Visitor Experience Improvement Project | Independence Visitor Center
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Tyler Dennis, EIT
Structural Designer
Tyler is new to the firm and has already shown his eagerness to succeed. He is experienced in structural calculations of various building structures. Including concrete substructures and reinforcement, design loads, and QA/QC calculations.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2023
What College did you graduate from? University of Delaware
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Vail Memorial Hall at Lincoln University
What engineering challenges make you excited? Complex projects that define sky lines and communities
Go to album/playlist while working? Anything relaxing and chill on Spotify
What keeps you busy outside of work? Mostly golf and watching Philadelphia sports teams (Eagles, Phillies,76ers) and snowboarding in the winter
Not that any of us procrastinate, BUT if I am, I’m usually… Organizing and cleaning
A trip I’d like to take… Europe, would love to visit London; Paris; New Amsterdam; Rome
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Raphael De Lassus, PE
Project Manager
Raphael has over 7 years of professional engineering experience. He has extensive experience in structural analysis and design of new construction, existing structures, and historic buildings encompassing steel, wood, masonry, concrete, and aluminum. Recognized for his strong technical abilities and strong communication skills which guides him while working alongside his team and clients. He has developed an interactive interface to create more accurate and cost-effective designs, designed 100+ temporary structures, and performed structural design and analysis
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2022
What College did you graduate from? Master of Science in Engineering - University of Pittsburgh(16’) Bachelor of Civil Engineering - Roger Williams University (13’)
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Cannon House Office Building, Washington DC
What Engineering challenges make you excited? The ones that involve materials, structural conditions, and environments that I am not familiar with
Go to album/playlist while working? Kygo
What keeps you busy outside of work? My daughter
Not that any of us procrastinate, BUT if I am, I’m usually…. DIY home improvement projects
A trip I’d like to take… Japan
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Anthony J. Casale III, MS, PE
Project Manager
Anthony has only been at the firm a few months and has shown his motivation to exceed. He is experienced in analysis and design of various building structures, structural drawings, and structural building assessments. He has worked on both residential and commercial development including St. John’s Place in Brooklyn New York. Anthony designed a new concrete flat-plate eight-story residential building with a basement. In addition, he is published in the International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2023
What College did you graduate from? Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? The million Air FBO in White Plains, NY
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Retrofit and reuse of historic buildings
Go to album/playlist while working? A mix of classic and alternative rock
What keeps you busy outside of work? Hanging out with friends and family
Not that any of us procrastinate, BUT if I am, I’m usually…. Watching a favorite channel/ show of mine on TV
A trip I’d like to take… Norway to see the northern lights
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Amanda Grogin, EIT
Structural Designer
Amanda has been at the firm for about a year and has become a crucial part of the firm. She has experience in drafting plans, sections, and details of structural systems using AutoCAD and Revit. In addition, Amanda is a part of the Keast & Hood sustainability committee. She assists in office wide education and infiltration of sustainability into projects.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2022
What College did you graduate from? Drexel University
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Northampton Elementary – It was the largest building I’ve worked on so far and I got a chance to deep-dive into aspects of design I hadn’t touched yet
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Whenever I get to learn something new (see: always) or when I can get really invested in a project
Go to album/playlist while working? Anything a dad would listen to while barbequing
What keeps you busy outside of work? Spending time with my friends! Either winning at quizzo, losing at pickleball, trying new restaurants, or rotting away on the couch during a movie marathon
Not that any of us procrastinate, but if I am, I’m usually… Planning something with an excel spreadsheet or watching too many tiktoks
A trip I’d like to take… Sedona, Arizona
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Keast & Hood Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
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Marie T. Terico
Administrative Assistant
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2015
What College did you graduate from? St. Monica Business School
Go to album/playlist while working? Country, 70’s & classic soft rock!
What keeps you busy outside of work? Fun stuff: Get togethers with family and friends! Boring Stuff: chores!
A trip I’d like to take… Alaska and Germany at Christmas time (by cruise)!
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Nick Paparo, EIT
Structural Designer
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2021
What College did you graduate from? Drexel University (BSCE/MSCE 2021)
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Franklin Field Football Renovations
What Engineering challenges make you excited? I really enjoy detailing, looking for the best way to put a project all together and as easy to construct as possible
Go to album/playlist while working? Usually progressive rock- Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, etc.
