What Associated Earth Sciences does

Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. (AESI) is a privately held, multi-disciplinary earth-sciences consulting firm founded in 1981 in Kirkland, Washington by geologist Lou Lepp. The firm delivers integrated geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, geophysics, construction observation, and geologic assessment services to public and private clients in the Pacific Northwest, with offices in Kirkland, Mount Vernon, and Tacoma. Its technical platform centers on non-invasive geophysical methods — seismic refraction tomography, multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW/MAM), horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR), electrical resistivity imaging, and continuous vibration monitoring — layered onto conventional subsurface exploration, foundation design, slope stability, groundwater evaluation, and construction-quality-assurance work.

AESI is structured as an employee-owned professional services firm with approximately 70 specialized staff, including multiple licensed geologists, hydrogeologists, and engineering geologists, plus GIS and field-technician support. Revenue is generated almost entirely through project-based professional services contracts quoted per engagement, with no public pricing or subscription model. The firm completes over 700 projects per year for a customer base spanning private developers, K-12 school districts, municipalities, state agencies (notably the Washington State Department of Ecology), architects and engineers, and lending institutions. The firm is led by President and Principal Geologist/Hydrogeologist Jennifer Saltonstall, alongside a cohort of Principals and Senior Principals, with ownership concentrated among long-tenured employees. No external private equity, institutional investors, or M&A activity is disclosed.

Name

Associated Earth Sciences

Legal name

Associated Earth Sciences, Inc.

Website

https://aesgeo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Associated Earth Sciences is a privately held, employee-owned geotechnical, hydrogeology, and geophysics consulting firm founded in 1981, serving private developers, municipalities, and school districts across the Pacific Northwest from offices in Kirkland, Mount Vernon, and Tacoma, Washington.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Geotechnical & Environmental Consulting

NAICS

Engineering Services (54133), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency Medical Response & On-Campus EMS/AED Programs (EDAEACAO)

Keywords

• Geotechnical engineering consulting
• Hydrogeology services
• Geophysical site characterization
• Construction observation services
• Geologic hazard assessments

Headquarters

HQ city

Kirkland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Consulting Services: Consulting fees for geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, geophysics, construction observation, and geologic assessments. Services are provided to both private and public sector clients on a project basis.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Associated Earth Sciences (AESI) is a multi-disciplinary earth science consulting firm providing geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, geophysical investigations, construction observation, and geologic hazard assessment services. The firm supports land development, public infrastructure, and institutional construction projects across the Pacific Northwest from offices in Washington State.

Product overview

Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. (AESI) is a multi-disciplinary professional consulting firm that provides integrated geotechnical engineering, geophysical, and hydrogeological services in the Pacific Northwest. The company's service portfolio consists of five core consulting service areas: Geotechnical Engineering Services (subsurface exploration, foundation design, slope stability analysis), Hydrogeology Services (groundwater resource evaluation, water supply development, stormwater management), Geophysics Services (non-invasive subsurface characterization using seismic, electrical, and potential field methods), Construction Observation Services (quality assurance for earthwork, foundations, and drainage), and Geologic Assessments (hazard analysis, mineral resource evaluation). These services work together to provide clients with comprehensive understanding of site conditions for construction and development projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Geotechnical Engineering Subsurface investigation and geotechnical analysis for site development, foundation design, slope stability, and earthwork recommendations for developers, architects, engineers, and public agencies.
• Hydrogeology
• Geophysics
• Construction Observation
• Geologic Hazard Assessments

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Pacific Northwest Section - American Water Works Association (PNWS-AWWA)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024AESI sponsored the 2024 Waves for Water dinner cruise supporting the PNWS Operator Certification Scholarship Fund, which provides funding for continuing education, certification, training, and conference attendance for water and wastewater professionals.
• Mainstreet Property GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient and development partner for Eastrail Flats mixed-use project in Woodinville, WA. AESI providing geotechnical and hydrogeological consulting for 207-unit residential development near The Schoolhouse District.
• BluelineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Eastrail Flats project providing planning and design services for the mixed-use development in Woodinville.
• GenCapminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Eastrail Flats project providing development and investment services for the Woodinville mixed-use development.
• DCI EngineersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStructural engineering partner on Eastrail Flats project providing engineering services for the Woodinville development.
• Dahlin GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner on Eastrail Flats project providing design services for the Woodinville mixed-use development.
• Washington State Department of Ecology - Stormwater Action MonitoringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAESI participated as part of the consultant team in the Department of Ecology Stormwater Action Monitoring collective. Conducted field evaluations of physical conditions and dynamic parameters of bioretention facilities throughout the Puget Sound region.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Tetra Tech: Global consulting and engineering firm with deep water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure practices, including a significant Pacific Northwest presence. Competes with AESI on large multi-disciplinary environmental and infrastructure engagements.
• Kleinfelder: National engineering, architecture, and science firm with a strong Pacific Northwest presence in geotechnical, environmental, and construction services. Competes with AESI on larger public infrastructure and developer-led projects where national scale matters.
• AECOM: Global infrastructure consulting firm with a substantial water, environment, and geotechnical practice in the Pacific Northwest. Competes with AESI on large municipal, transportation, and federal infrastructure projects.
• WSP (formerly Golder): Global professional services firm with a major earth and environment practice in the Pacific Northwest following the Golder acquisition. Competes for complex geotechnical, hydrogeology, and environmental assignments requiring multi-office mobilization.
• Hart Crowser (now Haley & Aldrich): Long-standing Pacific Northwest geotechnical and environmental consulting firm now operating within national consulting firm Haley & Aldrich. Combines regional brand recognition with broader national resources, competing for larger multi-disciplinary scopes.

Regional players

• Anchor QEA: Pacific Northwest environmental and water resources engineering firm working on shoreline, sediment, and stormwater projects. Overlaps with AESI on stormwater management and hydrogeology, particularly for the Department of Ecology and port authorities.

Direct peers

• GeoEngineers: Pacific Northwest-based geotechnical and environmental sciences consulting firm offering subsurface exploration, geophysics, hydrogeology, and environmental services. Direct competitor for the same client base of developers, municipalities, and architects in Washington and Oregon.
• Shannon & Wilson: Geotechnical and environmental engineering consultancy headquartered in Seattle, providing subsurface characterization, hydrogeology, and construction observation. Closest direct competitor to AESI in the Puget Sound market with comparable service lines and project mix.
• Aspect Consulting: Pacific Northwest earth and water science consulting firm focused on hydrogeology, geotechnical engineering, and water resources. Comparable in size, regional footprint, and core disciplines to AESI, often competing for the same municipal and developer engagements.
• Landau Associates: Environmental and geotechnical consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest offering site assessment, remediation, and water resources services. Competes with AESI for environmental site characterization and hydrogeology work in the region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/aesigeo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2688264

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Associated Earth Sciences