history

Over 40 Years of Excellence

We began our journey with the values of creativity, challenges, and growth. All these years later we have been able to develop expertise, best practices, and a successful culture that delivers on the most challenging and highly technical projects. We continue to innovate and expand our capabilities. We are here to help you create the buildings of the future.

Our History

1979

Founding

Gordon Prill, Inc. was founded in Missoula, Montana in 1979 by mechanical engineers James E. Gordon and Ray L. Prill on a concept of quality, integrity and creativity. Shortly thereafter, they bought Drapes, Inc. to become Gordon Prill Drapes (GPD).

1979

Expansion

GPD provided complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) design, and with their initial concept proving very successful, they expanded their services into project management for a group of diversified industrial and educational clients throughout the Western United States.

1986

Bay Area Office Opens

Working with clients such as the U.S. Navy Western Division in San Bruno, Jon Satre joined as a partner in 1986 to open a Bay Area office first in San Francisco and then in South San Francisco. Almost immediately, Ray Prill came from Montana to open another office in Sunnyvale to be closer to their growing client base in the aerospace and semiconductor industries.

1986

1989

Incorporation in California

Expanding services into architecture and construction, Gordon Prill, Inc. was incorporated in California in 1989 under its parent company GPD.

1989

1996

Mountain View HQ

In 1996, the South San Francisco and Sunnyvale offices merged locations to a new office in Mountain View.

1996

2001

Independent Incorporation

In 2001, the firm split from its parent company office to become a wholly independent office incorporated as Gordon Prill, Inc., and Jon Satre retired after a successful career growing Gordon Prill.

2001

Continuing Innovation

Senior principals, Joe Foraker, Gopal Aggarwal, P.E. and Patrick Dolci became partners, each managing one of our core service areas — architecture, engineering and construction. They pioneered a successful design-led process in the construction of office space, industrial, educational, institutional, high technology and life science facilities.

While Joe and Pat have retired after long careers, Gordon Prill, Inc. continues to be a highly recognizable and reputable name in the AEC industry, still embracing the original concept of quality, integrity and creativity of our founders.

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Work with our integrated and interdisciplinary team to take on your next big idea.

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“One of the benefits of using Gordon Prill has been that they have all design disciplines under one roof which has been a great time saver due to their ability to expedite discipline coordination in-house."

Project Manager, University of California, Santa Cruz

Kevin Foisie

“I would like to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU and great job to the entire Gordon Prill, Inc. team. In the past few months, your team has gone above and beyond to immerse yourself in the design of the project and the Google ecosystem. This reflects in the progress we made from where we started and we very much look forward to the team knocking down design challenges, meeting all milestones, and getting this project to the final stage.”

Project Manager, CBRE

Claire Dinh

“I just wanted to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for delivering a high-quality product in such a short time under these challenging circumstances. Your proactive collaboration and commitment have not gone unnoticed; you've set a high bar for other campus managers and design consultants to follow.”

Campus Architect, University of California, Santa Cruz

Felix Ang

"Gordon Prill did a great job on my lab. The on-site project manager was terrific. Job well done.”

Professor of Applied Physics and Physics, Stanford University

Dr. Kathryn Moler

“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your thoroughness and the attention to detail you have been applying to the Smart Power/Robotics project. I am confident your efforts will provide a finished product the faculty will be very pleased with, as well as make the construction process run smoother.”

Owner’s Representative, University of California, Santa Cruz

David J. Tanza

"The Gordon Prill team was professional, focused and got the job done with excellent attention to the final product. Clear drawings, accurate presentations of what was being done for my lab and no surprises."

Professor of Biology, Stanford University

Dr. Russell Fernald

"Gordon Prill did a great job in realizing the original philosophy of building an open environment to assist the synergistic interactions of students and researchers using difference and complementary instruments."

History