Growth has been modest this year for Interface Engineering, a mechanical and electrical consulting firm celebrating its 30th anniversary. The firm has developed specialties in architectural lighting, fire and life safety code consulting and telecommunications.

Interface works in commercial, education, hospitality, residential and government markets nationally and internationally. Offices are located in Kirkland, Portland, Salem and Sacramento.

The Seattle and Sacramento markets have been strong, while Portland and Salem offices are affected by the slowdown in the tech markets, according to business development director Matt Smith. The Kirkland office continues to work on high-end residential projects in the Northwest. Other projects include the State Liquor Control Board office in Olympia, the Lynden Transit Center and the Distance Learning Center at Western Washington University. Construction volume for Kirkland projects in 1999 will be $30 million.

"Current market conditions make staffing an on-going issue," said Smith, who cited difficulties in recruiting qualified staff in all offices. Strategic hires were made in Kirkland to enhance services in lighting design and life safety consulting.

"With a total staff of 150, our challenge is to think as one organization, using technology to make staff available to the firms" projects irrespective of their office location," said Smith.

Higher population densities and associated costs make adaptive re-use and redevelopment areas of opportunity for the firm, he said. Also, concerns for environmental issues and the push for sustainable development suggest a higher engineering and design content in future construction projects.