Civil Engineering
Early engineering pioneer James Kip Fitch is known for saying "The engineer always has been, and is, a maker of history". Throughout Alpha's decades of practice, the engineers have done just that, been a part of making history. The influence of our engineers can be seen in each of our projects, no matter the size and scope.
Alpha’s civil engineering team, led by Alpha’s President Rick Colebank, and Senior Civil Engineer Chuck Branch, are highly qualified individuals who put their knowledge of math and science into action daily. Their experience and a grasp of their profession afford Alpha’s engineers, both civil and structural, the opportunity to produce a wide variety of projects.
Civil engineering is very much like putting a puzzle together. The pieces must fit for the picture to be complete. Alpha’s architects and civil engineers work closely, making history every day.
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.
20 Questions to Ask an Engineer
What type of engineering do you provide?
Is the engineer familiar with the local building codes?
Does your firm have the capacity to complete my project?
How is my project designed and do I get to interact with the engineer?
GOV. Justice Celebrates kickoff of tram replacement projects
State Parks Reach Historic Achievement of $50 Million in Annual Revenue
"I couldn't be more excited about the upgraded experience that the new aerial tram will bring to our guests at Hawks Nest,” DNR Director, Brett McMillion, said. “This project is one of many that exemplifies what our state parks are all about, creating opportunities for people to make lifelong memories and enjoy new experiences in the mountains of West Virginia.”
Click the link below to see progress on the new aerial tram project at Pipestem Resort State Park.
Gov. Justice visits Pipestem Resort State Park to see progress on new aerial tram project (wv.gov)
OUR SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
Richard Colebank, PE, PS
Mr. Colebank is President and Chief Operating Officer of Alpha. He has been with Alpha Associates, Incorporated since 1985. He began his career with Alpha as a staff engineer and progressed through the ranks from Project Manager to his current position. Mr. Colebank has worked with diverse clients such as WVU, City of Morgantown, WVDOH, WVU Foundation, and the Morgantown Municipal Airport, as well as numerous other public and private clients. Since 1988, Mr. Colebank has been the principal-In-Charge of many of the Civil Engineering projects developed at Alpha. In his current capacity, Mr. Colebank provides financial and administrative guidance for the day-to-day operations of the company while continuing to manage projects. Mr. Colebank’s office is located in the corporate office in Morgantown, WV.
Chuck Branch, PE
As Chief Engineer for site development and planning projects, Mr. Branch is a vital part of the design process at Alpha. His involvement spans from strictly civil engineering projects to the design of large-scale educational projects and medical facilities. Mr. Branch acts as peer review for young engineers in the firm on issues ranging from storm water management to site design. Mr. Branch is also involved in commercial and residential development design, roadway and bridge design and utilities layout.
Academic
Commercial
Alpha designs beautiful, sustainable and energy-efficient schools that reflect the particular community’s values. We deliver facilities that attract and engage students, instructors, and personnel and translate capital investments into long-term assets.
Commercial
Commercial
With every office or commercial building, Alpha promotes the transparency that customers have come to expect from businesses while reinforcing brand values and service. We help workplaces and retail spaces strike a balance between the collective and the individual; group interaction and undisturbed thinking. By harnessing natural daylight and sustainable building systems, we produce spaces that energize occupants to be their best selves.
Healthcare
Healthcare buildings have to perform when you need them most — every feature is calibrated to help patients feel comfortable, help staff move efficiently, and help practitioners function at the highest levels. Our healthcare designs include incredible attention to detail, from easy-to-navigate corridors and wayfinding to functional, portable equipment.
Government
Over the years, Alpha has renovated and designed multiple attractive and sustainable civic structures that help make government more efficient and helpful. We believe that spaces that work for both the public and the employees who spend time in them every day contribute to better government.
Historic Preservation
Alpha has participated in multiple renovations of Historic properties. We are assured that an accurate historical record and its significance as it pertains to the existing structure, and modifications can be thoroughly documented, should various funding grants require an in depth historical narrative.
Sports and Recreation
Over the years, Alpha has designed recreational and sports facilities for state and municipal communities, and education campuses. We combine the skills of landscape architecture, civil engineering, and interior design, to create facilities that fit communities, athletes and fans to come.