Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Solutions in Rockville
Rathgeber-Goss Associates has been a trusted name in structural engineering for over three decades. Founded in 1991, our firm combines more than 100 years of collective experience in structural design, remodeling, and renovation projects. We specialize in delivering innovative engineering solutions for new constructions and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, working closely with architects, contractors, and property owners. Our principals maintain direct involvement in every project phase, ensuring timely decisions that align with client goals. With expertise in major building codes and state-of-the-art technologies like BIM and AutoCAD, we provide comprehensive structural analysis and design services.Our team holds professional engineer registrations in 10 states and has completed over 1,500 projects spanning commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and data centers. Recognized with multiple industry awards, including SEA-MW Outstanding Project Awards, we prioritize sustainability through initiatives like LEED-certified projects. Our commitment to quality is reinforced by a robust in-house quality assurance program and $2 million annual liability coverage. From feasibility studies to construction phase support, we deliver tailored solutions that balance technical excellence with budgetary and scheduling constraints.
Services
Structural Design
Building Renovations
Data Center Projects
Seismic Retrofitting
Construction Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized structural engineering expertise
- Our principals maintain direct project involvement from concept to completion
- We utilize advanced BIM and AutoCAD technologies for precise designs
- Our team holds P.E. registrations in 10 states with $2M liability coverage
- We've completed 1,500+ projects including award-winning renovations and data centers
Associations and certifications
- LEED Gold Certified
- Professional Engineers (P.E.)
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design services encompass new commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities. We create optimized framing systems using reinforced concrete, steel, wood, and masonry materials. Our engineers analyze multiple design options to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet building codes and sustainability standards while ensuring structural integrity for decades.
Building Renovations
Specializing in adaptive reuse projects, we transform aging structures through vertical expansions, seismic upgrades, and functional modernizations. Our team evaluates existing building capacities and develops reinforcement strategies that extend structural lifespans while meeting current code requirements. This includes converting office spaces to residential units and upgrading historic buildings for contemporary use.
Data Center Projects
We design mission-critical data center structures with specialized load requirements. Our engineers address unique challenges like high equipment loads, vibration control, and uninterrupted operation during construction. With experience in Ashburn's data center corridor, we deliver facilities that meet Tier III/IV standards while optimizing energy efficiency and future scalability for major tech clients.
Seismic Retrofitting
Our seismic retrofitting services enhance structural resilience in earthquake-prone areas. We conduct detailed vulnerability assessments and implement reinforcement solutions like base isolators and shear walls. These upgrades ensure compliance with modern building codes while maintaining architectural integrity, particularly for historic buildings and critical infrastructure like hospitals.
Construction Analysis
We provide comprehensive construction phase services including shop drawing reviews, field inspections, and problem-solving during implementation. Our engineers collaborate with contractors to address unforeseen conditions while maintaining design intent. This includes temporary shoring design, load monitoring, and quality assurance programs that ensure projects meet performance specifications and budget constraints.
People
Michael J. Goss
Principal Emeritus
With 44 years of experience including 31 at RGA, Mike has led over 1,500 projects ranging from hospitals to data centers. He co-founded the firm in 1991 after 14 years in Washington's engineering community.
Justin T. Domire
Principal
As a licensed Professional Engineer, Justin oversees project execution and client relations. He brings extensive expertise in structural systems for commercial and institutional buildings, ensuring technical excellence across all projects.
Brad M. Ehlers
Associate Principal
Brad manages complex renovation projects, specializing in adaptive reuse of existing structures. His technical knowledge spans seismic retrofitting and structural analysis for mission-critical facilities like data centers.
Nehemias J. Iglesias
Associate Principal
Nehemias leads engineering teams on new construction projects. He specializes in integrating advanced structural systems with architectural designs while maintaining cost-effectiveness and constructability.
Jen V. Rouchard
Project Manager
With P.E. certification, Jen coordinates multidisciplinary teams for large-scale projects. She ensures seamless transition from design to construction while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and client expectations.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in new building design, structural renovations, seismic retrofits, data center projects, and construction phase support for commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities.
How long has your firm been in business?
Rathgeber/Goss Associates has provided structural engineering services since 1991, with our principals collectively holding over 100 years of industry experience.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic renovations including Parker Flats at Gage School and Atlas Performing Arts Center, balancing preservation with modern structural requirements.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Rockville, MD, we serve the Mid-Atlantic region including Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland with projects in Ashburn, Manassas, and surrounding areas.
Are your engineers licensed in multiple states?
Our team holds professional engineer registrations in 10 states and can quickly obtain licenses in additional jurisdictions as needed for specific projects.
What technology do you use for structural analysis?
We utilize advanced software for structural analysis and design, including BIM compatibility through Revit and AutoCAD, ensuring precise modeling and coordination with other disciplines.
