Engineer of the Year - Ralph Boirum!

Spotlight on the ACEC WA 2025 Engineer of the Year!

We are thrilled to announce that ACEC awarded our very own, Ralph Boirum, the prestigious Engineer of the Year award at the 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards!

Ralph has been involved in more than 6,000 engineering projects with a focus in the geotechnical engineering field. His deep technical knowledge led him to be a vital contributor to the design and construction of some of the region’s most significant and complex projects. His work in areas like foundation engineering, slope stabilization, and seismic analysis has had a transformative impact on infrastructure throughout the Pacific Northwest and internationally . Notably, Ralph led the geotechnical design studies for the Downtown Seattle Transit Project (1983–1986), overseeing the design and construction of twin transit tunnels and five stations running through 25 blocks of downtown Seattle. 

A defining feature of Ralph’s work has been his ability to manage complex geotechnical challenges related to seismic risk, which is particularly relevant in the Pacific Northwest due to its vulnerability to earthquakes. One such project was the Fairview Avenue Bridge Replacement in Seattle, where Ralph’s innovative seismic analysis saved the City of Seattle nearly $18 million in construction costs. 

Beyond his technical accomplishments, Ralph has been a passionate advocate for the engineering profession. He has held professional engineering licenses in four states for over 40 years and has contributed to the field through mentorship, publications, and leadership. As president of ACEC WA from 2014–2015, Ralph played a key role in promoting infrastructure development and advocating for policies that supported engineering firms across the state. 

Congratulations, Ralph, and thank you for your contributions to engineering!