History
Webster’s dictionary defines Alpha as "the first, the beginning". In the case of Alpha, the beginning was 1969 and the location, West Virginia when two engineers decided to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. At that time, Mr. Sam Bonasso and Bill Atwell focused on structural engineering and won their first client, the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. Both firm founders have since passed the torch to a new generation, but the first client remains a client today, a testimony to the quality of the firm.
To match the needs of the market, additional services were added as the firm grew. Architects and civil engineers were soon added, and surveying, interior design and landscape design are also elements of the practice today.
By 1995, Alpha’s client base had grown, demanding the need for a second location. The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia was selected, and the planning began. The Eastern Regional Office is located in Historic Downtown Martinsburg and is conveniently located to serve clients in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Alpha's growth continues today, with new market sectors being explored, new services being added, but always with the knowledge of where the firm started and what the perspective was then. The firm mantra has always been to "do good work" and that philosophy is carried on today.
Locations
MORGANTOWN
MARTINSBURG
MARTINSBURG
209 Prairie Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26501
304.296.8216
MARTINSBURG
MARTINSBURG
MARTINSBURG
535 West King Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304.264.0051
Leadership Team
Richard A. Colebank, PE, PS
Richard A. Colebank, PE, PS
Richard A. Colebank, PE, PS
President, COO
304.296.8216 ext. 102
rick.colebank@thinkalphafirst.com
MORGANTOWN
Chuck Branch, PE
Richard A. Colebank, PE, PS
Richard A. Colebank, PE, PS
Charlie Luttrell, PE
Rebecca Key, AIA, LEED-AP
Charlie Luttrell, PE
Principal, Senior Structural Engineer 304.296.8216 ext. 108 charlie.luttrell@thinkalphafirst.com MORGANTOWN
Matthew Echard, PE
Rebecca Key, AIA, LEED-AP
Charlie Luttrell, PE
Principal, Structural Engineer 304.296.8216 ext. 104 matthew.echard@thinkalphafirst.com MORGANTOWN
Rebecca Key, AIA, LEED-AP
Rebecca Key, AIA, LEED-AP
Rebecca Key, AIA, LEED-AP
Director of Architecture
304.296.8216 ext. 109 rebecca.key@thinkalphafirst.com MORGANTOWN
SERVICES
Architecture
As you travel through the region, you will see Alpha’s influence on the built environment, especially in West Virginia. Alpha’s project success stories tell the tale of an Architectural studio that has creativity and flexibility.
Structural Engineering
Alpha’s engineering teams are experts in creating successful solutions to complex issues for you, the client. Alpha’s engineers are industry leaders, consistently being called upon for advice and guidance.
Civil Engineering
The civil engineers, with support from Alpha’s surveyors and landscape designers, truly create a sense of place and a proper environment for the built environment.