinctive projects in our industry. Here's to the project managers, engineers, business operations, and technical staff, past and present, who have made these 30 years possible. The next chapter starts now.

As we close out a project this month, we honor the leadership and long-standing stewardship of the Nez Perce Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Their commitment to restoring spring Chinook in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha basins continues to guide the work at USFWS Lookingglass Fish Hatchery—a cornerstone of co-managed recovery and treaty-reserved rights. As a consultant to USFWS, we are proud to support improvements to the hatchery’s intake and fish ladder, designing and overseeing construction so these systems meet today’s standards for fish screening, passage, and operational reliability. Earlier this fall water was turned on to the fish ladder and we have been monitoring the hydraulics in extreme low flow conditions. These upgrades reflect our shared goal of protecting juvenile and adult salmon, strengthening natural-origin returns, and supporting the tribes’ long-term vision for resilient, culturally significant fisheries. We choose to honor tribal leadership in our technical excellence ensuring our proposed solutions are safe for fish, responsive to changing conditions, and aligned with generations of stewardship.

Interns today, legends tomorrow. Happy National Intern to the greatest!

Project Highlight! Join us in celebrating a milestone for the Port of Longview's Berth 2 Fender System Replacement Project! We have been working alongside the Port since April 2021, and today the first fender piles are officially installed!

The Port's self-performing team is on track to complete installation by the end of the year, with new rubber fender units and steel fender panels next on the schedule. Check out these amazing drone shots shared with KPFF from the site!

Had a fantastic morning at Vigor Shipyards yesterday for an intern site visit! Over the past 25 years, KPFF has proudly contributed to 87 projects here. We even spotted some seal friends enjoying the new, unique salmon habitat. 🦭🐟

Happy March 1st! Today marks the start of Women's History Month. Throughout this month, we're not only continuing with our regular content but also dedicating space to celebrate the incredible women who shape our lives – whether they're part of our KPFF Special Projects team, in our homes, or those who inspire us from afar. Here's to honoring the past, present, and future achievements of women everywhere. 💪💖

🎉🎉 We are delighted to share the announcement of our newest Associate, Tim Helbig! Tim's dedication and expertise in civil engineering continues to elevate our team. Join us as we congratulate Tim!

At KPFF, our commitment to creating a supportive and positive environment is embodied in our ForeFront program. As a part of this initiative, our Special Projects offices proudly presents the LINK program, designed to connect team members across disciplines, backgrounds, and experience levels, promoting continuous learning and inclusion.

In the spirit of Learn, Include, Network, and Know, our LINK groups recently had a fantastic opportunity to come together in the New Year! Team members from our Seattle, Tacoma, and Long Beach joined for gatherings and celebrated diversity, collaboration, and the lifelong learning that KPFF encompasses.

Growing our team to start out 2024! Please help us to welcome all of the newest members of the Special Projects offices!