MKE Associates

MKE Associates Inc. is a consulting engineering firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon, specializing in mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications design for buildings of all scales, from small spaces to large central plants exceeding 200,000 square feet. Operating across seven western states, the firm serves both private and public sector clie... nts, including federal, state, and local government agencies, military installations, and law enforcement facilities. MKE's service model reflects deep integration within the design ecosystem: approximately 80 percent of the firm's work is performed as a sub-consultant within architect-led design teams, while the remaining portion is delivered directly under contract with building owners or contractors. Founded in 1979 as Martinson & Knudsen Engineering, MKE maintains a lean, experienced team of five licensed engineers supported by 22 employees, enabling responsive, high-touch client engagement across diverse occupancy types and project complexities. The firm is recognized for its commitment to innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-effective systems solutions, demonstrated through completed projects such as the Kalama Interpretive Center in Washington, which opened in 2014 and exemplifies MKE's design philosophy. That project featured a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system with integrated energy recovery ventilation, contemporary exposed spiral sheet metal ductwork serving as an architectural element, and LED lighting with advanced controls including occupancy sensors, individual area dimming, and automated daylight harvestingall designed to exceed energy code requirements. Site lighting was specified using energy-efficient LED fixtures compliant with Dark Sky standards. This project portfolio reflects MKE's technical depth in systems integration, energy performance optimization, and collaborative design practices that position the firm as a trusted partner for complex mechanical and electrical engineering challenges across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.Read More