Ben Varela
Principal Engineer
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” –Henry Ford
Background
Ben is a Spokane native who earned his B.S. in Construction Management from Washington State University. He followed in his father's footsteps and joined the family business in 2007 when founder Mark Varela was still a principal. Mark has since retired, and Ben now leads the firm as one of its principal engineers, with experience in water and wastewater system planning, design, and construction management — plus a background in mechanical contracting project management.
Ben is direct and doesn't mince words. He gets to the point, keeps projects moving, and his practical instincts show up consistently in his design work. Clients tend to enjoy working with him — his quick wit and well-timed humor go a long way in what is, at its core, a people business.
Interests
Ben is a family man who prioritizes time with his wife and their two children. He's active outdoors — snowboarding, cycling, fishing, boating, and camping — and tries to get away a couple times a year for vacations with his family.
Ben spends a lot of time on the sidelines of the soccer fields at his kids’ games. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of every worthwhile comedy film since the '80s; he quotes hilarious and sometimes irreverent lines regularly and without apology.