FORMA Construction

18/12/2025

Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hosting students from Port Angeles High School's CTE class at our Port Angeles Middle School project site. Despite challenging weather conditions, these future construction professionals showed up ready to learn, and we're grateful to our crew for making it happen.

The day included:
📚 Project overview in the library, discussing construction career pathways in both field and office roles
🏗️ Live site tour of construction in progress
🖥️ BIM model walkthrough and Q&A with our project team

A huge thank you to our project team, along with our partners at Port Angeles School District and Vanir, for taking the time to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of builders.

This new three-story, 109,000 sf facility will serve up to 950 students in grades 6-8 when it opens in Fall 2027. We're proud to be building this important community resource in Port Angeles.

Architect: Integrus

12/12/2025

Creativity meets craftsmanship! Here we give students the spaces they deserve to explore, create, and build their futures.

Bainbridge High School's modernization brought over 56,000 sf of new and renovated spaces to life across three buildings. The new 36,500 sf 100 Building houses state-of-the-art CTE labs, music and culinary workshops, and arts instruction spaces—plus light-filled commons areas for dining, collaboration, and displaying student work.

Major renovations to the 200 Building yielded exceptional performance facilities, including a 350-seat theater, sound booth, scene shop, and a black box theater that doubles as classroom space.

The real challenge? Coordinating this multi-phase program on a fully occupied campus while navigating significant TESC and sub-surface complications. Our team maintained strictly delineated construction zones and scheduled cutovers and shutdowns for off-hours to keep campus activities running smoothly—all while adapting to a global pandemic mid-project (July 2019 – March 2021).

Through it all, we delivered everything under the owner's original estimate, resulting in inspiring spaces where the next generation of makers, musicians, chefs, and builders can thrive. 🎨

Owner: Bainbridge Island School District
Architect: Mahlum

02/12/2025

Subcontractors! We're looking forward to seeing you this Thursday!

Join us at FORMA's Olympia office or online for an information session about FORMA's construction of the new LEAF (Lacey Education And Family) Center—formerly known as the Young Child & Family Center (YCFC).

Meet the project team. Ask questions. Learn about GC/CM bidding. Take note of important milestones.

📅 Thursday, Dec 4 | 3:30-5:30 PM
📍 In-person OR 💻 Virtual

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forma-connects-lacey-education-and-family-center-leaf-center-tickets-1968808576451

26/11/2025

Planning to this weekend? 🥾 Add this unique West Seattle gem to your trail list.

Last month, FORMA’s City of Seattle Government Job Order Contracting team completed a multi-phase rehab of Seattle’s very cool Salmon Bone Bridge.

A pedestrian footbridge rehabilitation project over a year in the making, FORMA was called in last summer to restore this iconic landmark in West Seattle on Longfellow Creek, originally designed by artist Lorna Jordan and first installed in 1999.

Our team’s work last summer involved critical accessibility and durability upgrades — existing wood timbers and plywood were removed, the sub structure was dry-ice-blasted, additional structural steel was installed, a new epoxy coating system was applied, and new Corten Steel planks replaced the original deteriorating cedar decking.

Split into two phases to accommodate critical fish windows and the delicate salmon populations slowly reconstituting in the creek below, FORMA’s work this year replaced the bridge’s safety cables and stripped and repainted the metal structure itself that swoops to form the salmon “bones.”

We encourage you all to get out to the North Delridge / Youngstown neighborhood (near the Dragonfly Garden & Pavillion, also designed by Ms Jordan), just north of the West Seattle Golf Course, to check out this revived, unique and wonderful structure for yourselves.

Happy trails and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at FORMA 🦃🥾

21/11/2025

Last Friday, we had the honor of participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Taholah K-12 School — a project that represents so much more than construction.

The theme that emerged throughout the ceremony was resilience — the resilience of the Quinault people, the resilience of this coastal community, and now, the physical resilience of a building designed to keep students safe in an earthquake and tsunami zone.

Several speakers became visibly emotional as they spoke about what this school means for their community. And it's easy to understand why. This project represents:

🌊 Safety first: A new earthquake- and tsunami-safe facility for students currently learning in a high-risk zone
🤝 True partnership: The Quinault Indian Nation donated the land, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to their children's future
🏫 Community investment: Years of collaboration between Taholah School District, the Quinault Business Council, state legislators, and families

Washington named Taholah School a top priority under the School Seismic Safety Grant Program — and with good reason. Students deserve to learn in an environment where safety isn't a question.

FORMA is proud to serve as the general contractor on this vital project. Together with our partners, we're building more than a school — we're building peace of mind for an entire community.

PROJECT PARTNERS
Owner: Taholah School District
Owner’s Rep: Educational Service District 112
Architecture: Arcadis
Structural: Degenkolb Engineers
Civil: Akana
MEP: Tres West Engineers
Landscape: Osborn Consulting
Acoustics: A3 Acoustics, LLP
Food Service: JLR DESIGN GROUP INC
Theater: PLA Designs, INC

18/11/2025

Join us at FORMA's Olympia office or online for an information session about FORMA's construction of the new LEAF (Lacey Education And Family) Center—formerly known as the Young Child & Family Center (YCFC).

Meet the project team. Ask questions. Learn about GC/CM bidding. Take note of important milestones.

📅 Thursday, Dec 4 | 3:30-5:30 PM
📍 In-person OR 💻 Virtual

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forma-connects-lacey-education-and-family-center-leaf-center-tickets-1968808576451

11/11/2025

We're thrilled that ParentMap featured Richmond Highlands Park — Shoreline's first universal design playground and sensory garden! 🛝

FORMA proudly partnered with the City of Shoreline and Mithun on this project. Part of a larger Progressive Design-Build contract to program, design, and deliver improvements across eight City parks, this 4.2-acre transformation creates an accessible, engaging space for all ages and abilities. From embankment slides to outdoor musical instruments, every element was thoughtfully designed to foster inclusive play and community connection.

