More Elbow Room with Office Expansion

VAA is doubling the size of its Plymouth, MN headquarters to accommodate growth in services and new amenities for employees. With the addition of 35,000 square feet, the new space allows for approximately 90 employees and will feature two kitchen areas, on-site storage for document archives, a large-group training center and fitness and game rooms to support employee wellness.

The company relocated to its current location in the spring of 2013 and reached capacity as employee numbers grew 60 percent in four short years. The growth spurt to over 175 employees is the result of VAA broadening its engineering and design capabilities from its long-standing services in structural engineering and equipment layout to added depth in civil, mechanical, electrical, marine, process engineering; rail design and industrial architecture. In addition to the Minnesota expansion, a branch office in Sioux Falls, SD recently opened to support VAA’s existing clients in the Dakotas.

“As we grow our existing relationships in markets fitting our Vision 2020 plan, VAA can offer more diverse services to its clients,” said Mark Mielke, PE, P.Eng, VAA Partner overseeing the project. “The 2017 expansion reinforces our Vision + Values – it’s equally important to provide a great work environment for our employees to be comfortable and engaged.”

The firm’s industrial architecture group created the plans pulling inspiration from VAA’s original Berkshire office renovation developed by RSP Architects. Construction will be completed by Bauer Design Build, LLC who also worked with VAA on its 2013 office. The expansion is in the construction phase with a tentative completion date early next year and will provide momentum toward celebrating VAA’s 40^th anniversary in 2018.