SK&A Structural Engineers is honored to be included in the Building Design + Construction (BD+C) spotlight on notable innovations from the 2025 Engineering Giants. This annual report looks at how the nation’s largest engineering and engineering/architecture firms are investing in new services and technology enhancements to drive growth.
Faster, Broader Access for Inspections
BD+C highlighted SK&A for the strategic development of our in-house Rope Access Team, which strengthens our ability to complete façade and structural inspections more efficiently than traditional access methods. While not new to the industry, our focused investment in training, certification, and field implementation of rope access techniques have substantially improved how we inspect and assess existing buildings—particularly in dense urban areas like Washington, DC, where traditional access methods pose logistical and financial challenges.
Perfect for Quick-Response Conditions
Rope access allows our engineers to ascend, descend, and position themselves safely in hard-to-reach areas using specialized equipment and anchorage setups. This technique offers a number of advantages over swing stages or lifts, especially for quick-response situations, such as inspecting a leaking curtainwall or documenting localized façade damage. Unlike swing stages, which can cost $2,500–$3,000 per day per swing stage and provide access to limited areas at a time, our rope access team can cover larger areas more quickly and at lower cost, without being constrained by roof capacity or needing building-mounted infrastructure.
Strengthening Our In-House Expertise
We have strengthened this capability by expanding our certified rope access personnel through training and certification with Altius Technical Services. The training emphasized technical skills such as rope-to-rope transfers, edge protection, equipment raising/lowering, and rescue protocols. This investment not only enhanced the safety and effectiveness of our inspections but also ensured that our team can operate independently and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Client Benefits and Measurable Results
The results have been tangible. We’ve reduced mobilization times, provided faster turnaround for investigation reports, and minimized disruption to building occupants—key advantages for clients managing active properties. Our ability to respond quickly and inspect critical conditions without the delays or expenses of third-party access vendors has enabled more proactive maintenance planning and faster decision-making for building owners.
A Flexible Approach for Each Building
Rather than relying solely on costly and rigid access systems, rope access has allowed us to tailor our approach to each building’s specific needs, with an emphasis on flexibility, speed, and cost-efficiency. This shift has also expanded opportunities for field engineers to develop specialized inspection skills, strengthening our overall capacity and resilience as a firm.
Looking Ahead
We view rope access as an ongoing operational improvement—not just a new tool, but a strategic capability that enhances our ability to deliver high-quality, responsive service. As we continue growing the team and integrating these services into more of our repair, restoration, and assessment projects, we expect even greater returns in terms of safety, quality, and client satisfaction.
We’re grateful to be included among BD+C’s prestigious list of innovative engineering giants. We see it as a reflection of the practical problem-solving our team brings to every assignment.
Source: Building Design + Construction. (2025 Dec. 1). Innovations from the nation’s largest engineering firms
