Thirty plus ago, Shaun joined Richards Consulting Group (RCG), and continued with Calder Richards after the firm merger.  He understands complexities inherent in building renovations for remodeling, upgrading, and/or adaptive re-use. He also spearheads the firm’s resort, hospitality, and public safety projects. 

As a licensed structural engineer with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah (1993), Shaun brings to the team the depth of expertise that derives from long-term experience with highly talented people. In addition to his role as a managing partner, his executive responsibilities include managing the firm’s operations and administration.

For over thirty years, Scott has worked with Richards Consulting Group (RCG) then Calder Richards. He manages the firm’s peer/plan review department working closely with municipalities, state agencies, and school districts throughout Utah. By developing the code savvy necessary to critique the work of others in the structural engineering industry for the past three decades, Scott has developed exceptional design and value engineering capabilities. He also works with the firm’s K-12 studio for new school design.

He earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1992 from the University of Utah before acquiring his structural engineering licensure. Scott has learned what is pivotal to the success of a project. Knowing what works and what doesn’t has evolved from his years of experience in the industry. In addition, he manages the firm’s Human Resources department.

His personal interests include devoting time for fun with his family including playing and caring for his active and adorable grandkids.

With 20 years of experience, Nolan brings to the team a proven track record engineering cost effective design approaches for schools, manufacturing plants, civil work, and other commercial structures. He spearheads the firm’s LEED accreditation work, including a rarely awarded LEED double-platinum certification project.

Nolan earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, and his M.E. in Structural Engineering from Utah State University in 2003 and 2004, respectively. He has been with Calder Richards since the firm’s inception, rising to managing partner responsible for client development.

The father of 3 boys, Nolan knows how to play. Keeping up with Dad is still a challenge for them but, eventually life will reverse that. Until then biking, skiing, hiking, and traveling are a high priority on the Balls’ family bucket list.

Henning brings to the Calder Richards team 19 years working with a broad spectrum of structural engineering solutions ranging from public schools and municipal buildings to military support facilities and commercial structures. He provides value engineering recommendations during the pre-design project phase as well as solutions for challenges that can arise during construction. Henning also oversees the firm’s technical design and training programs for the engineering staff.

Henning attended the University of Utah earning a M.E. in Civil Engineering with a Structural Emphasis (2007), and a B.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering (2006). He has professional engineering licenses in various states and is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of Utah (SEAU).

No matter how busy and buried in work Henning is, he always has the time to help others. As a devoted dad and husband, Henning enjoys camping, hiking, and basically doing anything else with his family in Utah’s awesome outdoors. Creating is at the heart of Henning’s passions, from woodworking to just building “things.”

Alex oversees structural design for new projects and expansions/renovations of existing facilities. Alex’s forte is responsive client service. He brings value to the design team by providing forward-thinking structural solutions to meet the program and budgetary requirements of his projects.

Alex earned his Master of Engineering degree in Structural Engineering and Mechanics from Utah State University, where he previously earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Structural Engineer in Utah and is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of Utah (SEAU).

Working in the Intermountain West – a highly active seismic zone – Alex is passionate about understanding and minimizing earthquake risk on his projects and in the community. He is a member of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) and is certified in the Post-earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings through ATC-20. Alex regularly attends earthquake engineering conferences and training events to stay current on the latest seismic research and state-of-the-art solutions.

David is an integral member of the Calder Richards’ structural design team with over 10 years of experience. He brings diversified structural design experience including K-12, industrial, commercial, transit and municipal. David is also experienced in historic renovation and adaptive re-use, providing structural evaluation of existing conditions for feasibility analyses and master planning.

David received his Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis from Utah State University where he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Structural Engineer in Utah and is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of Utah (SEAU). David previously served as Chair and Vice Chair for the Young Members Group Committee of SEAU. David also participated for four years as part of Young Member Group Committee of NCSEA where he helped young engineers around the country connect and adapt to their new professional environment(s).

A California boy at heart, David enjoys swimming, water polo, soccer, and spending time at the beach when he is not in the office. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 kids and supporting their passions by participating as soccer coach, basketball coach, chauffeur, and of course by being their number one fan.

Marc is a skilled licensed Professional Structural Engineer who brings substantial experience designing structural systems that are strong, stable, and resilient in resisting structural loads.

