Denise L. Richards, PE
Partner
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 Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers, founding member of both the Sustainable Design and Women in Structural Engineering Subcommittees.
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John R. Davis, PE
Partner
John Davis has over 24 years of structural engineering experience. Since joining Keast & Hood in 1998, John has achieved award-winning results on structural challenges for buildings both new and old. He is a member of the Association for Preservation Technology; American Institute of Steel Construction; past president of the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers; an adjunct faculty member at Delaware Technical & Community College; and the Chairperson for the New Castle County, DE, Historic Review Board.
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Frederick C. Baumert, PE, CCS
Senior Principal
Frederick C. Baumert, PE, CCS, joined Keast & Hood in 1980 after graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He earned an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Drexel University and was named a principal in 1989. A legacy member of the firm, Fred’s father is former principal Carl Baumert, Jr., PE, who practiced with KH from 1958-2014. Fred’s keen ability to see through project complexities, his calm under pressure, and his ability to articulate and resolve problems have made him a valued contributor during the firm’s recent decades and to some of its most significant new and historic work. Practical and pragmatic, Fred listens and communicates well, making him a go-to resource for teammates and clients. He’s equally willing to share his knowledge and experience with younger engineers as he is to ascend the top of Billy Penn’s hat on Philadelphia City Hall. Among his many professional involvements, Fred sits on the buildings and grounds committee at Bryn Mawr College, where his owner’s perspective informs his daily engineering work with issues of operating efficiency, serviceability, and life-cycle costs.
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Constantine (Dean) Doukakis, PE
Senior Principal
Constantine (Dean) G. Doukakis, PE, leads by example, with an exceptional work ethic, confidence, and attention to detail. He joined Keast & Hood in 1986 and was named a principal in 1989. Dean uses his depth of experience to see beyond immediate engineering issues and understand larger implications of any project. He thinks not only in structural terms of how to address problems, but is mindful of the perspectives of owners and architects. Dean’s focus on relationships and the vested interests of all have made him a valued partner to many long-term clients. His eye for detail makes him a favorite of design-oriented architects for complex institutional projects, where creativity and economy are delicately balanced. A firm but patient teacher and mentor, Dean guides staff in the office and serves as an adjunct faculty for the Department of Construction Management, College of Engineering, at Drexel University, where he earned B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering degrees in 1981 and 1988. He also serves on the advisory board for the Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering department at Drexel. Dean’s extensive professional involvement includes past presidencies of the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers and the Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia.
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Thomas J. Normile, PE
Senior Principal
Thomas J. Normile, PE, delves into the engineering principles that underlie each design. He analyzes code, researches options, and brings his own structural creativity to any challenge. In doing so, he elicits solutions that are simple, elegant, and effective. Since joining Keast & Hood in 1996, Tom has become known for his thoughtfulness, communication skills, and strong mentoring. He is equally fervent about working as part of a team as he is in developing responsive structural designs. Tom earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania and, prior to Keast & Hood, held structural engineering positions both domestically and abroad. An active participant in the local design and construction community, Tom maintains involvement with the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and sits on the Design on the Delaware steering committee. He has served as president of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Concrete Institute, director of the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers, and treasurer of the Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia.
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Patrick T. Fair, PE, CDT
Associate
With more than 36 years of experience in structural engineering for buildings, Patrick brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Joining Keast & Hood in 1999, he has made significant contributions to some of the firm’s most substantial projects, demonstrating exceptional design prowess and organizational acumen.
Patrick sculpts structures to meet the most demanding designs. Be it a new museum built atop a 40-year-old parking garage, an intricate new library nestled 40 feet into the side of a steeply pitched dell, or transforming a deteriorated chapel into a performance venue, Patrick has met the challenge. In 2016, Patrick served as the Project Manager for the 260,000 SF Philadelphia, PA Mormon Temple complex.
Patrick not only manages various projects but also serves as the Director of Technology, ensuring the firm remains up-to-date with evolving structural analysis and BIM technology. Additionally, he acts as the liaison with the company’s IT consultant. As a member of the firm’s quality assurance committee, Patrick plays a pivotal role in establishing design and drawing standards, and conducts quality control reviews throughout project design phases. Furthermore, he initiated and oversees the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion focus group.
