Get to Know us

AKF provides a full range of professional engineering services to support and enhance the built environment. We weave together our core MEP / FP engineering with 13 additional Integrated Services under a single point of contact to create flexible, environmentally conscious spaces focused on occupant convenience and comfort. Our experts and Integrated Service leaders work in tandem to leverage innovation across our core sectors regardless of office location. AKF’s coordinated in-house services streamline projects and reduce costs by limiting sub-consultants and improving project communication. We continue to evolve and expand our services and reach throughout the United States and abroad.

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Aaron Dahlstrom Headshot

Aaron Dahlstrom, PE

Aaron Dahlstrom, PE

Aaron specializes in sustainable design and high performance mechanical systems for commercial and campus building projects. He has expertise in energy modeling and geothermal systems design and is particularly good at providing early conceptual guidance to project teams that optimizes energy performance with little or no cost premium. Aaron’s experience managing large scale base building and tenant fit-out projects make him a strong, valuable part of any project team.

Alex Cabrera

Alex Cabrera

Principal, Director of Management Information Systems

As the Director of MIS, Alex brings over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field and has had an integral role in developing AKF’s Information Management systems and ensuring stability and smooth operation in keeping with the firm’s business and professional goals. He is valued for his strong analytical thinking, astute business abilities, and excellent communication skills.

EDUCATION:
  • MS in Telecommunications/Information Management, Polytechnic University
  • BS in Telecommunications, SUNY Institute of Technology
Andrew Zuckerman Headshot

Andrew Zuckerman, PE

Andrew Zuckerman, PE

Andrew is an accomplished project manager and HVAC engineer. He leverages his experience working in the commercial sector to provide clients with seamless project delivery. Andrew is respected by clients and colleagues for his responsiveness, thoughtful approach to problem- solving, and excellent collaborative skills. He believes that attention to detail and careful coordination are paramount to project success and works tirelessly with his internal and external teams to ensure all client needs are met.

EDUCATION:
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering License:
    NY

  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    LEED AP BD+C

  • Professional Affiliations:
    AEE, ASHRAE

Anthony Bastardi, PE

Anthony Bastardi, PE

Anthony is a senior electrical engineer involved in all aspects of a project’s electrical design and coordination from feasibility through construction. He brings 13 years of experience to his role and is a skilled and responsive team member. Anthony works diligently to ensure the most cost-effective and efficient design is executed while making sure clients are comfortable and satisfied with the final product.

EDUCATION:
  • BS Electrical Engineering, Manhattan College
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering License:
    NY, NC
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    LEED AP
Anthony Bifano Headshot

Anthony Bifano

Anthony Bifano

Anthony leads AKF's Baltimore office, providing leadership and management to its team members. Anthony is an experienced electrical engineer and project manager who has worked across several market sectors throughout his career. His primary focus has been on healthcare projects, with an emphasis on creating comfortable, patient-centric, energy-efficient environments. Anthony is a very responsive, detail-oriented professional who puts his primary focus on the client’s specific needs and attaining project goals. He enjoys working collaboratively with clients and design teams to achieve innovative design solutions, while remaining within budget and on schedule.

EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Drexel University
EXPERTISE:
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Award of Merit for Alcon Laboratories Experience Center (Forth Worth, TX)

  • Professional Affiliations:
    ASHRAE, IES

  • Awards:
    40 Under 40 (Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal)
Austin Azzaretto Headshot

Austin Azzaretto, PE

Austin Azzaretto, PE

Austin has an impressive background specializing in new construction commissioning, retro-commissioning, and energy auditing of various types of facilities. Austin focuses his energy on providing clients and facility staff with clear and concise commissioning standards and workflows to optimize the building usage. He leverages his mechanical engineering expertise to not only focus on mechanical commissioning, but also energy auditing and building management assistance. Austin is valued by clients and colleagues for his ability to successfully manage projects while ensuring client’s needs are met.

EDUCATION:
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Loyola University
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering License:
    MA
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    LEED AP
  • Professional Affiliations:
    BCxA
Bill Blais Headshot

Bill Blais

Bill Blais

Director of Special Inspections

Bill brings expansive knowledge of engineering design, building codes, standards, and construction methods to his role as Director of Special Inspections. His thoughtful approach to problem solving, technical proficiency, and careful attention to a client’s unique needs and budget goals lead to successful projects and respect throughout the industry. This expertise contributes to the sophisticated approach the Special Inspections team applies to all projects to achieve construction quality assurance.

EDUCATION:
  • Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, SUNY Maritime
EXPERTISE:
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    ICC Commercial Buildings Mechanical Inspector,
  • ICC Spayed Fire Proofing Inspector
Robert L'Insalata

Bob L'Insalata, PE

Partner

Bob L'Insalata, PE
Partner

Bob has been an integral member of the AKF community for over 28 years. He is a highly effective Project Executive, providing leadership on AKF’s infrastructure projects. Bob specializes in system design and project management for corporate, financial, and mission critical clients. He is a dynamic project executive, who maintains active involvement on all the projects he oversees. He continues to demonstrate his project management and critical thinking skills, driving creative solutions for his clients and their diverse projects

EDUCATION:
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Manhattan College
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering Licenses:
    CA, MN, NE, NM, NY, WY
  • Professional Affiliations:
    NYC Electrical Code Managing Committee
  • NYC Electrical Code Revision Committee #4
  • 7x24 Exchange
Brad Lownsbury Headshot

Brad Lownsbury

Partner

Brad Lownsbury
Partner

Brad is a Partner at AKF and leads the Richmond office, providing leadership and management to its team. He has been involved in all aspects of design, construction, and project management for 30 years. His experience includes healthcare, cogeneration development, power generation, microelectronics process engineering, clean room design, and program and construction management. Brad has designed and constructed many building types, including LEED® Certified Design for healthcare, transportation, higher education, corporate, and laboratory facilities. His process of working collaboratively with clients and his ability to translate strategic planning into innovative design have made him a highly sought-after team member.

