Michael Harder, DBIA Assoc., LEED AP

Michael Harder began his construction career in the early 1990s after earning degrees at Washington State University and Pacific Lutheran University. He joined Mortenson in 1994 and quickly became a trusted leader. Throughout his career, he has built a strong foundation of experience managing complex, transformative projects across the Pacific Northwest. Today, Michael manages Mortenson’s Seattle office, offering strategic guidance, influencing key decisions, and ensuring each project is completed successfully. His leadership has contributed to building the company’s reputation for excellence and dependability.

Michael has successfully led complex, high-profile initiatives across healthcare, mission-critical, civic, and higher-education markets. He consistently provides clarity and discipline to projects, guiding teams through challenging scopes and changing conditions. Michael played a major role in developing Mortenson’s healthcare business in the region, where his leadership secured significant projects with Providence, Swedish, the University of Washington Medical Center, and Harborview Medical Center. His strategic contributions have positioned Mortenson as a prominent leader in the regional healthcare sector.

A strong advocate for a more sustainable built environment, Michael advances progressive delivery methods and promotes strategies such as prefabrication, modular construction, mass timber, and embodied carbon reduction. His goal is to develop high-performing, sustainable solutions that are practical and accessible, so they become standard industry practice. He oversaw the construction of the Kaiser Borsari Hall Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building. Additionally, he led the Climate Pledge Arena project, known for its notable sustainability accomplishments.

Michael’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond project delivery. He champions progressive construction practices, supports Mortenson’s Planet Committee, mentors students through Rainier Scholars, and contributes to trail stewardship efforts with Washington State Parks. His dedication to both his profession and his community reflects his belief that construction can strengthen not only the built environment but the people and places it serves.