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Brian D. Wentz, PE, CDT
Director of Historic Preservation
Brian has over 34 years of structural engineering experience. In 2018, he was promoted to the Associate level and named Director of Historic Preservation. The Association of Preservation Technology, an international group, named Brian a Recognized Professional in 2020 in recognition of contributions to the field of Preservation.
A master at revitalizing old buildings, his work on historic buildings at Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and a number of smaller institutions, has made him an invaluable resource for architects and institutions. He has worked on the firm’s most sensitive historic projects including the highly acclaimed Longwood Gardens Main Fountain Garden Restoration, Christ Church Philadelphia, Richards Medical Research Labs, and Hill College House Renovation for the University of Pennsylvania.
Brian’s skills and enthusiasm make him an asset to any project team. He combines creativity and technical proficiency for impressive results on all of his projects.
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Allison L. Lukachik, PE, SE, CDT
Associate
Allison joined Keast & Hood in July 2012 and has over 20 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 the Penn Quadrangle Renovation currently in construction, the Penn State James Innovation Center, and the Wharton Academic Research Building at the University of Pennsylvania.
An analytical designer skilled at troubleshooting issues before they become problematic, Allison addresses concerns quickly and with strong communication skills. She creatively adapts to complex challenges, recognizing there is no one-size-fits-all approach to structural engineering.
Promoted to Associate in 2018, Allison leverages her engineering and team coordination skills to contribute to, and lead, structural design teams and to work successfully with architects and building owners.
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Christian J. Kronenwetter, PE
Associate
Christian has 22 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 3737 and 3675 Market Street, as well as 1 uCity 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 is skilled in complex structural analysis methods using a variety of 3D modeling and BIM computer software, and he has strong fundamental knowledge of construction methods and materials. Christian was recognized for his engineering and leadership skills and made an Associate in 2018.
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Matt Cornman, PE
Associate
Matt joined Keast & Hood in July 2012. Over the course of his career, Matt has performed structural condition assessments and developed structural engineering designs for repair, restoration, adaptive reuse, and new construction projects.
Matt’s diverse structural engineering experience has ranged from historic houses to billion-dollar hotel and casino complexes. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge and possesses strong communication skills to help all members of the design and construction team understand the intricacies of structural design.
Recognized for his dedication and structural engineering expertise, Matt was promoted to Associate in 2022.
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Alex Stadel, PE
Associate
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 Associate in 2024 in recognition of his extensive experience and exceptional management skills.
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David J. Russell
Controller
David Russell is the Financial Controller at Keast & Hood, a role he has held since August 2022. With a degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Drexel University, David brings over 30 years of experience in the commercial construction industry to his position. His expertise encompasses accounting, payroll, and benefits administration. Known for his meticulous and results-driven approach, David has a proven track record of effectively managing people and projects, implementing financial controls, and optimizing business processes to control expenses and drive positive outcomes.
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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, he has more than ten years of experience as a general carpenter, including residential and commercial 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.
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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.
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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.
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Anthony J. Casale III, MS, PE
Project Manager
Anthony joined Keast & Hood in March 2023. He has 10 years of experience in structural engineering and an interest in building design, retrofit, and repair. He consistently seeks to expand his knowledge of new and old building materials and structural systems.
Anthony is experienced in analysis and design of various building structures, structural drawings, and structural building assessments. He has worked on residential and commercial development projects in the Tri-state area and beyond. He has experience designing concrete flat-plate mid-rise buildings, steel/concrete podium mixed-use structures, and renovating and retrofitting existing structures.
In addition, he is published in the International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials.
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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, masonry, and wood structures, and project delivery.
Recognized for his astute attention to detail and an eagerness to grow, Mark has taken the design lead on a variety of projects for proposed and existing structures, collaborating directly with architects and contractors on our teams. In addition to his project work, Mark is engaged with our junior engineers through mentorship, lunch & Learns, and coordinating educational opportunities for our entire team.
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 Professor. He stays connected with other engineers in the community through his active involvement as a board member of the DVASE Young Members Group. Mark is a well-rounded engineer that brings the same amount of dedication and energy to every project.
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Jason DeMuro, PE
Structural Engineer
Jason M. DeMuro, PE has been an integral part of Keast & Hood since 2019, when he joined as a Structural Designer. His journey within the firm culminated in his promotion to Structural Engineer in 2024. His expertise lies in structural condition assessments, engineering designs for repair and restoration, and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, alongside new construction projects.