What keeps you busy outside of work? I really enjoy travelling, watching movies, and playing disc golf
Not that any of us procrastinate, but if I am, I’m usually… Catching up on sports or doing crosswords
A trip I’d like to take… I’d love to see Italy
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Lauren Schmitz, EIT
Structural Designer
Lauren interned for Keast & Hood in 2016 and joined the firm fulltime in the beginning of 2020 following her graduation from Johns Hopkins University. She is a highly motivated and creative designer with experience in structural analysis, historic preservation, design of steel and wood structures, and project delivery. Recognized for astute attention to detail and an eagerness to grow technically as well as professionally, Lauren has quickly become an integral part of the firm, supporting large renovation and restoration projects within the firm including the Broad Street Ministries exterior restoration and interior renovation as well as the University of Pennsylvania Quad renovation project encompassing approximately 516,500GSF. In addition to supporting the firm technically, Lauren is an active member of the Women in Structural Engineering (WiSE) group in Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers, and the Association for Preservation Technology International – Delaware Valley Chapter.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2020
What College did you graduate from? Master of Science in Engineering - Johns Hopkins (‘19) & Bachelor of Civil Engineering - University of Dayton (‘18)
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? University of Pennsylvania - Quadrangle Renovations
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Renovations & Retrofit of existing buildings are my favorite challenges as you have to learn to work within the existing structure, understand how different materials interact, and consider the construction process, often while maintaining historic designations.
What keeps you busy outside of work? My dog, Rocky, is the best source of entertainment. We regularly go on walks through the Wissahickon and Fairmount Park or go to pet-friendly stores like Lowe’s.
Not that any of us procrastinate, BUT if I am, I’m usually…. Taking a nap or walking Rocky
A trip I’d like to take… out west to see more of the National Parks including Glacier, Yosemite, and Grand Tetons.
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Mark Odorizzi, PE
Structural Engineer
Mark is a highly motivated and creative engineer with experience in structural analysis, design of new concrete, steel, and wood structures, and project delivery. Recognized for astute attention to detail and an eagerness to grow technically as well as professionally, Mark has quickly become an integral part of the firm, supporting a variety of projects including preparing analytical models and design calculations for proposed and existing structures. In addition to supporting the firm technically, he has become involved in the firm’s participation in the ACE Eastern PA mentorship program and maintains ties with Drexel University as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. Mark is a well-rounded engineer that brings the same amount of dedication and energy to every project.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2019
What College did you graduate from? Drexel University: BS Architectural Engineering, MS Civil Engineering. Pennoni Honor College - Graduate with Distinction. Music Minor
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? University of Pennsylvania’s Boathouse
What Engineering challenges make you excited? The early, schematic phase is my favorite challenge of any project - to quickly think through different materials and systems that can achieve the goals of the building.
What keeps you busy outside of work? Adjunct Professor at Drexel University - teaching structures to the students in the Westphal College Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism. Hired pianist at my church - leading rehearsals and Sunday music. Chair of Toolkit Committee in Tau Beta Pi’s Student Advisor Board - developing resources to help members of the engineering honor society across the country.
A trip I’d like to take… I’ve only ever been abroad to Spain and Italy. I’d love to keep exploring new places! UK? Peru? Japan? I hope to travel all over!
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Thomas Magrino, PE
Structural Engineer
Tom is a highly motivated and creative engineer with experience in structural analysis, design of new concrete, steel, and wood structures, and project delivery. Recognized for astute attention to detail and an eagerness to grow technically as well as professionally, Tom has quickly become an integral part of the firm, supporting a variety of projects including preparing analytical models and design calculations for proposed and existing structures. In addition to supporting the firm technically, he has become involved in the firm’s participation in the ACE Eastern PA mentorship program
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2019
What College did you graduate from? University of Delaware
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? First Bank of the United States
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Modification of unique existing conditions that require careful thought, consideration, and practical (structural) puzzle solving.
