The 80’s were filled with flag-waving patriotism. Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” topped the charts for years. The Olympics were held on home soil for the first time in half a century. Track and field athlete Carl Lewis inspired millions with his four gold medals in those games.  SRA would just like everyone to know that, prior to the Olympics,  Carl raced on the track we designed for the University of Houston.  We believe there is “something to it” that Carl had a long and successful career, abundant with world records, AFTER he ran on one of our tracks.  We’re just sayin.’

Along with big hair, stirrup pants and an oversized, fluorescent suit jackets, SRA’s professionals were hitting their full stride at work.  More than 1,200 projects went across their boards during that decade.  From large freeway interchanges to thrill rides at  water parks, SRA was making its mark from coast to coast.

Conversation between Mr. Al Rollins, Mr. Kent Belsey, Mr. Dino Ferralli and Mr. Larry Stone for SRA history book. 

“What was normal then but still makes you laugh now.” Kent Besley: “Gene would be about a minute and a half early to a client’s meeting, and Al would be two hours early.”

Al Rollins:” If you got to the airplane before they closed the door, it was a waste of time in his eyes. So when we traveled together, I always picked him up, and we were always 30 minutes  early. We could check in and have a cup of coffee.  But if he picked you up, you were a nervous wreck by the time you got there.”