Jason’s proficiency extends to intricate modeling analyses for both new and existing structures. He finds fulfillment in witnessing the evolution of a building from analysis to documentation to construction phases.
Within Keast & Hood, Jason serves as a crucial link between BIM modelers and engineers, ensuring a smooth workflow and adherence to the firm’s rigorous documentation standards. Moreover, his involvement in the Quality Assurance and Engineering Software Committees underscores his commitment to maintaining high design and drawing standards. He also actively evaluates and leverages the firm’s array of computational analysis and design programs.
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Sena Savaskan, PE
Structural Engineer
Sena Savaskan is a Structural Engineer who began working at Keast & Hood in January 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering with a Construction Management minor from Drexel University. Sena has 5 years of experience in the industry.
Some of Sena’s current projects include Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Wright Saunders building renovations, Philadelphia City Hall Tower restoration, and Share Food Program Renovation.
As a newly licensed Professional Engineer, Sena is eager to take on new challenges, tackle complex projects, and collaboratively and consistently drive our success forward.
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Tyler Dennis, PE
Structural Engineer
Tyler Dennis is a Structural Engineer who has worked for Keast and Hood since April 2023. He has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Civil Engineering from University of Delaware. He is experienced in structural calculations of various building structures. Including concrete substructures and reinforcement, design loads, and QA/QC calculations.
His current projects include the renovation of the First Bank of the United States, Muhlenberg College Seegers Union Building Expansion, and Princeton University Prospect House renovations
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Lauren Schmitz, PE
Structural Engineer
Lauren interned with Keast & Hood in 2016/17 and joined the firm full time in early 2020 following her graduation from Johns Hopkins University. She is a highly motivated designer with a passion for historic preservation. She has experience with the analysis of existing structures, design of steel, masonry, and wood as well as project delivery.
Lauren is an active member of our sustainability committee as the firm’s Embodied Carbon Champion for the SE2050 commitment. Outside of work hours, Lauren is an active member of the Women in Structural Engineering (WiSE) group of the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers, and joined the board in 2023. She is also an active participant in the Association for Preservation Technology - Delaware Valley Chapter.
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Nick Paparo, EIT
Structural Designer
Nick 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, Nick 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 DVASE’s Young Member Group (YMG). Nick is a well-rounded engineer who brings the same amount of dedication and energy to every project.
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Amanda Grogin, EIT
Structural Designer
Amanda joined Keast & Hood in 2022 after graduating from Drexel University. She is a structural designer with special knowledge in framing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood structures.
Her experience includes new construction, renovation, and preservation. She is proficient in analysis software including, but not limited to: RAM Structural System, Elements, and Concept.
An enthusiastic collaborator, Amanda is a member of several KH internal committees including: Professional Societies, Social, DEI, and Sustainability. Outside of the office, she is a member of DVASE, WiSE, PWC, and ASCE ymf. In addition, she is committed to outreach and helps students consider structural engineering as a career path.
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Matt Schilling, EIT
Matt Schilling joined Keast & Hood after recently graduating from Drexel University. He has expertise in analysis models for a variety of projects, including pipe racks, new constructions, and renovations or adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Matt enjoys watching how a building progresses from initial analysis through documentation to construction.
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Brian Fertig
Structural Designer
Brian Fertig is a Structural Designer with a strong background in civil engineering, having earned his bachelor’s degree from Temple University. Brian is adept at designing and detailing structural elements in steel, masonry, wood, and concrete. His technical skills include proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and a keen interest in BIM360 software.
Brian is experienced with various structural analysis tools, particularly RAM, and holds certifications in RAM structural systems and elements from Bentley software. His portfolio includes designing and documenting multi-use buildings and significant involvement in construction administration throughout project lifecycles. Additionally, he has worked on diverse projects including design, renovation of existing structures, and management of dunnage.
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Marie T. Terico
Administrative Assistant
Marie Terico has been a valued Administrative Assistant at Keast & Hood since December 2015. With over 30 years of administrative experience, she excels in providing exceptional customer service and managing a range of responsibilities. Her role includes handling billing, overseeing the front office, and being the company’s primary point of contact. A graduate of St. Monica Business School, Marie has a robust background in managing accounts receivable and leading projects like office relocations. Her adaptability, strong work ethic, and project management skills make her a significant asset to the team.
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