Mark Van Gaale, MS, PE
Vice-President/Principal
Mr. Van Gaale has more than 20 years of experience in management and structural engineering. Mr. Van Gaale has an exceptional reputation with merchant home builders and apartment and retail developers. Mr. Van Gaale has worked closely with top-tier developers and architects on tens of thousands of residential units in California and the western United States. Mr. Van Gaale comes from a family with that has many years of involvement in construction and development of light frame structures.
As a licensed Professional Engineer, Mr. Van Gaale directs a structural design division engaged in projects ranging from single family tract homes to high density, multi-story mid-rise structures (both wrap and podium developments), which include some of the largest projects on the West Coast. Mr. Van Gaale is known for his expertise in developing cost-effective, value-engineered product types that compete with other current market options. His attention to detail, hands-on approach and past construction industry experience have positioned VCA as the go-to for many builders and architects looking for consistent engineering solutions that are both efficient and easily constructed. Mr. Van Gaale has unparalleled expertise on the economic design of slab-on-grade foundations for all types of light-frame structures, and VCA’s clients regularly consult with him for cost saving ideas.
As a Principal of VCA Structural, Mr. Van Gaale is a member of the Executive Committee and is active in the firm’s strategic planning. Mr. Van Gaale responsibilities include oversight of internal technical and management systems and VCA’s training/development program for project managers and senior personnel.
Mr. Van Gaale is a registered Civil Engineer in the state of California and a member of several technical groups including ACI, SEAOC, and PTI. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from California State University Long Beach, where he graduated top of his class.