Industry Advisory Council
To view past Advisory Councils, click here or on the photo above
The Architectural Engineering Advisory Council was formed in 2007 to aid the department in fulfilling its mission and goals. The Council consists of individuals who are leaders in engineering and industries related to Architectural Engineering. Collectively the Council members assist the department head in the following ways: they provide advice, advocacy, access and resources.
The members of our Industry Advisory Council Include:
Council Members
Amber Freund, PE
CEO at RISA
As the CEO of RISA, Amber Freund is passionate about the structural engineering industry. She believes software should make engineer’s lives easier while enabling them to create new and innovative structures.
A native of California, Amber received her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the Cal Poly, SLO and her master’s degree in Civil Engineering from UC Irvine. She has experience in building design and is a licensed PE in California.
Amber believes strongly in supporting women in her community. She is actively involved in Girl Scouts of Orange County as well as The Teen Project, who provide healing and hope to young women who have survived human trafficking and homelessness. She is happily married with two daughters and two dogs. She enjoys boating and spending time outdoors with her family.
Mehran Pourzanjani, SE
Senior Principal at Saiful Bouquet Structural Engineers
Mehran Pourzanjani has over 40 years of experience designing a wide spectrum of structures, from institutional and public buildings to healthcare, regional malls, high-rise structures, and seismic strengthening of existing buildings. Mehran has served as President of SEAOSC and as a Board Director for SEAOC. Additionally, he was the past chair of the SEAOC Seismology Committee, a member of ACI 318H Seismic Provisions Sub-Committee. He currently serves on SEAOC’s Standards & Legislative Committee and participates in code development as a member of ASCE 7-28 Seismic Sub Committee Member and several affiliated task groups . Mehran has participated in university research through codification for the design and seismic performance of high-strength concrete frame elements and served on the “PEER Tall Buildings Initiative” task group for developing guidelines for seismic analysis of tall buildings. Additionally, as the chair of the SEAOC seismology committee, he spearheaded the development and publication of the 2009 Seismic Bluebook and was the main author of the “Reinforced Concrete Structures” section in the book. Mehran has also co-authored the Special Moment Frame example in the 2021 SEAOC Structural Seismic Design Manuals (2021 SSDM). He has provided various seminars on seismic design of reinforced concrete structures and has taught classes on the subject for licensing of Structural Engineers. Mehran was elected as a SEAOC Fellow in 2022.
Mehran maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys a rigorous weekly tennis schedule, playing regularly with his partner of over thirty years in Long Beach and anyone adventurous enough to take him on at the Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club, where he is a member. He is most passionate about the guitar and can often be heard playing and singing along to songs from the British-American rock band, America or simply playing flamenco. He has traveled to five continents and the Arctic Circle and look forward to putting many more marks on their map in the coming years.
Randy E. Collins, SE
Principal and Founder of FTF Engineering
Randy founded FTF Engineering, Inc. in 2002, determined to provide excellent engineering and exceptional service for clients in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. He is passionate about design and committed to pushing the boundaries while developing systems that are efficient and economical to construct. He is dedicated to educating clients and building officials about seismic safety and engaging project stakeholders while delivering best-in-class structural engineering solutions serving the context and objectives of each project.
For over 20 years, Randy has grown FTF from a sole practitioner office to the current 20-person firm with offices in San Francisco and San Luis Obispo by focusing on client satisfaction, project success, fostering a supportive, diverse company culture and investing in mentorship and continuing education.
Richard C. Dreyer
Senior Principal at Holmes Structural
Richard Dreyer, Senior Principal of Holmes, serves as the principal Structural Engineer of Record for many of the firm’s leading projects. He has over 50 years of experience in structural design and project management in highly seismic regions. Since joining Holmes in 1984, his experience has ranged from the strengthening and repairs for all types of buildings, to the design of new residences and multi-story steel and concrete structures.
Mr. Dreyer is deeply committed to advancing the profession of Structural Engineering. Through holding multiple board positions and chairing committees for both the local and statewide organizations, Mr. Dreyer has overseen committee research, building code changes, and guideline recommendations. He recently served as President of the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California.
Kelsey Parolini, SE
Senior Structural Engineer at SSG Structural Engineers
Ms. Parolini is a California licensed Structural Engineer with over 20 years of design experience. Specializing in small-scale building systems, she brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail to every project. Ms. Parolini recognizes the profound impact structural engineering has on local communities and finds particular joy in contributing to a diverse range of housing solutions through collaborative efforts.
Her journey began as a student in the Cal Poly ARCE program, where she was drawn to its distinctive learn-by-doing approach. Now, as a proud alumna, she has come full circle, contributing her expertise as a part-time lecturer for the department. Ms. Parolini's passion for the profession extends beyond the office and classroom; she is a past president of SEAOSC, she is currently serving on the SEAOC Officer track, and is the SEAOC Delegate to NCSEA.
Marcia Brown, SE
Fluor Corp, Director, Engineering Manager
Marcia Brown graduated from Cal Poly in Architectural Engineering and earned her Master of Engineering degree at UC Davis. After working at as a design engineer at a small firm, she transitioned to Fluor where she started as a Structural Engineer, worked on construction sites, lead large projects, became the Civil, Structural, Architectural Department Manager and currently serves as a Project Engineering Manager. Marcia prides herself on mentoring less experienced engineers and designers and creating a space where people can grow personally and professionally. She and her husband live in Orange County and are the proud parents of twin girls.
Josh Randall
Principal at RTM Engineering Consultants
I grew up spending time in my granddad's architectural office, so I knew early on that I wanted to be in the AEC industry. I was initially drawn to the Cal Poly SLO ARCE program because it was within the college of architecture; at the time I wasn't aware that it was the premier structural engineering program in the country. I'm a proud 1994 graduate and a huge fan of the program. I began my career in June of 1994 (two days after graduation) at an architectural firm with in-house structural engineering. In 1996 my boss at my first firm left to start new structural firm and I went with him and started work at KNA Structural Engineers on their first day of business. In 2006 I was offered a principal and partner position and in 2022 we merged with RTM Engineering Consultants where I'm currently a principal and partner. I'm licensed as a PE and an SE in California, and as a PE-S in Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Texas. I'm very proud to serve on the ARCE advisory board as it benefits a program that had a profound impact on my life.
To view and read the biographies of past ARCE Industry Advisory Council members Click Here.