Inter-Disciplinary Panel Discussion: Integrated Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering is a profession built upon close coordination with many other partners and trades. Often it is easy to do our work in a silo, to find the best structural solution without a regard for overall look, cost and schedule. Come hear from some of our peers in the AEC industry on how we can become better structural engineers through integrating our design into what they care about.

Special Guest Include:

Eric Jones with LPA Design Studios
Eric serves as project director for many of LPA’s largest laboratory and R & D projects, and oversees operations, strategic planning and financial management for the San Diego studio. He is involved from the earliest stages of project design, from conceptual design to project completion, providing quality control and emphasis on collaboration and communication. His organizational, analytical and creative skills have led to a seamless delivery process on dozens of diverse and complex projects, including more than 80 laboratory and research projects.

Mark Seidl with DPR
Mark currently leads preconstruction efforts for a variety of high-profile clients in San Diego for DPR Construction - one of the top technical builders and #1 ranked General Contractor in San Diego County (named by the San Diego Business Journal in 2022).  
During his 21-year tenure at DPR, Mark has managed a wide range of projects from 5,000 sf tenant improvements to multi-building campuses over 1,000,000 sf.  His comprehensive understanding of construction costs and industry trends as well as extensive knowledge in engineering design has contributed to a demonstrated history of building and maintaining strong client relationships in San Diego. For the past 10 years Mark has been predominately active as preconstruction lead in the life science core market. 
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University. Additionally, he is a USGBC LEED Accredited Professional. 

Elisa Pittner with UCSD
Elisa is a Program Manager currently delivering capital projects for UC San Diego.  She also has extensive experience in private and government sectors working on a wide variety of projects.  Elisa is a licensed architect in the west coast states. She likes to focus on design and construction best practices, sustainability, and effective project delivery. Her current programs include seismic retrofit and adaptive reuse of existing structures, specialty science labs, instructional and collaboration spaces, and miscellaneous academic facilities as needed for the campus.  Elisa has always enjoyed collaboration with structural engineers and is excited to participate in this discussion. 

Joe Mucher with Pacific Rim Mechanical
Joe has been emersed in the mechanical service & contracting industry his entire adult life.  He was first introduced to the trade while in high school where he attended an HVAC occupational training program.  Joe went on from there to Sacramento City College where he completed an extensive two-year mechanical/electrical technology curriculum.  Followed by a couple years working in the trade as a commercial service technician, Joe then went back to school fulltime at SDSU to pursue a mechanical engineering degree.  Upon graduating SDSU in 1994 with a BSME, Joe went to work for Pacific Rim Mechanical as a preconstruction engineer.  Joe is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California and is a LEED Accredited Professional. 
Joe has been president & CEO of Pac Rim since 2016 where he is responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations.  Pacific Rim Mechanical is a full-service mechanical contractor specializing in design, construction, and maintenance of commercial buildings primarily in the life science space.  In addition to life science, Pac Rim has expertise with other specialized facilities, i.e., data & telecom, animal life support systems, brewery, and health care.  Pacific Rim Mechanical has offices in San Diego & Santa Ana and currently has approximately 750 employees.     

Tiffany English with Qualcomm
Tiffany English is Senior Director, Architecture for Qualcomm Incorporated.  Qualcomm is the world’s leading technology innovator.  With Real Estate Assets over 15 million square feet in 30 countries and 45,000+ employees globally.  Qualcomm’s breakthroughs in 5G are making the world more connected while making an impact on society and world’s biggest challenges.  Tiffany’s role at Qualcomm is oversight of the companies architectural, interior design, space planning, facilities planning, lab planning and MEP engineering teams globally.
Tiffany has more than 25 years of industry experience and has overseen, designed, and managed over 10 million square feet of projects for commercial real estate and Fortune 500 clients.  Tiffany is currently serving as Immediate Past President of CREW Network, 2021.  CREW Network represents 77+ markets and over 12,000 members globally.   CREW Network continues to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally.
Tiffany has won various industry awards; most recently she was recognized by GlobeSt’s Real Estate Women of Influence 2021, 2020 Best Bosses, The Daily Transcript as a 2019 Influential Woman Honoree and by Real Estate Forum as a 2019 Woman of Influence. Additional recognitions over the past year include San Diego Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Leaders List, and Outstanding Women in Construction and Design. Tiffany was also named one of Southern California’s Most Powerful Women in Commercial Real Estate by Real Estate Forum in 2017, Connected Women of Influence “Women’s Advocate of the Year” in 2015, CREW San Diego Chapter’s Most Deals Done in 2011 and Networker of the Year in 2010, CREW Connections’ Most Deals Done in 2009, and was the recipient of YWCA San Diego County TWIN Award in 2008. Tiffany was recognized on the Engineering News Record (ENR) 20 Under 40 listing in 2011 and was also a finalist for the San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award in 2013, 2011 and 2009. In addition, she has authored numerous industry articles published in trade and business journals. 
Tiffany is an exceptional leader, focused on the success of her team and colleagues. She is well known for her drive, enthusiasm, creativity, knowledge, and commitment. Tiffany demonstrates the importance of building and nurturing relationships and is generous with her time in helping others succeed. She is dedicated to DE&I and focused on influencing and engaging in intentional and impactful change in the CRE industry.