EDUCATION:
  • MBA, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • BS in Engineering, Virginia Tech
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Affiliations:
    Green Energy of North America,
  • Clean Economy Network,
  • Solar Energy Industries Association,
  • Society American Military Engineers,
  • Board Member DavSon REIT
Brendan McGrath Headshot

Brendan McGrath, PE

Brendan McGrath, PE

Brendan is an crucial member of the AKF Commissioning and Testing team. He is a knowledgeable, reliable, and responsive commissioning engineer who’s goal is to provide clients with the most efficient, dependable building systems. Brendan manages AKF’s Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Commissioning services, working on projects from New Jersey through Virginia. He is responsible for performance verification of building systems throughout all stages of a building’s life. Brendan also works with building owners to educate their facility operating staff regarding building system health, how to properly maintain systems, and how to ensure they are operating as intended and at expected levels of performance.

EDUCATION:
  • BS in Environmental Engineering, University of Florida
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering Licenses:
    MD, PA
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    LEED® AP O+M, CCP

Brian Hotovy, CPA

Brian Hotovy, CPA

Principal, Controller

Brian Hotovy is AKF’s Controller, responsible for overseeing the financial health of the firm. His Accounting Department staff provides billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance, and general accounting services. Brian also collaborates monthly with the Executive Committee and provides financial performance reports at bi-annual meetings. Brian holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Nebraska.

EDUCATION:
  • BS in Accounting, University of Nebraska
  • MBA in Accounting, University of Nebraska

Brian Wisniewski, PE

Brian Wisniewski, PE

Brian is a dedicated and focused professional who produces quality engineering projects and provides high level client service, management, sustainable design, and technical expertise across a variety of sectors. His leadership skills enable enhanced team performance, effective client and design team interaction, and relationship building. He is always willing to assist whenever needed to deliver projects on time and within budget.

EDUCATION:
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering License:
    MD
  • Accreditations:
    LEED AP BD+C
    Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP)
  • Professional Affiliations:
    ASHARE
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Caitlyn Angelini Tall

Caitlyn Angelini, PE

Partner

Caitlyn Angelini, PE
Partner

Partner, Director of Code Consulting

Caitlyn is a Partner at AKF and leads the firm’s Code Consulting practice. A building, fire, life safety, and accessibility code compliance expert, she is respected throughout the industry for her depth of technical knowledge and talent to see beyond obstacles. Caitlyn collaborates with architects and owners to deliver solutions rooted in safety that result in successful construction projects. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Professional Women in Construction Boston Chapter and has held multiple leadership roles within the organization, including VP, President, and now Immediate Past President. Caitlyn has previously been honored as a 40 Under 40 industry professional by Consulting-Specifying Engineer. 

EDUCATION:
  • MS in Fire Protection Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • BS in Civil Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering Licenses:
    MA, ME, NH

  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    ICC Certified Building Plans Examiner

  • Professional Affiliations:
    ASHE, NEHES,
  • Professional Women in Construction Boston Board of Directors,
  • CTBUH Fire & Risk Panel Jury Chair
Carlos Londono

Carlos Londono

Partner

Carlos Londono
Partner

Carlos is a vital member of AKF’s Commissioning team, leveraging his 20 years of experience to serve as the service leader for the electrical discipline. He is responsible for day to day operations of the electrical team, project oversight and mentoring up and coming members of the commissioning team. Carlos’s experience ranges from providing electrical guidance on small tenant fit outs to providing a holistic approach to all aspects of electrical infrastructure maintenance, testing and upgrades for the life of a building for a singular building or implementing a standardized approach/plan for a national portfolio. He excels at project planning and execution for critical projects, bringing exceptional value to clients.

EDUCATION:
  • BT in Electronics Engineering Technology, DeVry University
EXPERTISE:
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    Infrared Themographer, ITC-FLIR
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Carrie Cremin

Carrie Cremin, PE

Carrie Cremin, PE

Principal

Carrie plays a key leadership role at AKF and has been integral to the firm’s success. She is a trusted project manager and plumbing engineer with a passion for designing for the healthcare sector. Carrie is sought after as a speaker on healthcare design panels, most recently sharing her expertise regarding COVID-19 emergency efforts, responding to the dire need for expedited field hospital design and adapting existing HVAC and plumbing systems to meet patient requirements. Recognized by industry professionals as a leader in engineering design, Carrie served a two-year term as President of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering New York Chapter (2019-2021) and serves on the Salvadori Center Board of Directors.

EDUCATION:
  • BE in Mechanical Engineering, The Cooper Union
EXPERTISE:
  • Professional Engineering License:
    NY
  • Accreditations/Certifications:
    LEED AP BD+C
  • Professional Organizations:
    President - American Society of Sanitary Engineering, New York Chapter