ELWYN AND PALMER CONSULTING ENGINEERS - Key Persons
Joseph E. Caza III brings over 17 years of experience in the design and construction industry, with a deep specialization in new and existing building design and engineering. His comprehensive expertise spans structural facility assessments, concrete and cold-formed steel design, construction shoring design, general building design, cost and project management, claims management, dispute resolution, contract administration, and project close-out. Joseph's career has evolved from his early days at a large architectural and engineering firm to his current role as a partner at Elwyn and Palmer Consulting Engineers, PLLC.
As a structural engineer, Joseph has led numerous public and private projects, demonstrating particular expertise in steel, wood, and concrete structural design. His work in masonry design and restoration is well-respected, especially in the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings. Joseph is also an authority in structural forensic investigation and analysis, where his insights into structural failures and material defects have been crucial in resolving legal disputes and insurance claims.
Joseph is committed to sustainable design practices, ensuring that his projects not only meet current standards but also contribute positively to the environment. His approach to sustainability is closely tied to ethical practices, where he prioritizes long-term benefits for communities and the environment over short-term gains. Joseph actively engages with communities during the design and construction process, understanding the broader impact of his work and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders.
Innovation is at the core of Joseph's practice, where he continually explores new materials, methods, and technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of his designs. This innovative mindset is complemented by his strong emphasis on client relationships. Joseph believes that successful projects are built on trust, collaboration, and clear communication, and he strives to maintain these values in every client interaction.
In addition to his technical and leadership skills, Joseph is a seasoned project manager, having led teams of consulting engineers and provided construction management services as an agent of the Owner. He is licensed to practice engineering in New York, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) with a concentration in structural engineering. His professional philosophy is rooted in advancing sustainable, ethical, and innovative structural designs, with a steadfast commitment to client relationships and community engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
Mike Palmer is a distinguished engineer with over 35 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, recognized for his expertise in both structural and geotechnical engineering. With a solid foundation in civil engineering and heavy civil construction, Mike has successfully delivered high-impact projects across diverse sectors, including educational facilities, large-scale commercial developments, and complex infrastructure projects involving foundation design and seismic analysis.
Prior to co-founding Elwyn & Palmer in 2006, Mike spent 12 years with leading consulting engineering firms, where he played a pivotal role in shaping structural and geotechnical strategies for high-profile projects. His practical knowledge allows him to integrate engineering principles seamlessly with real-world construction challenges.
Mike was a program manager for a large-scale earthquake engineering research program at Cornell University's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. During this time, he managed extensive research initiatives focused on mitigating the impact of seismic events on critical lifelines and developing methodologies to increase resilience of lifeline during major seismic events. This work advanced earthquake-resistant design practices and earned him recognition within both academic and professional communities.