Tharpe Engineering Group has announced the hiring of John Thomas (J.T.) Kowalchuk, P.E., as Project Engineer, and Jessica Van Buren, as BIM Technician. In his position, Mr. Kowalchuk will utilize the latest technology in 3D finite-element structural analysis and building information modeling software to assist in developing project construction documents. He will also be responsible for design tasks on projects ranging from small historic preservation efforts to complex mixed-use developments. In her position, Ms. Van Buren will utilize building information modeling software to develop construction documents and 3D models to facilitate coordination with all design team members.

J.T. is originally from St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, and is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, he is a graduate of the Michigan Technological University with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. 

Jessica is originally from Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in History Concentration and a minor in Art History. She also graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Master of Arts in Architectural History and has an Associate of Applied Sciences in Architectural Drafting from Savannah Technical College.  

“We are happy to be expanding the Tharpe team, especially with such promising talent,” says Cody Tharpe, principal of Tharpe Engineering Group. “Both J.T. and Jessica bring valuable education and experience as well as an understanding of the most recent cutting-edge technological advancements within the design and civil and structural engineering field. To our firm, they will undoubtedly be great assets and to our community.”

Tharpe Engineering Group is an award-winning Structural Engineering firm based out of Savannah, Georgia specializing in commercial, hospitality, institutional, industrial, and historic preservation projects throughout the Southeast.

For more information, visit tharpeengineering.com.