Accomplished Under 40 – Ashley Thompson

Associate Structural Engineer – KPFF Consulting Engineers

Ashley Thompson said that her parents always encouraged her to dream big and helped her believe that she could do anything she set her mind to. She’s done exactly that and has the education and career history to prove it.

Thompson holds two undergraduate degrees — one in romance languages and one in engineering, and two graduate degrees — one in human-centered design and engineering, and another in structural engineering. After college, she secured her first job as a structural engineer for PCS Structural Solutions, where she worked for nearly four years. In 2016, she accepted a structural engineering role for kpff Consulting Engineers and since 2021, has worked for the company as an associate and Boise structural practice leader.

She’s had the honor of working on several notable projects in the education space in Idaho, including the Boise State University Micron Center for Materials Science Research, BSU Residence Hall, BSU Construction Management Building, Anser Charter School, Thunder Ridge High School and more. In the housing sector, she’s worked on several affordable housing projects, and in the community, has been involved in Indian Creek Plaza, Idaho Botanical Gardens and others.

“My leadership philosophy is founded on authenticity, passion, persistence and courage,” Thompson said. “These core values shape my career as a structural engineer and my life in general. Said more simply, I care deeply about the things I do, and I rally others and myself to see them to completion.”

In addition to her work, Thompson has been able to impact her local community through Idaho Women in AEC, where she has been active in supporting, celebrating and mentoring women in the male-dominated fields of architecture, engineering and construction. She also works as a building committee member for St. Mary’s School and has worked for the last three years as a BSU civil engineering guest lecturer.

“By following my passions, having the courage to make hard choices when needed, and the persistence to keep working toward this ideal, I am starting to see a version of this industry I just might encourage my daughter to join after all,” Thompson shared. “As I continue to achieve success in my career, I hope to continue inspiring and mentoring young women, and I look forward to continuing my work in the Boise community where I get the privilege to live, work and play.”

John Gavan, CEO and president of kpff Consulting Engineers, said that his company — and Idaho — is lucky to have Thompson.

“Ashley Thompson is a superstar: She is competing, winning and changing the game for KPFF, for the architecture, engineering and construction industry, and for women in leadership,” Gavan said.