Principal Bios

Bakulesh Patel, PE LEED AP

Baku Patel holds a masters degree from Georgia Tech with nearly 20 years experience as a structural engineer.  Baku adds a strong understanding of the practical side of design and construction to the technical skills and experience of a seasoned engineer, and he has a reputation for particular expertise with renovation of older buildings.  His extensive portfolio includes three recent noteworthy projects – Battle House in Mobile, Alabama which was recently recognized by Building Design and Construction Magazine with one of just three 2007 National Platinum Awards for renovations (PEC also won one of the other two); Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor's Center, the only LEED Platinum building in Georgia; and BAPS Swaminarayan, a stunning Hindu Temple in Lilburn, Georgia designed to stand for 1000 years.  On top of that, almost everyone thinks Baku is a really good guy.

Christopher F. DeBlois, PE

Chris DeBlois holds three degrees from MIT, including a masters in civil (structural) engineering. He moved to Atlanta nearly 20 years ago to learn skyscraper design at Nielsen/Uzun Structural Engineers and has been with PEC since 1992.  Chris is recognized for his experience with timber and wood framed construction and with incorporating these materials into complex steel, concrete, and masonry projects. He considers the Northeast Georgia Museum of Folk Pottery and the Destination Visitor's Center for the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina two of his most satisfying recent projects, and is happy to tell you that the Tampa Box Factory conversion in Ybor City, Florida also won one of three national Platinum Awards for 2007 renovations from Building Design and Construction.  Chris is an occasional contributor to Fine Homebuilding Magazine and the Journal of Light Construction.  Finally, many people think Chris is nearly as good a guy as Baku.