--- title: "Denise L. Richards, PE | Keast & Hood" description: "Denise L. Richards, PE, Partner at Keast & Hood, structural engineers." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Denise L. Richards, PE", "url": "https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/aboutus/people/denise-l-richards", "jobTitle": "Partner", "image": "https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2022-04-Denise-L.-Richards-PE-.jpg", "description": "Denise L. Richards, PE, Partner at Keast & Hood, structural engineers.", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-richards-78243426/" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Keast & Hood" } } --- [![Keast & Hood Structural Engineers](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/__l5e/assets-v1/63f6ea4d-7417-4ea8-ae63-b974b4bc82b0/kh-logo-blue.svg)](/) [Home](/) [Expertise](/our-services) [New Construction Efficient, elegant structural systems for ambitious new buildings. ](/our-services/new-construction)[Historic Preservation Careful intervention that keeps landmark buildings standing and in use. ](/our-services/historic-preservation)[Renovations | Additions | Adaptive Reuse Renovations, additions and adaptive reuse that unlock existing structures. ](/our-services/renovation)[Building Envelope Facade, roof and waterproofing assessment for durable enclosures. ](/our-services/building-envelope)[Structural Investigation | Intervention Investigation, testing and repair strategies for troubled structures. ](/our-services/structural_investigation_intervention)[Sustainability Low-carbon structural design guided by our SE2050 commitment. ](/our-services/sustainability) ### 70 years of structural expertise From landmark preservation to net-zero new construction, see how our engineering shapes each project. [View all projects](/projects) [Projects](/projects) [About Us](/aboutus) [People Meet the engineers behind the work. ](/aboutus/people)[Legacy Seven decades of landmark projects. ](/aboutus/legacy)[News + Articles Firm news, awards and insights. ](/category/news)[Social Feed The latest from our studio. ](/social-feed) ### Join our team We are always looking for curious engineers who love buildings. [See open roles](/careers) [Careers](/careers) [Contact](/contact-us) # Denise L. Richards, PE Partner ## About Denise Denise L. Richards, PE, has over 23 years of professional experience, 17 of them with Keast & Hood. She joined the firm in 2005, was elevated to Principal in 2017, and took over as the third generation of ownership with majority stake, becoming a Partner in 2022. Denise has proven herself as a highly organized and creative structural engineer who collaborates well with architects, owners, and consultants. She bolsters her technical proficiency with strong project management skills and ability to coordinate complex designs with architects and resolve field issues with contractors during construction. Her excellent verbal and written communication skills are an asset when managing staff and describing technical design issues to clients and laypersons. She is a board member of the Structural Engineers Association of Pennsylvania, founding member of the Sustainable Design, Women in Structural Engineering, and Code and Government Advisory Subcommittees. Outside of the office, Denise enjoys skiing during the winter months, camping in the warmer months, and cheering for her 3 kids in various sports year-round. She also leads a girl scout troop on many outdoor adventures. ## Notable Project Experience - Statue of Liberty Pedestal Renovation | National Parks Service | New York, NY - Sackett Building Renovation | The Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA - Green Acres Mall Renovations | Macerich | Long Island, NY - Prospect House Renovation | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ - Arden Diman Renovations & Addition + Clock Tower Restoration | St. George School | Middletown, RI - James Innovation Center | The Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA - Steidle Hall Renovation and Addition | The Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA - Agricultural & Biological Engineering Building | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA - Fashion District of Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA - AMC Theater | Fashion District of Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA - 3711 Market St. | Wexford Science and Technology | Philadelphia, PA - Saint Rita Cascia Center Community Housing | Philadelphia, PA ## Professional Activities - Carpenters’ Company of the City/County of Philadelphia - Structural Engineer’s Association of Pennsylvania (SEAoP), Board Member - SEAoP, Women in Structural Engineering Committee, Founding Member - SEAoP, Sustainable Design Committee, Founding Co-Chair - SEAoP Code and Government Advisory Committee, Founding Co-Chair - NCSEA National Sustainable Design Committee, Member - Community Design Collaborative, Board Member - AIA COTE Policy & Advocacy Committee Member ## Publications | Presentations | Awards - “A Well-Rounded Conversation on Circularity”, Green Building United Sustainability Symposium 2025, Presenter - “Is Carbon Putting Your Projects in Jeopardy!?”, Green Building United Sustainability Symposium 2025, Presenter - "Embodied Carbon and the Coming Revolution in Structural Engineering Practice" Firm Leader Roundtable, National ASCE Structures Congress, 2022 - “Opportunities for Stakeholders in Embodied Carbon Reduction” Green Building United Sustainability Symposium 2022, Presenter - Women in Leadership in AEC, COAA Presenter, 2019 - Iconic Structures: Statue of Liberty National Monument, STRUCTURE Magazine, August 2023, coauthor ## Social [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-richards-78243426/) [← All People](/aboutus/people) ## Let's Discuss Your Next Project [Contact Us](/contact-us) ![Keast & Hood Structural Engineers](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/__l5e/assets-v1/80bc79b1-0211-4ea5-8b9b-47b698c8eca0/kh-logo-reverse.svg) A certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) delivering structural engineering solutions for over 70 years. 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