EXPERTISE // PEOPLE

Chelsea F. Ames

Senior Associate

 
Experience

Chelsea Ames has extensive experience in providing peer review, building enclosure commissioning (BECx), and construction observation and troubleshooting services for new construction projects ranging from multi-family residential projects to arenas. Ms. Ames has also worked on various projects involving the investigation and design repair of distressed materials and assemblies in both contemporary and historic structures, which provides valuable insight to preventing enclosure problems in new construction work. Ms. Ames performs evaluations of brick masonry, stone, concrete, metal panels, stucco, aluminum and glass curtain walls, roofing, waterproofing, and air barrier systems.

 

 

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Building Enclosure Commissioning

  • Ames Community School District, Ames High School - Ames, IA: Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP) for 420,000-square-foot school building, including a 40,000-square-foot natatorium
  • Iowa State University, Geoffroy Hall - Ames: BECxP for 154,000-square-foot dormitory building
  • Iowa State University, Advanced Teaching and Research Building - Ames: BECxP for 160,000-square-foot biosciences facility
  • Iowa State University, Student Innovation Center - Ames: BECxP for 140,000-square-foot teaching and research facility
  • Iowa State University, Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building - Ames: BECxP for 77,200-square-foot teaching and research facility
  • Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum - Little Falls: BECxP for 45,000-square-foot museum
  • South Dakota State University, Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory - Brookings: BECxP for 81,000-square-foot research laboratory
  • South Dakota State University, SE University Neighborhood Redevelopment - Brookings: BECxP for 54,000-square-foot apartment complex
  • University of Iowa, Petersen Residence Hall - Iowa City: BECxP for 250,000-square-foot dormitory building

 

Facade Assessment

  • Mayo Clinic, Siebens Building - Rochester, MN: Assessment of granite and limestone cladding and glass curtain walls
  • Tractorworks Building - Minneapolis, MN: Brick masonry and terra cotta assessment
  • Centennial Office Building - St. Paul, MN: Assessment of granite wall panels, aluminum windows, and aluminum spandrel panels
  • Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis - MN: Assessment of glass curtain walls, aluminum windows, and architectural precast concrete

 

Historic Preservation

  • Minnesota State Capitol - St. Paul, MN: Assessment and recommendations for restoration of exterior marble facade and copper roofing, development of construction documents, and construction period observation services
  • Pillsbury A-Mill complex - Minneapolis, MN: Platteville limestone, terra cotta, and brick masonry assessment; repair details and construction observation
  • 30th Street Station - Philadelphia, PA: Construction period services during limestone, brick masonry, cast iron curtain walls, and steel window restoration
  • Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building - Minneapolis, MN: Assessment and replacement design for copper roofing
  • Basilica of Saint Mary – Minneapolis, MN: Assessment of granite facades and interior plaster investigation

 

Repair and Rehabilitation Design

  • Minnesota Department of Transportation, District 7 Headquarters - Mankato: Design and preparation of repair construction documents, including roof/wall interface and storefront window systems
  • Minneapolis Grain Exchange - MN: Assessment and restoration design for terra cotta and brick masonry facades
  • AT&T Tower - Minneapolis, MN: Preparation of repair documents for curtain wall and granite cladding
Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects
Building Enclosure Council - MN
International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants

Registrations

Accredited Building Enclosure Commissioning Process Provider (BECxP)
Accredited Commissioning Authority + Building Enclosure (CxA + BE)
Architect in IA and MN

Education

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Bachelor of Science, Environment, Textiles, and Design, 2009

University of Oregon
Master of Architecture, 2012