Kevin Chappell
Principal Engineer



Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Texas Tech University
Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Texas Tech University

Registrations: Structural Engineer - California, Professional (Civil) Engineer - Colorado, Nevada, Utah

Experience: Over 20 years including 15+ years in the Truckee-Tahoe area.

As a native Texan, Kevin grew up in the heat and wind. His graduate studies emphasized wind effects on structures and he worked for the Wind Engineering Research Center during his time at Texas Tech. Since moving to the Tahoe-area in 2005, Kevin has gained expertise in snow and seismic design. Kevin has a strong background in structural engineering analysis, design, and consulting in the residential, commercial, institutional, and hospitality sectors. He has a depth of knowledge in building design with a focus on high-end custom homes. Kevin’s designs are well thought-out, practical, and sustainable, and he strives for the structure to reflect an architectural aesthetic with detailed craftsmanship and contextual responsiveness. Kevin has extensive experience with conventional construction materials such as steel, concrete, masonry, and wood as well as less traditional materials and construction. He has designed structures throughout western North America from the Arctic Circle to Mexico, and his ability to consider and incorporate environmental interaction into his designs results in superior structural performance.


All Staff

MWA and specifically Kristi Thompson took an eye sore of a house, tore it down, and redesigned a beautiful mountain home on the same foot print. Most importantly, she designed the house "we " wanted. WE wanted an open floor plan that maximized our view of the Martis Valley, accommodated our grown children's families, and utilized low maintenance materials ( like tile and stone floors, pavers on the patio and driveway).
BUT the best part of all is all the little things Kristi did that are just part of their "normal" design. Like- extra wide counters, exposed beams in all the rooms, great roof line design, no exposed beams under the roof overhang, fantastic window placement and size, outdoor entries that make access easy in the winter and summer. and the functionallity of the floor plan.
Each time we use the house, whether it's my wife and I, or our whole family , we love it. It's cozy for two or twelve.
They always say you get what you pay for. So if you want a low ball price use another firm. But if you are willing to pay a little more---you will get the house of your dreams.
Frank and Dianne Hodges


-- fdhodges
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