Marc seamlessly integrates structural integrity with aesthetic vision, ensuring every project not only meets rigorous safety standards but also supports innovative and unique designs. His expertise is in K-12, commercial buildings and large-scale industrial projects, making him a vital asset in turning architectural dreams into reality. Marc’s commitment to excellence within a collaborative approach has earned him a reputation as a trusted partner among his clients.

Marc earned USU Dean’s Scholar List honors during his Master of Science in Civil Engineering with structural emphasis from Utah State University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Utah State University.

Tara is Calder Richards’ first female associate who has managed office administration at Richards Consulting Group (RCG) and then Calder Richards for over thirty years. Her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail ensure the seamless operation of the office, supporting the engineering team and facilitating project success. Tara oversees the firm’s financial and administrative tasks, including maintaining client records, handling billings, and preparing financial reports. She also supports HR functions by managing payroll and employee records, as well as organizing team-building events. Tara’s proactive approach and strong interpersonal skills make her an invaluable asset to the firm, fostering a productive and collaborative work environment.

Tara’s trusty side-kick, Oxford, a miniature schnauzer, proudly serves as the Calder Richards official mascot. Employees eagerly anticipate Oxford’s warm greetings and enjoy his playful antics, especially when he perks up at the sound of a brown bag rustling at lunchtime.

Kim has over two decades experience marketing professional services, specializing in the AEC industry. She leads the firm’s marketing and business development success.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a Public Relations emphasis. She is also a graduate of SMPS University through the Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland. Kim achieved her Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) designation in 2011.

Over her career, Kim’s focus on building meaningful connections has opened doors to professional opportunities and project wins. Kim has served as SMPS Southwest Regional Conference Co-Chair, President of SMPS Utah Chapter, and on the Board of Directors for numerous non-profits in Utah where she employs abundance-based leadership to achieve results.

Nick Markosian is a licensed professional engineer in Utah with Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering with Structural Emphasis from Utah State University. With a diverse portfolio that includes K-12 education, industrial, government, historic renovations, multi-family housing, and hospitality projects, Nick has demonstrated his ability to manage complex engineering challenges.

From an early age, Nick’s fascination with engineering was sparked during a memorable field trip to the Utah State Capitol Building. His curiosity about the building’s construction ignited a lifelong passion for structural engineering.

Nick’s passion for structural engineering is matched by his dedication to client satisfaction. He understands that successful projects stem from clear communication, collaborative efforts, and a deep understanding of client needs. Nick consistently delivers results that exceed expectations, fostering strong relationships and trust with clients. Nick’s dedication, expertise, and a genuine enthusiasm for structural engineering makes him a valued asset in every project he undertakes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nick enjoys spending quality time with his family, baking delicious treats, playing the guitar, and pursuing his hobby as an aspiring amateur woodworker.

Parker Syndergaard brings a passion for structural engineering excellence to project teams.  He holds both Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering with Structural Emphasis from Utah State University. Parker is a licensed professional engineer in Utah with experience in historic renovations, K-12 education, hospitality and industrial structures.

As structural engineer, Parker ensures the safety and functionality of our built environment. He analyzes, designs, and plans structural components and systems for optimal durability and stability, performing rigorous load calculations to evaluate structural integrity. His keen eye for detail and analytical prowess ensure that every project meets the highest standards.

Kelly Calder is continuing his valuable contributions to Calder Richards for client continuity, quality assurance, and the training of professional staff. He brings to the firm the depth of experience, creative insight, and expertise forged in over 30 years of structural engineering.

Graduating from the University of Utah with a Masters’ and B.S. degrees in engineering, Kelly’s first interest was geology before embarking on structural engineering as his career focus.

When not working, Kelly is an avid globe trotter. When home, he is an impassioned landscape designer creating sculptured water features and devising ingenious ways to keep deer and rattlesnakes at bay.

JR is a company founder and current partner. With over 35 years of experience, JR has helped to transform Calder Richards into one of Utah’s pre-eminent structural engineering firms. His innovative approach and creative solutions to challenging structural problems has made him a key player in Utah’s adaptive re-use and historic preservation community. 

JR has a BS degree (cum laude) in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah, and a Masters in Structural Engineering from Stanford University. He also is a current member and past president of the Structural Engineer Association of Utah (SEAU), SEAU Chairperson for Professional Practice + Ethics Committee, ACEC Professional Practices Committee Member, and past member and Chairman of Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) for Utah’s Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors Licensing Board.

His personal passions include skiing, golfing, biking, and fly fishing, many of which have taken him to far flung reaches of the world. So, traveling is a passion, too.