Go to album/playlist while working? Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Soundtrack
What keeps you busy outside of work? Video Games, Movies, Books, and Trivia
A trip I’d like to take… Ireland
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Ari Seraphin, PE
Project Manager
Ari Seraphin joined Keast & Hood in 2007 following graduation from Drexel University. In addition to his engineering education, Ari has more than ten years of experience as a general carpenter, including residential and light construction work. Ari has contributed to Keast & Hood projects for historic restoration and new construction, including non-destructive testing and thermography analyses. Ari’s practical hands-on construction knowledge coupled with his structural engineering training serve him well in developing pragmatic structural solutions and in coordinating and communicating effectively with members of the design team and with tradespeople.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2008
What College did you graduate from? Drexel & Williamson
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? UPenn Hutchinson Gym
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Keeping things standing
Go to album/playlist while working? Death Grips- Get Got
A trip I’d like to take… Diving anywhere warm
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Bob Boris, PE
Senior Engineer
Bob Boris has been a member of Keast & Hood’s Philadelphia office since interning at the firm during the summer in college. Following his graduation from Temple University Bob has progressed professionally from EIT to licensed PE. In 2022 he was promoted to Project Manager as recognition of his commitment to the firm and skilled engineering. Bob’s experience includes work on award-winning historic preservation projects such as Independence Hall Tower and the Mitchell/Giurgola designed Walnut 32 Garage. He has also contributed enthusiastically to new building construction including the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University, and various higher education renovation projects at the University of Pennsylvania and Haverford College. Bob is an excellent all-around structural engineer with strong skills in computer modeling and structural analysis. His organizational abilities make him an asset on any project team.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2008
What College did you graduate from? Temple University
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Baptist Temple, Independence Hall HSR and the University of Pennsylvania Guest House
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Modelling structures for lateral analysis
Go to album/playlist while working? Anything instrumental
What keeps you busy outside of work? Golf!
A trip I’d like to take… Any of the top 100 golf courses in the country
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Alex Stadel, PE
Project Manager
Alex Stadel, PE is a registered structural engineer and has been with Keast & Hood since his graduation from Drexel University in 2011 (summa cum laude). Alex maintains a strong connection to his alma mater as an adjunct assistant professor and has developed and taught 27 courses at the University. His professional engineering experience has included a wide range of project types, from new midrise office buildings in Philadelphia to historic preservation of 18th century structures. He played a major role in the structural design of the $120 million Museum of the American Revolution (2017) and was the leading structural designer for the exhibit support structure for George Washington’s Tent, a priceless national artifact and key attraction of the museum. Alex was promoted to Project Manager in 2021 in recognition of his extensive experience and exceptional management skills.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2011
What College did you graduate from? Drexel University
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? As a Philadelphian, working on the Gehry CORE renovations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the local engineer was an honor - the project was challenging and we had a fantastic construction team to work with.
What Engineering challenges make you excited? I really like using structural engineering to transform spaces - whether that means removing columns, opening up load-bearing walls, adding floors to buildings, etc. I think that good engineering enables - not constrains - transformative visions.
What keeps you busy outside of work? Lots! I teach the six-part structures series for Drexel’s architecture program, as well as an engineering design studio (‘junior design’) for the architectural engineering program - so I spend a few nights a week in the classroom or grading papers. When I’m not fighting time and gravity for work projects, I’m usually doing that on my own house - renovating an historic Victorian twin in Powelton Village. I also love spending time with my nephews and doing weekend backpacking trips.
A trip I’d like to take… I’d love to visit Japan someday - I really like Japanese culture, food, the architecture, the landscape, etc. I’d love to see it in person.
