Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Solutions in Boulder, CO
Ascent Group is a structural engineering firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with additional offices in Winter Park. Founded by professionals with advanced engineering degrees and decades of combined experience, we deliver comprehensive structural solutions across commercial, residential, institutional, and specialty projects. Our team includes LEED-accredited engineers and licensed professionals operating in over 25 states, specializing in complex architectural challenges, cost-efficient design, and problem-solving for expansive soils, high seismic zones, and unique structural systems. We collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and municipalities to maintain design intent while ensuring structural integrity.With expertise in solar arrays, signage, art installations, and forensic evaluations, we serve clients ranging from homeowners to federal agencies. Our approach emphasizes early-phase collaboration, budget optimization, and sustainable practices. Recognized for technical excellence, we have completed award-winning projects spanning luxury mountain homes, municipal facilities, and industrial complexes. Our engineers hold advanced degrees and maintain active roles in professional organizations like the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado. Backed by 20+ year client relationships, we combine technical rigor with personalized service to support projects from concept through construction.
Services
Commercial Engineering
Residential Design
Institutional Projects
Specialty Structures
Forensic Evaluations
Solar Array Engineering
Expansive Soil Solutions
Art Installation Support
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of combined experience in structural engineering across 25+ states.
- Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals with advanced engineering degrees.
- We hold active licenses in over 25 states for nationwide project capabilities.
- Our client-first approach ensures designs align with architectural vision and budget.
- We specialize in challenging environments like expansive soils and high seismic zones.
Associations and certifications
- LEED-AP BD+C
- ISO 9001
What people say
Plans we can trust
Great experience start to finish
Highly recommend working with
Always pleased with service
Complete trust in work
Services
Commercial Structural Engineering
We design structural systems for restaurants, retail spaces, office buildings, and industrial facilities. Our engineers optimize materials and connections to balance cost efficiency with durability. Clients benefit from our expertise in navigating jurisdictional requirements and integrating mechanical systems while maintaining architectural intent.
Residential Design
Specializing in custom homes, multi-family units, and pool structures, we create code-compliant designs that accommodate unique owner preferences. Our team provides cost-effective solutions for production builders and personalized support for high-end residential clients while ensuring structural integrity.
Institutional Projects
We deliver structural solutions for laboratories, libraries, and municipal buildings with strict budget and timeline constraints. Our experience includes facility assessments, building information modeling, and construction administration to meet federal and local regulatory standards.
Specialty Structures
Our engineers tackle complex projects like art sculptures, structural glass systems, and theater rigging. We combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving to support unconventional designs while ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards.
Forensic Evaluations
We assess existing buildings for distress causes and develop repair strategies. Services include condition assessments, modernization feasibility studies, and remediation plans for foundations and structural components in residential and commercial properties.
People
Lee Winkler
Principal
PE, LEED-AP BD+C with MS in Structural Engineering from CU Boulder. Manages complex projects and leverages lab experience for material behavior insights. Founded Ascent Group in 1993.
Matthew Berry
Principal
PE with architectural engineering degree from CU Boulder. Focuses on integrated structural design and multi-trade coordination. Serves on Louisville's Building Code Board of Appeals.
Chris Krauss
Principal
PE/SE licensed in 12+ states. Specializes in residential and commercial projects. Active in Structural Engineers Association of Colorado committees.
Jared Veenstra
Principal
PE managing Winter Park office. Expert in mountain home construction. Built personal home using self-performed carpentry to refine practical engineering approaches.
Rich Farnham
Senior Engineer
Supports diverse projects with technical expertise in structural systems and code compliance.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate in Boulder and Winter Park, Colorado, with projects across the Rocky Mountain region and 25+ states nationwide.
Do you handle both new construction and remodeling?
Yes, we provide structural engineering for new buildings and renovations, including foundation assessments and addition designs.
How do you address soil-related structural issues?
We specialize in expansive soil mitigation techniques to prevent foundation damage in Western states' challenging geologies.
Can you work with historic buildings?
Our team evaluates existing structures and develops retrofit solutions while preserving historical integrity.
What industries do you specialize in?
We serve commercial, residential, institutional, light industrial, and specialty sectors like art installations and solar arrays.
How do you ensure project cost efficiency?
We optimize structural member selection and connection designs to reduce material and labor costs without compromising safety.
Reviews (3)
Erin Lizzo
Sep 01, 2020
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These guys are SO incredible. Very knowledgeable, smart, and thoughtful. I 100% recommend them and will continue to work with them on future projects. Thank you, Ascent Group!
John Stevens
Dec 01, 2017
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We at Sopris Homes have used the engineers at Ascent for over 20 years. We are always pleased with their service and we completely trust their work
Bret Eastman
Nov 24, 2016
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This is a solid group of engineers. I've worked with them on a number of projects and they have always had my best interest in mind while providing creative solutions. Don't hesitate to contact them.
