About Barter & Associates
Founded in 1982 by Marc S. Barter, Barter & Associates, Inc. began as a structural engineering firm dedicated to providing clients with economical, technically precise solutions to complex structural challenges. Our goal remains unchanged: to offer accurate, innovative designs for new structures and effective remedies for existing ones. We accomplish this by employing highly skilled engineers who are dedicated to understanding and addressing each client’s unique needs.
From the outset, we’ve committed to using the most advanced tools and technologies available, aiming to deliver clear, well-organized solutions. Our culture emphasizes thorough, office-based planning to avoid last-minute “field fixes,” saving our clients time and resources during construction.
Over the years, Barter & Associates, Inc. has designed a broad spectrum of projects. Our portfolio includes hospitals, K-12 schools, universities, nursing facilities, retail spaces, government buildings at federal, state, and local levels, and multifamily residential complexes. Our firm has also taken on complex industrial projects, including structures for oil and liquid natural gas storage and marine installations, such as barge and ship berths. Additionally, we have worked on historic buildings, devising creative structural solutions for adaptive reuse or stabilization, preserving structures once destined for demolition.
Our services extend beyond design. We provide structural analysis of existing buildings, storm damage assessments, failure investigations, and litigation support. We also conduct special inspections on our projects and, when requested, on those of other firms.
Committed to excellence, our engineers participate in extensive professional development—well beyond licensing requirements. The construction landscape is ever-evolving, with advances in building codes, materials, and technologies. At Barter & Associates, Inc., we prioritize staying current with these changes to ensure our clients receive solutions informed by both experience and the latest industry innovations.
At our core, we’re dedicated to delivering cost-effective and technically sound solutions to our clients' challenges. We achieve this through a team of skilled, focused engineers who bring both expertise and commitment to every project.
Marc S. Barter, PE, SE
Principal
With 52 years of experience, Mr. Barter specializes in structural and foundation systems, with 42 years as a principal in structural engineering. He has personally designed or overseen large-scale projects, including auditoriums, athletic facilities, hospital expansions, schools, churches, and office buildings. Additionally, he has led numerous investigations on existing structures for code compliance and adaptive reuse, engineering restorations, and repairs for buildings and parking facilities.
EDUCATION:
B. S. Civil Engineering - Structural Concentration
University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama - 1973
Graduate Coursework in Structural Engineering
University of Alabama
LICENSED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER:
Illinois and Georgia
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER:
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
James A. Russell, PE, SE
Principal
With 34 years of experience as a design engineer, Mr. Russell brings extensive expertise in structural and foundation systems. Serving as chief design engineer and project manager, he ensures timely, code-compliant project delivery. His role in quality assurance is critical, as he reviews all major projects for engineering accuracy and completeness. His work with key clients has been instrumental in advancing the firm's technical and professional growth.
B. S. Civil Engineering
University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama - 1990
LICENSED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER:
Illinois
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER:
Alabama, Colorado
Mary-Margaret Dickey, PE
Design Engineer
Ms. Dickey has 16 years of experience in structural and foundation design. She leads structural engineering projects, designing buildings, bridges, piers, and more, with expertise in hurricane-prone and high seismic areas. Her portfolio includes schools, ICC 500 shelters, multifamily residences, and office buildings, ranging from 1,000 to over 60,000 square feet and up to six stories. Ms. Dickey is also skilled in bridge design, meeting AASHTO LRFD specifications. She brings additional experience from three years in research and finite element modeling, as well as disaster recovery support with FEMA’s Public Assistance Division in Houston, Texas, following Hurricane Harvey.
EDUCATION:
B. S. Civil Engineering
Mississippi State University Starkville, Mississippi – 2005
M.S. Civil Engineering
Mississippi State University Starkville, Mississippi – 2008
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Jones County Junior College Ellisville, Mississippi
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER:
Alabama, Utah