Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Services in Rockville, MD
Rathgeber-Goss Associates has been delivering structural engineering expertise since 1991, combining over 100 years of cumulative experience across our team. We specialize in structural design for new buildings and renovations, working closely with architects, contractors, and owners to create innovative solutions. Our principals maintain direct involvement in every project phase, ensuring timely decisions that protect budgets and schedules. With registrations in 10 states and expertise in major building codes, we handle complex projects including seismic retrofits, vertical expansions, and data center conversions.Our commitment to quality is supported by advanced analysis software, BIM compatibility, and a rigorous in-house quality assurance program backed by $2M annual liability coverage. We've earned industry recognition through awards for projects like the RagingWire VA2 Data Center and 2000 L Street renovation, demonstrating our ability to transform aging structures into modern, sustainable facilities.
Services
Structural Engineering
Building Renovations
Data Center Conversions
Educational Facilities
Healthcare Structures
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of structural engineering expertise with direct principal involvement
- Our team holds registrations in 10 states and understands all major building codes
- We maintain a $2M liability insurance policy with established quality assurance programs
- We've completed over 1500 projects including complex data center conversions and vertical expansions
- Our principals have designed 25+ data centers totaling over 7 million square feet
Associations and certifications
- Professional Engineers in 10 states
Services
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services cover complete building systems analysis and design for new construction. We specialize in reinforced concrete, structural steel, wood, and masonry materials. Our team creates optimized framing systems using advanced analysis software while maintaining compliance with IBC, ASCE, and local jurisdiction requirements.
Building Renovations
We provide comprehensive renovation solutions for existing structures, including load capacity evaluations and seismic retrofits. Our expertise includes vertical expansions, adaptive reuse projects, and converting office buildings to residential use. Recent projects demonstrate our ability to transform aging Class B structures into LEED-certified Class A spaces.
Data Center Conversions
Our firm specializes in data center structural design and office-to-data-center conversions. We address unique requirements like minimal perimeter penetrations and heavy load capacities. With experience designing over 25 data centers totaling 7+ million square feet, we deliver solutions that balance structural integrity with operational efficiency.
Educational Facilities
We design structural systems for K-12 schools and higher education facilities. Our experience includes new construction projects like Thomas Stone High School and renovation work at educational institutions. We address specialized requirements for classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities while maintaining strict safety standards.
Healthcare Structures
Our healthcare structural engineering services cover hospitals, patient towers, and medical office buildings. We understand the unique demands of healthcare facilities including equipment load requirements and future expansion needs. Recent projects include Howard County Hospital's patient tower and parking garage complex.
People
Michael J. Goss
Principal Emeritus
With 44 years of experience including 31 years at Rathgeber/Goss, Mike co-founded the firm in 1991. He has led over 1500 projects including major data centers and building renovations. Recognized with the 2022 SEA-MW Outstanding Achievement Award, Mike remains active in community service through his church's food pantry.
Justin T. Domire
Principal
As a licensed Professional Engineer, Justin leads project teams with technical expertise in structural systems. He maintains direct client communication throughout project phases and contributes to the firm's quality assurance program. His experience spans multiple construction materials and complex renovation challenges.
Brad M. Ehlers
Associate Principal
Brad serves as Associate Principal with responsibility for technical oversight of engineering staff. He contributes to major projects requiring advanced structural analysis and coordinates with architects to develop efficient framing solutions. His work supports the firm's commitment to principal-led project delivery.
Nehemias J. Iglesias
Associate Principal
As Associate Principal, Nehemias leads structural design teams for commercial and institutional projects. He specializes in applying state-of-the-art technologies to complex engineering challenges and mentors junior staff in best practices for structural analysis and documentation.
W. Eric Rathgeber
Principal Emeritus
Co-founder and Principal Emeritus, Eric established the firm's commitment to principal involvement in all project phases. His leadership helped develop the firm's quality assurance program and technical standards that continue to guide current operations and client service expectations.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you offer?
We provide complete structural design for new buildings and renovations, including seismic retrofits, vertical expansions, and data center conversions for commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities.
How experienced is your engineering team?
Our principals have 30+ years of combined experience with over 1500 completed projects, including 25+ data centers and major renovations like the 1400 Crystal Drive transformation.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic renovations while maintaining structural integrity. Recent projects include LEED Gold-certified office conversions and adaptive reuse of aging commercial structures.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington D.C., with the ability to register as Professional Engineers in any US state for specific projects.
How do you handle complex structural challenges?
We use advanced analysis software to evaluate multiple framing options, ensuring economical solutions that meet all code requirements while addressing unique project constraints like heavy load capacities.
Can you assist with data center structural design?
Yes, we have extensive experience designing and converting data centers, including the RagingWire VA2 facility. Our team addresses specialized requirements like minimal perimeter penetrations and heavy load capacities.
