history

Miyamoto is celebrating 61 continuous years of operations.  In 1946, Arthur Sauer founded Arthur A. Sauer, Structural Engineer.  The firm began at a time when California's central valley was rapidly growing.  As the region grew, so did its need for schools.  Sauer specialized in school and hospital projects, completing over 800 during his tenure.

Arthur A. Sauer, Structural Engineer evolved to Arthur Sauer & Associates with three regional offices: Sacramento, Stockton and Fresno, led by Kenneth Marr, Charles Grimes, and Joe Wood respectively. When the regional managers became partners, the firm became Sauer Marr Grimes and Wood.

Eventually the three offices separated to become independent entities with Sauer a partner in each. The Sacramento office became Sauer Marr and Associates. Upon Sauer's retirement, Kenneth Marr partnered with John Shaffer, and the firm became Marr Shaffer & Associates.

Under the Marr Shaffer leadership, the company expanded its expertise in historical rehabilitations and commercial buildings. Their work is evidenced in literally thousands of buildings throughout California.

In 1997, longtime associate Kit Miyamoto became president and sole owner of the firm as reflected in the new firm name Marr Shaffer & Miyamoto, Inc. (MSM). Kit was named one of the "Top 40 Executives under 40" for his enthusiasm to grow the firm into an industry powerhouse.

In 2003, Miyamoto expanded its operations into Southern California by purchasing the assets of MHI, formerly known as Martin & Huang. The Los Angeles staff had an extensive public works and international portfolio to add to Miyamoto's credentials.

A year later, in 2004, the Southern California presence expanded by creating an Orange county office. The OC office grew from one person, original principal Jeff Crosier, to over 20 staff members in two years.

The firm has expanded both geographically and into new market sectors as well.  In 2005, Miyamoto entered the Risk Services arena by hiring two risk industry experts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

To provide better service to San Diego clients, Miyamoto opened a San Diego office in 2006.  In 2007, a San Francisco East Bay office is opening in Lafayette.