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

Acumen Engineering has teamed with Kurt Reinkens, Kristi Thompson and MWA on no less than 13 projects in the greater Truckee area over the past 11 years. The scope of the projects has ranged from single-and multi-family residential buildings to renovation of historic structures in downtown Truckee to commercial and mixed-use planned developments.

In all cases, I did not hesitate to work with the firm because:
• Kurt and Kristi manage projects effectively
• Deadlines and expectations are known ahead of time, no last minute crisis
• All of the team members have a say in the design effort
• The architects know the applicable building and development codes so plan check
corrections are simple and owners understand what they’re getting ahead of time
Without reservation I have, and continue to, recommend MWA Architects to owners and
developers in need of a talented, resourceful and professional architectural firm in the
greater Truckee and North Lake Tahoe area.


-- Acumen Engineering Company
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