VAA News

“Helping customers develop safe and efficient facilities and processes is key to a successful project and the long-term profitability of our clients.” Gary hails from far north in International Falls, Minnesota. The oft-chilliest city is huddled along the Rainy River and the Canadian border. He grew up the youngest in a trio of three boys […]

Kevin Full, PE, LEED AP, recently joined the Partner group at VAA. The multidiscipline engineering firm of over 200 employees is now privately held by 13 Partners. A Senior Structural Engineer with expertise in large marine infrastructure projects, Full manages work within VAA’s agribusiness and industrial sectors across North America, including the design of marine […]

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Dave Johnson, an Associate and Senior Structural Engineer with VAA. Dave was with VAA for 25 years and prided himself on providing quality service for his clients. He made every project a priority and began project efforts within hours of the initial request […]

Raising money for local charitable organizations has long been important to VAA. Over the years our employees have had many ways to get involved and give back to their community, whether by participating in home building, packaging meals, donating blood, or volunteering time to students. The largest financial impact, however, is always made during VAA’s […]

This spring VAA took to the streets with our furry friends to raise money for the Animal Human Society’s Walk for Animals 50th anniversary charity event. Although it was the second year in a row the AHS fundraiser was held virtually, it didn’t give anyone “paws.” The VAA Egrets team was one of the top five Corporate Team […]

Tina joins VAA as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Operations, a newly created corporate finance and operations position for the privately held multidiscipline engineering and design firm. The combination of introducing a 10-year, 2030 Vision and modifying the company’s governance were catalysts to adding the newly formed CFO/Director of Operations position. “With Tina on board, this […]

It has been said the best view comes after the hardest climb. But why not enjoy the views on the way up? On the highest hill in Mazatlán, Mexico, sits an observatory that could previously only be accessed via a difficult climb up steep and rugged terrain. Hill Hiker designed an inclined elevator system that […]

Former Partner and Senior Project Manager Bernie Jansen is celebrating 35 years at VAA. Respected and admired by clients and coworkers alike, to say Bernie has played an integral role in the growth of VAA is an understatement. Bernie always possessed a natural curiosity about how things were built. Having discovered drafting in high school, […]

For a nation subject to annual hurricanes and earthquakes, the question should be asked, how do buildings stand up under the strain of a natural disaster? While two very different approaches are taken to building designs to allow for either extreme wind speeds or high seismic (earthquake) events, the common thread is lateral forces. Acting […]

As with many 2020 events, VAA’s Community Caring Campaign (CCC) joined the virtual world to raise dollars for local organizations. Selected by VAA’s Designing a Difference Team (formerly Wellness & Outreach Committee), the CCC’s on-line events and employee efforts raised over $40,000 dollars for three selected charities. Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP) A long-term […]