Cierra Associates

President: Jay Jack

Specialty: Electrical engineering

Year founded: 1996

2002 revenues: $635,000

Projected 2003 revenues: $670,000

Largest current projects: Remodel and addition to the Northwest School on Capitol Hill, new Sammamish City Hall and commons

A halt in design of a new hotel at the Tulalip Casino in Marysville meant less work this year for Cierra Associates. But it should mean more work next year for the electrical engineer.

"This year started very well, but then that project went on hold," said Cierra President Jay Jack. "Other prospects went on hold too.

"One of the trends that we're seeing is that projects are a lot looser. Owners are a lot more willing to put work on hold to delay spending the money. ... You're not seeing the rush to get started like four years ago."

A hospital project in Fairbanks, Alaska, also went on hold.

Like most businesses, Cierra is hopeful that the economy is ready to start picking up next year, Jack said.

Jack formed the firm in 1996. It totals seven full-time employees and two who are part-time. Jack said having the part-timers makes it easier to navigate through up and downs during the down economy. Revenues totaled $635,000 last year.

The state's adoption of the International Building Code has thrown a lot of contractors, but appears to only minimally affect Cierra, Jack said.

Cierra will change its name toward the end of this year to Cierra Electrical Group.