Chelsea F. Ames

Experience

Since joining WJE, Chelsea Karrels Ames has worked on various projects involving the investigation and design repair of distressed materials and assemblies in both contemporary and historic structures. Her projects include inspections of existing buildings, repair designs, development of construction documents and written reports, and construction observation services. Ms. Ames performs evaluations of brick masonry, stone, concrete, metal panels, stucco, and glass curtain walls. She also assists in providing peer review, building enclosure commissioning, construction observation and troubleshooting services for new construction projects ranging from multifamily residential projects to arenas.

 

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Building Enclosure Commissioning

• Iowa State University, Buchanan II Residence Hall - Ames
• Iowa State University, Advanced Teaching and Research Building - Ames
• University of Iowa, West Campus Residence Hall - Iowa City
• University of Iowa, Hancher Auditorium - Iowa City
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Student Center - La Crosse

 

Construction Observation Services

• US Bancorp Center - Minneapolis, MN: Construction period services during cleaning and sealing of exterior precast concrete wall panels
• Elan Uptown - Minneapolis, MN: Observation services during wall cladding and fenestration installation

 

Facade Assessment

• Mayo Clinic, Siebens Building - Rochester, MN: Assessment of granite and limestone cladding and glass curtain walls; preparation of repair construction documents
• Tractorworks Building - Minneapolis, MN: Brick masonry and terra cotta facade assessment
• Centennial Office Building - Saint Paul, MN: Facade assessment of granite wall panels, aluminum windows, and aluminum spandrel panels

 

Historic Preservation

• Minnesota State Capitol - St. Paul: Assessment and recommendations for restoration of exterior marble facade, 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

 

Peer Review

• Sioux Falls Events Center - Sioux Falls, SD: Review of building enclosure system with emphasis on detailing at material transitions, control of air and water infiltration, and moisture management
• South Minneapolis Regional Service Center - MN: Peer review of exterior building enclosure

 

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
• Stinson Office Park - Minneapolis, MN: Assessment, design, and construction administration for repair of historic mass masonry facades and chimney
• AT&T Tower - Minneapolis, MN: Preparation of repair documents for curtain wall and granite cladding
• Millennium Hotel - Minneapolis, MN: Condition assessment, repair design, and construction period services for repair of window assemblies and exterior sealant joints in precast panels

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects
Preservation Alliance of Minnesota

Registrations

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

Education

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

University of Oregon
Master of Architecture, 2012