Calder Richards was founded in 2005 through the merger of two of Utah’s leading structural engineering firms—Calder Kankainen Consulting Engineers and Richards Consulting Group, each established in 1986.
From engineering for the 2002 Winter Olympics to seismically upgrading Utah’s iconic historic buildings, we carry forward our founders’ commitment to lasting relationships and technical excellence.
We do big projects, and we do small projects in a big way. Whatever the scope, we deliver cost efficiencies through smart engineering design—without compromising the vision, goals, or sustainability of any project.
Relationships
and technical excellence
Our Team
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Shaun Packer, SE
Managing Partner . Structural Engineer
Shaun is a seasoned structural engineer with over 31 years of experience. He leads the firm as a managing partner and principal in charge. Shaun’s specialties include post-tension concrete structures and adaptive re-use. He brings trusted expertise and honed problem-solving skills that return value to the client.
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Scott Wilson, SE
Managing Partner . Structural Engineer
Our most experienced engineer, Scott brings 32+ years experience to his projects. Scott’s super-powers include laser-focused attention to detail and commitment to follow-thru. Scott also manages the firm’s plan review department, working closely with municipalities, state agencies, and school districts to ensure safe structures.
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Nolan Balls, SE, LEED AP
Managing Partner . Structural Engineer
Over the last 20+ years, Nolan has provided cost-effective structural solutions to design teams throughout the US. Nolan’s clients love working with him because he seeks solutions instead of excuses. As a managing partner, Nolan’s forte is relationship building, and he leads the firm’s client relations.
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Henning Ungerman, SE
Managing Partner . Structural Engineer
In Henning’s 20+ years experience, he’s engineered a broad spectrum of projects including K-12, government, and infrastructure. He specializes in engineering municipal and federal structures designed to higher seismic standards. Henning actively works with the architect to provide structural value engineering options. A teacher at heart, Henning leads the firm’s professional development in his role as managing partner.
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Alex Karras, SE
Partner . Structural Engineer
Alex has over 10+ years experience managing the structural design of complex projects across various sectors including K-12 education and multi-family housing. Skilled in client communication, Alex brings value to the design team by providing creative solutions and proactive construction administration support, working with construction professionals and architects to keep projects on schedule.
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David Marshall, SE
Partner . Structural Engineer
David brings 13+ years experience designing diverse structural systems including K-12 education, municipal and commercial. David is a problem solver who seeks first to understand. David brings to each building his natural curiosity, honed expertise, and active listening to ensure project success.
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Marc Shields, SE
Associate . Structural Engineer
Marc is a skilled licensed structural engineer with over 14 years experience who integrates structural integrity with aesthetic vision. Marc’s expertise in K-12, commercial, and large-scale industrial projects enables him to bring out-of-the box solutions that are an asset to the design team.
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Tara Hennessy
Associate . Office Administrator
Calder Richards’ first female associate, Tara has 30+ years experience managing the firm’s office administration. Tara oversees financial and administrative tasks, client records, billing, payroll, and HR support.
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Kim Johnson, CPSM
Associate . Marketing & Business Development Director
With over two decades experience marketing professional services in the AEC industry, Kim leads the firm’s marketing and business development. Kim specializes in cultivating client connections that result in project success.
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Nick Markosian, PE
Structural Project Manager . Professional Engineer
Nick is a licensed P.E. in Utah with a diverse portfolio across K-12, industrial, government, historic renovation, multi-family, and hospitality. Known for client satisfaction, Nick fully manages the projects in his care with proactive communication and ready response.
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Jacob Luebke, PE
Structural Project Manager . Professional Engineer
Jacob’s systematic approach to structural design ensures the safety and functionality of the built environment through his rigorous analysis, design, and load calculations. He manages structural projects with care and has experience in multi-family, K-12, hospitality, and industrial structures.
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Josh Bradley, PE
Structural Project Manager . Professional Engineer
Josh’s background in Architectural Engineering gives him a specialized perspective on structural projects he manages. Josh approaches each project with curiosity and enthusiasm that adds value to the design team.
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Drew Vincent, PE
Project Manager . Professional Engineer
Drew collaborates closely with structural engineers to design and integrate building systems that prioritize safety. This coordinated approach ensures mechanical systems work seamlessly with the building’s structural framework while meeting applicable codes and safety standards.
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Dave Kozina
BIM/CAD Department Manager
Dave Kozina leads the BIM/CAD efforts of the firm, ensuring BIM models are created rapidly and include plan, detail, and schedule sheets - whether they are new projects or remodels to existing buildings. Dave is also a passionate mentor for newer BIM modeling employees and helps them expand their drafting and modelling skills.
Founding Team
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Kelly Calder, SE
Founder
Firm co-founder known for client care, Kelly brings over 30 years of structural engineering experience.
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JR Richards, SE
Founder
Company co-founder with over 35 years of experience, JR is a key figure in Utah’s adaptive re-use and historic preservation community.