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Matt Cornman, PE
Associate
Matt has over fifteen years of diverse structural engineering experience, ranging from higher education adaptive reuse projects to billion-dollar hotel and casino complexes. He has successfully realized some of the firm’s largest and most complex projects and is highly respected by his colleagues and design team members for his engineering acumen. Some of Matt’s notable Keast & Hood projects include the Philadelphia Mormon Temple 300,000-square-foot complex, and the Haverford Lutnick Library renovation and addition.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2012
What College did you graduate from? The Pennsylvania State University
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Providing constructible solutions to complex problems
What keeps you busy outside of work? Mowing my lawn
A trip I’d like to take… Cross county in a camper or RV
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University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology
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Structure Magazine Feature Article, An Unlikely Pair: Steel Trusses and Flat-Plate
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Catch KH at Design Philadelphia and The Forum on Architecture + Design
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Associate Brian Wentz Contributes to College Planning & Management
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Christ Church of Philadelphia Memorial Organ | Philadelphia, PA
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Christian J. Kronenwetter, PE
Associate
Christian has 16 years of professional experience in structural engineering. He has been responsible for the structural design of institutional and science research projects from schematics through construction. Since joining Keast & Hood in 2007, Christian has participated on several significant projects, including serving as the project manager for the new construction of both 3737 and 3675 Market Street at the University City Science Center. His design and problem solving skills are utilized on both new construction and sensitive additions to cultural buildings, such as the Mercer Museum addition and the mid-block insertion of Lenfest Hall for the Curtis Institute of Music. Christian holds a Bachelor of Science from Drexel University in Architectural Engineering. He is a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction, serves as Treasurer on the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers Board, and is a past ACE Eastern PA Mentor.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2007
What College did you graduate from? Drexel University
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Statue of Liberty
Go to album/playlist while working? Dyad 1909 by Ólafur Arnalds
What keeps you busy outside of work? Working on my Queen Anne house
Not that any of us procrastinate, BUT if I am, I’m usually…. Golfing
A trip I’d like to take… Back to Portugal
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Brian D. Wentz, PE, CDT
Director of Historic Preservation
Brian has over 29 years of structural engineering experience. A member of Keast & Hood since 1993 and a project manager since 2006. In 2018, he was promoted to the Associate level and named Director of Historic Preservation. Brian is a master at revitalizing old buildings and has worked on the firm’s most sensitive historic projects including the highly acclaimed Longwood Gardens Main Fountain Garden Restoration, Christ Church Philadelphia, Richard’s Medical Labs, and Hill College House Renovation for the University of Pennsylvania. Wentz holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and is a CSI Construction Documents Technologist. He is a member of the Association for Preservation Technology International and its Delaware Valley Chapter. He is a former board member of both the Association for Preservation Technology International Board and Delaware Valley Chapter Board.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 1993
What College did you graduate from? Penn State University
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Longwood Gardens & Christ Church Shrewsbury
What Engineering challenges make you excited? Going into an old building and trying to figure out how it was constructed an how to best make repairs
What keeps you busy outside of work? Softball (local and national involvement)
A trip I’d like to take… New Zealand and Australia
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Allison L. Lukachik, PE, SE, CDT
Associate
Allison joined Keast & Hood in July 2012 and has 15 years of professional engineering experience. She has managed structural design for a variety of projects and creatively adapts to complex challenges. High quality institutional projects comprise a significant portion of Allison’s portfolio. Examples include Wharton Academic Research Building currently in construction, the Student Commons Building for the Shipley School, and the recently completed Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Lukachik holds a B.S. in Architectural Engineering and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Drexel University, an M.B.A., in Business Management from Temple University, and is a CSI Construction Documents Technologist. She is a member of the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers, the Association for Preservation Technology, Delaware Valley Chapter, and a Founding Member and the Record Keeper for the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers, Women in Structural Engineering (WiSE) Committee. Allison is also an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University College of Engineering, Construction Management.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2012
What College did you graduate from? Drexel University for MS/BS in Engineering, Temple University for MBA
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? PCPSE- it was a fun mix of both the opportunities found in new construction and the unique challenges in existing building renovations.
What keeps you busy outside of work? My two kids and my art projects (hobbies). I like to mosaic and do stained glass, although a lot of my projects also seem to feature the myriad ways that I can turn a hand or footprint of from my kids into a cute picture.
A trip I’d like to take… Peru. I’m anxious to begin traveling again and explore the storied history and rich culture of other countries.
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Wharton Academic Research Building | University of Pennsylvania
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Amelia E. Popovic
Marketing Director
Amelia manages the firm’s Marketing and Communications efforts. She is an adjunct faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University and serves as a board member of Historic RittenhouseTown, as well as past SMPS Philadelphia Board Member and Co-Chair of the Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance.
Lets get Personal! We asked the employees at Keast & Hood these questions to get to know them better:
When did you start at Keast & Hood? 2016
What College did you graduate from? Tufts
Favorite Project you’ve worked on so far? Athenaeum Exhibition
Not that any of us procrastinate, BUT if I am, I’m usually…. Looking at houses I can’t afford on Zillow
A trip I’d like to take… surfing in Nicaragua
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