Structural Engineers HALL of FAME
Postings here, document and acknowledge the achievements of individuals honored by the Structural Engineers Association of Washington (SEAW) since the 1950 establishment of the organization.
Richard Chauner - Life Member 1994
Born in Montana in 1929, Richard Chauner attended Montana State College, earning his undergraduate civil engineering degree in 1950. In 1957 he received the MSCE from the University of Washington.
Dick's life in the working world began at Lease Leigand Contractors (later Lease Crutcher Lewis) in Seattle, continuing with six years at Boeing.
He worked with the Seattle firm of Worthington, Skilling, Helle and Jackson for 20 years beginning in 1960. His projects included structural design for the extensive remodel of the original Civic Auditorium into the 3,200-seat Opera House (shown here), and also the adjacent Ice Arena, at the time of the Seattle World's Fair. His work as a principal of the firm brought him in contact with the architect Minoru Yamasaki, with whom he collaborated on projects including the Theme Tower in Central City, California and the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, Virginia.
Beginning in 1982 he spent six years with ABKJ, three years at Austin Engineering, and three years at Olympic Associates before retiring. His projects include Whidbey Island Naval Hangars, the Baltimore Convention Center, Seattle Times Publishing/Printing Complex, and the Seafirst Home Office/5th Avenue Building in Seattle.