Wright Engineers is pleased to announce that Mike Thompson, PE, SE, has joined the firm as a principal in our Denver office. Mike is professionally licensed in ten states and brings more than 18 years of experience to the team. Formerly a principal at his previous firm, he will serve as the lead principal for our Denver office.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with an emphasis in structural engineering. He has led multidisciplinary project teams from conceptual design through construction, prioritizing practical, resilient, and code-compliant structural solutions. Known for balancing innovation with proven engineering principles, he is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, value-driven results for his clients.
Outside of engineering, Mike enjoys skiing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and tending to his beehives. He also loves studying Biblical Hebrew, Greek, and ancient manuscripts—and, above all, spending time with his family.
LAS VEGAS LONE MOUNTAIN TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
Construction is underway in Las Vegas on the Lone Mountain Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The three-story, 86,000-square-foot edifice is situated on a sloping 20-acre site at the foot of Lone Mountain, with completion anticipated in 2028.
Wright Engineers incorporated buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) into the steel frame design to increase seismic load-resisting capacity and help reduce construction costs. BRBFs are braced frame systems that absorb and dissipate energy during earthquakes, enhancing structural safety. The steel frame supports the building’s spire, extending up to 196 feet tall, and provides support for the exterior precast concrete wall panels.
PGAL is the project’s architect, and Martin-Harris Construction serves as the general contractor.