Our People

Eric Sawinski, PE

Eric has nearly two decades of academic and practical experience in engineering. Having gone through training in the Merchant Marines early in his career, he gained hands-on experience in ship engine rooms and in military contracting/ ship design. In shifting to commercial engineering over a decade ago, he brought his acquired cutting-edge engineering expertise and knowledge to the industry. In addition to a diverse portfolio of commercial and residential buildings, Eric excels at troubleshooting complex issues involved in the design and operation of MEP systems. These experiences have made him a valuable resource to facilities engineers, contractors, and clients in executing complex projects. Eric shares his knowledge with others as the P/FP NY Commercial Technical Leader.

Eric Scatton, PE

Eric is an accomplished Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager whose experience encompasses pharmaceutical, healthcare, laboratory, industrial, mission critical, agricultural, and commercial facilities. His expertise includes clean room and clean utility system design, OSD and aseptic manufacturing, cold chain storage, project management, and facility master planning. Eric has extensive experience performing energy evaluations as it applies to the improvement of existing mechanical systems, sustainable system design, and compliance with cGMP and LEED standards. He has prepared oral and written evaluations for presentation, discussion, and project application purposes.

Mariah Seaboldt, PE

Mariah is an instrumental member of AKF’s Architectural Code Consulting Practice. She is valued by clients for her responsiveness and subject knowledge. As a skilled communicator, Mariah uses her expert knowledge of building and fire codes to help her clients navigate complex situations during both design and construction. She is incredibly thorough and provides her clients with clear, detailed information to address their specific needs. She has extensive experience in building, fire, life safety, and accessibility code consulting for both existing building renovations and new construction projects. Mariah’s experience includes a variety of project types, including healthcare, residential, higher education, corporate, event spaces, transportation facilities, and hazardous materials.

Phil Simone

Partner

Partner, National Commercial Practice Leader

Phil spearheads AKF’s workplace, residential, hospitality, and retail practices. He directs the design and implementation of engineering systems for new construction, renovation, and tenant fit-out projects. Phil’s technical leadership has left its mark on the New York City skyline. His career has been marked by significant long-term partnerships with some of the largest developers, owners, operators, and architects. He is driven to optimize the occupant experience, operational efficiency, and overall value of corporate real estate facilities. Clients value his expertise, ability to explain complex system distribution issues, and no- nonsense approach to getting work done in a timely, cost-effective manner.

Sean Sonnabend, PE

Sean specializes in the development of mechanical system options and exacting energy models aimed at increasing system efficiency within new and existing buildings. His passion for Sustainability and thoughtful HVAC / Plumbing design has proven immensely valuable to clients across the nation. Sean has served as the lead mechanical engineer and energy modeler on multiple projects. His experience includes projects of varying complexities, including office, education, commercials, corporate campuses, high-rise, laboratory, and government projects.

Federico Bernal Soria

Managing Partner of the AKF Mexico Offices

Federico leads AKF's Mexico Offices, focusing on growth and development between both AKF's Mexico and US locations. Born in Mexico City, he has spent over 35 years in the MEP design industry. He specifically focuses on providing support and internal follow-up to the plumbing and fire protection teams. He is valued for his ability to build collaboratives, both internally and externally. Federico also heads the AKF MEXUS team, a group that develops design and support work for different projects in the USA. His wisdom, experience, and approach makes him a strong member of the AEC community.

Jason Sylvain, PE

Partner

Partner, National Higher Education Practice Leader

Jason's passion for higher education began with his reverence for historic architecture and the unique engineering challenges presented by modernizing iconic buildings without disturbing details. As National Higher Education Practice Leader, Jason instils the Academic team with his passion and intellectual rigor. His deep knowledge of the specific combination of stakeholders and institutional drivers allows him to foster long-term relationships with global leaders in education. Whether working on a campus master plan, helping to realize an institution's vision for a new out-of-the-ground residence community, or retrofitting aging infrastructure Jason is committed to working with project teams to design advanced engineering solutions.

David Thornhill

Partner

Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Co-Chief Operating Officer

As the firm’s COO / CFO, David is responsible for maintaining and improving efficient operations in support of the firm’s revenue producing efforts. He exercises a consistent, fair, and pragmatic approach to management, holding people accountable, yet allowing them the flexibility to function on their own. In collaboration with his partners, he takes a strategic leadership role in long term planning to assure the firm’s financial success for many years to come.

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.

Matthew Yandoli, PE

Principal

For the past 15 years, Matthew has dedicated his career to helping facilities successfully implement major infrastructure HVAC design upgrades to increase overall system efficiency, redundancy, and reliability. He works closely with each project to ensure the best outcome, considering efficacy and economic viability. Matthew is Team Leader of AKF’s Infrastructure Group and has helped establish their presence internally and externally through his commitment and leadership. He also has a strong passion for instilling valuable insight to future engineering leaders, having provided mentorship since his 2008 start.

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.