In the construction industry, no resource is greater than our employees, and ABC members take pride in sending their workers home safe every night.  Safety is everyone’s priority, and improving jobsite safety is a continuous process that ABC member companies participate in every day.  ABC created the Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) – to not only recognize ABC member companies who consistently excel in the field of safety, but—more importantly—to provide an evaluation tool to help identify areas in which contractors can work to reach the ultimate goal—sending every worker home safe to their families every day. Ritsema Associates has received the Platinum STEP level, the highest level to achieve. With this achievement our company has a proven track record of safety that around 2% of all ABC members have accomplished. It also means that Ritsema Associates has OSHA recordable incident rates well below the national average.

2007 & 2008 ABC Construction Safety Award of Excellence. The Judges were in unanimous agreement that our submission was the “best of the best” not only in content, but also in presentation. We celebrated 1,836,080 man hours, 1,597 man days which adds up to a little over four (4) years with no lost time accidents!

2008 Award of Excellence winner

From a Greek revival home to its new location in the heart of downtown, the Grand Rapids Art Museum sets a high standard. The talented tradesmen from Ritsema have created yet another masterpiece. The ceilings in the grand entryway, theater and the three inverse pyramids, which are visible from the outside, are finished with BASWAphon which provides a seamless, smooth, sound absorbing surface that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Another testament to aesthetic design is the one inch ceiling reveal. The unique one foot reveal throughout hides recessed lighting, heating and window shade pockets. The combination of recessed bulkheads and lighting along with an abundance of natural light leave the impression not only of a floating ceiling but of a warm, inviting atmosphere.

An amazing feature in this “state-of-the-art” building is the two seemingly floating stairways. This provided a drywall and framing challenge which Ritsema met and exceeded. The finished product is a work of art which will only serve to enhance the art showcased on its walls. This stunning architecture is as awe inspiring as the art that it houses and it is this exceptional workmanship that has earned Ritsema Associates the Award of Excellence.