Our Engineering-First Approach to Commercial Seismic Retrofitting

Strength for the Structure. Peace for the People.

In the Pacific Northwest, structural integrity isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between a business that survives a seismic event and one that doesn’t. Seattle Seismic is the region’s premier structural partner for commercial property owners and managers, delivering specialized seismic retrofitting solutions rooted in professional engineering. We fortify warehouses, URM buildings, and commercial portfolios across Washington and Oregon, ensuring your assets are protected, your operations are secure, and your people are safe.

100+

Commercial Projects

10+

Years Experience

WA & OR

Licensed & Insured

P.E.

Owned & Operated

Our Story

From Aerospace to Solid Ground: Our Foundation Story

Every structure has a story, and so do we. Seattle Seismic was founded in 2016 by Ryan Vytlacil, a licensed Professional Engineer with a background in aerospace engineering at Boeing. After earning his degree from California Polytechnic State University, Ryan spent years applying his expertise in high stakes, zero tolerance environments, where a structural miscalculation isn’t a setback; it’s a catastrophe. When he turned his attention to the local construction market, he found a critical gap: a near complete absence of specialized, engineering-led firms dedicated to the complexities of seismic retrofitting.

General contractors offered retrofitting as a side service, but few possessed the deep structural knowledge required to properly fortify commercial assets against the unique seismic risks of the Pacific Northwest. Driven by an engineer’s commitment to quality and safety, Ryan launched Seattle Seismic with a singular mission: to be the most trusted structural partner in the region by providing expert, technically sound retrofitting solutions. That Engineer led standard remains our core differentiator, and the reason our clients trust us with their most valuable assets.

2016

Year Founded

Why Choose Us

A Strategic Evolution to Serve You Better

Our journey has been one of focused growth and deliberate refinement. We began by serving both residential and commercial clients, quickly building a reputation for meticulous work and clear communication. But it became clear that the challenges facing commercial property owners, from insurance and lending requirements to the structural complexity of URM buildings and large span warehouses, demanded more than a generalist approach. They demanded a dedicated team.

Our Principles

The Principles That Fortify Our Work

Our mission is to fortify the Pacific Northwest through professional retrofitting and a culture of respect. Every project, from initial assessment to final inspection, is built on three principles we don’t compromise on.

OUR TEAM

The Experts Behind the Structure

Your property deserves a team with proven expertise. At Seattle Seismic, our strength comes from the skilled professionals who manage and execute every detail of your project.

Ryan Vytlacil, P.E. Owner & General Manager

With a degree from California Polytechnic State University and years of engineering experience at Boeing, Ryan brings a rare combination of precision, technical authority, and hands-on field knowledge to every project. As a licensed Professional Engineer, he recognized the industry needed a higher standard and built Seattle Seismic to deliver it. He personally oversees projects to ensure they meet our rigorous benchmarks for safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

Our In-House Construction Team

We believe the quality of the work starts with the quality of the people doing it. Seattle Seismic employs its own staff directly, providing them with benefits including health insurance and 401(k) plans. That investment in our team translates directly to your job site: a higher level of commitment, consistency, and care than you’ll find from firms that rely on whoever’s available that week.

FAQA

Answering Your Key Questions

What makes Seattle Seismic different from a general contractor?

Specialization and engineering authority. General contractors handle many types of projects, we handle one, and we handle it at a level GCs can’t match. Our founder is a licensed Professional Engineer, which means every solution is designed from structural first principles, not adapted from a standard playbook. For complex assets like warehouses and URM buildings, that distinction matters enormously.

Are you licensed and insured for large scale commercial projects?

Fully. We are licensed, bonded, and insured to operate in both Washington and Oregon, with a proven track record working alongside billion dollar portfolio clients. We are affiliated with leading industry organizations, including WABO, MBAKS, ACI, BOMA, and EERI.

Why did you stop offering residential services?

Because commercial property owners deserve a team that’s built entirely around their needs. Commercial projects demand a different level of planning, coordination, and structural expertise. By specializing completely, we’ve made ourselves better at the work that matters most to our clients, and we’ve eliminated the distraction of everything else.

Do you offer warranties on your work?

Yes. We guarantee all work will pass final municipal inspections, and we provide complete project documentation upon completion, everything you need for your records, your lenders, and your insurers.

Let's Build a More Resilient Future for Your Properties

Your commercial assets are too valuable to leave vulnerable. Partner with the Pacific Northwest’s engineering led authority in seismic retrofitting. Let’s discuss your portfolio and build a strategy that delivers strength for your structures, and peace of mind for you.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured — WA & OR · P.E.-Owned & Operated