News & awards

Karpinski Engineering has promoted five staff members to Associate.

Doug Barnes, James Dudt, Evan Hammersmith, Matt Morgan, and Ryan Smith have all advanced to the Associate level.

At Karpinski Engineering, Associates work closely with the firm’s partners. They participate in high-level management of client relationships, projects, and staff.

Karpinski Engineering President Jim Cicero, PE, commended the new associates.

“Each of them exemplifies what Karpinski Engineering stands for,” he said.

“These promotions point to each individual’s growth and to Karpinski Engineering’s growth,” he said. “The firm has grown considerably in the past decade, and their careers have grown as well. Their promotions attest to the level of leadership they have taken on.”

Douglas Barnes, PE

Doug Barnes leads the KE Pittsburgh office’s mechanical engineering team. He began his career at the KE Cleveland office and relocated in 2016 to support the newly-established Pittsburgh office. He focuses on healthcare, laboratory, and specialty projects.

In his 15 years at KE, Doug said, “It’s always been a family. That’s been one of the most important things about KE. We enjoy working together, even though it gets stressful at times.”

At the Pittsburgh office, one of Doug’s priorities is mentoring junior engineers.

“Every day there’s a line out my door,” Doug said, laughing. “Now I know how [KE founder Jim Karpinski] Karp feels.”

Doug is a graduate of Grove City College and a member of AHSRAE. He joined KE in 2002.

James Dudt, PE, LEED AP BD+C

James Dudt is the Director of Pittsburgh Operations. Like Doug, he began his KE career at the Cleveland office. He left Cleveland in 2015 to open the Pittsburgh office.

Working at KE, James said, “I was struck by how passionate people are.”

“We’ve been able to grow the company together,” James said. “It’s been exciting. It’s been challenging. I can’t believe the ways I’ve grown.”

James earned his degree in mechanical engineering from Grove City College. He is a member of ASHRAE. He joined KE in 2009, after working for a firm in Dubai and Pittsburgh.

Evan Hammersmith, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CGD

Mechanical engineer Evan Hammersmith leads higher education, K-12, and commercial projects. He has specialized experience with high-efficiency HVAC design and is one of only 10 Certified GeoExchange Designers in Ohio.

Evan emphasized the value of taking initiative, being persistent, and learning from more experienced people.

“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a high volume of projects,” Evan said. “I appreciate that, because it let me learn a lot in a condensed period of time.”

“I’m also grateful for the senior staff who mentored me and helped me build a strong knowledge base for the work I do today.”

Evan earned his degree from the University of Cincinnati. He is a member of the USGBC and ASHRAE. He joined KE in 2003.

Matt Morgan, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Matt Morgan is a mechanical engineer specializing in healthcare projects. His portfolio includes new hospitals, renovations in active healthcare facilities, and reference laboratories.

“The passion and care of the team, what they do on every job, is what I fell in love with at KE,” Matt said. “Taking a topic like engineering and learning and laughing about it is truly special.”

“I look forward to continuing to grow with everyone.”

Matt is a graduate of Penn State University. He is a member of ASHRAE, ASHE, and NOSHE (Northern Ohio Society for Healthcare Engineering). Matt joined KE in 2004.

Ryan Smith, RCDD

Technology engineer Ryan Smith provides management and design for a range of projects, with a focus on healthcare and education. He has niche expertise in designing wireless distribution systems for wifi, cellular communications, and public safety radio systems.

“Over the years, it’s been rewarding to work one-on-one with clients to really understand the issues they face and then develop solutions that respond to those issues,” Ryan said.

Ryan is a graduate of Cleveland State University. He is a member of BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Services International). Ryan joined KE in 2007.