Richmond Highlands Park’s accessible play space and sensory garden invite kids to play all day

30/10/2025

Another successful school modernization in our rearview mirror: Anacortes High School—where engineering precision met community partnership across a transformational $64M, 160,000 sf modernization. 🪞

This three-phase GC/CM delivery on a fully occupied high school campus with challenging wetland soils required both technical sophistication and deep community sensitivity.

The technical complexity included installing Buckling Restrained Braced Frames in a 1950s theater while preserving existing masonry walls and roof trusses, selective demolition and MEP relocation to access structural elements, gymnasium wood floor protection during major framing and diaphragm reinforcement, and strategic phasing coordination between historic preservation requirements and modern seismic standards.

Working closely with Anacortes School District stakeholders and our design partners Hutteball + Oremus Architecture, we provided comprehensive preconstruction services—site investigation, cost control, value engineering, and collaborative CPM development—to create a sequenced construction approach that minimized operational impact.

While managing this complex structural work, our team safely facilitated cherished student traditions—like the annual Senior Bell signing for each graduating class throughout our multi-year construction.

The result? State-of-the-art STEM labs, digital media classrooms, CTE facilities, renovated performing arts spaces, and a new athletic complex—all delivered through a single bond measure with minimal disruption to 1,000+ students attending class daily.

14/10/2025

Ready to grow your construction business? 🚀 Join us at FORMA's Olympia office for our quarterly informational outreach event on Monday, November 10, co-hosted with representatives from OMWBE and Washington APEX Accelerator.

We'll introduce you to FORMA's Small Business Accelerator Program and upcoming opportunities to work on FORMA projects of all sizes and delivery methods across the region. Designed specifically for the growth and empowerment of small and historically underutilized businesses in the construction sector, we hope to see you there!

Can't make it to Olympia? Don't worry—we'll be live-streaming via Teams.

This quarter, we're highlighting opportunities on featured projects:
💼 Current work orders on 18 active Job Order Contracts – Small-scale opportunities across Western Washington where small and underutilized businesses often begin with FORMA
🍁 LEAF Center (North Thurston Public Schools) – Supporting student and family resource access
🎨 Hands On Children's Museum – A community-driven renovation advancing education through play
🌊 Ocean Beach Project – Delivering quality improvements for a coastal K–12 district

You'll learn:
- How to prequalify and bid on FORMA's 18 active JOC opportunities
- Strategies for success on public works projects — compliance, bonding, and pay application readiness
- How FORMA exceeds inclusion goals through mentorship and local partnerships
- Steps for small and emerging firms to access training and support

Who should attend:
- Certified MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE, and veteran-owned firms
- All small business owners interested in FORMA projects
- Subcontractors and suppliers working in public works or JOC
- Firms exploring certification or prequalification

📅 Monday, November 10, 2025
⏰ 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM PT (Doors open at 3:00 PM)
📍 Hybrid Event: Attend in person at our Olympia office (500 Columbia Street NW, Suite 201) or join virtually via Teams

Free admission | Light refreshments for in-person guests | Limited capacity

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forma-constructions-building-partnerships-q4-tickets-1814964390349

07/10/2025

After three distinguished decades with FORMA, we're honoring the retirement of our Principal and VP of Risk Management Jace Munson. 🥹

From complex K-12 renovations to historic preservation projects, Jace's expertise in contract administration and risk management has delivered strong results for clients while building lasting community impact. His industry recognition extends beyond FORMA, with construction law experts regularly seeking his insights on complex contractual matters.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jace's community leadership—including his long-standing service with the Thurston Economic Development Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, South Sound YMCA, Olympia Rotary Club, and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity—demonstrates FORMA's commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.

While we'll miss his daily leadership, Jace's influence on our culture, our standards, and our people will continue for generations to come.

Thank you, Jace, for 30 years of construction leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to building something greater than ourselves. 🏗️

18/09/2025

Hey you guys! ⚓️ We're excited to invite local contractors and business partners to join us for FORMA Connects on October 1st as we share details about North Thurston Public Schools ' new Young Child & Family Center.

This $41.6M early learning facility represents more than construction — it's about creating opportunities for:
✅ Local subcontractors in Pierce & Thurston Counties
✅ MWSBE and Veteran-Owned businesses
✅ Right-sized scopes that match diverse business capabilities

When we strengthen partnerships, we strengthen communities. Join us to learn how we can create lasting impact together.

Learn more and register via link in bio!

Event details: October 1, 12-1:30 PM PDT (Virtual)

12/09/2025

Opening day magic at Richmond Highlands Park! ✨

Two years ago, a young girl with disabilities spoke at our groundbreaking ceremony. She thanked our team for creating a place where she could "safely enjoy a multi-sensory experience."

Last weekend, 250 neighbors celebrated a park that delivers on that promise. From wheelchair-accessible merry-go-rounds to sensory gardens with musical instruments, from preserved 60+ year old Douglas Firs to three-visits-in-one-day families — this is what "Parks for Everyone" looks like!

The Crown Jewel of Shoreline Parks proves that when we design for the most vulnerable, we create spaces that work beautifully for everyone. 💚

Working with Mithun to bring this inclusive vision to life — 3 of 8 parks open, each one making Shoreline more welcoming for all.

📸 Jim Swenson, KPFF