RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC

One of RAND’s original employees when the firm was found in 1987, Christopher Walsh has served the company in a number of different roles and functions. Now as RAND’s Chief Administrative Officer, he directs the company’s finances, human resources, and information technology operations. Christopher’s responsibilities include accounts payable and receivable, payroll, health coverage and employee benefits, professional and liability insurance, corporate taxes, 401(k) savings plan, employee stock plan, vendor contracts, personnel changes, and the company’s technology infrastructure. 

Christopher graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York Institute of Technology.

As RAND’s Senior Structural Engineer since the firm’s founding in 1987, Michael Larkin performs evaluation, design, and construction administration for structural rehabilitation and exterior repair projects. Michael has extensive experience conducting New York City Local Laws 11/98 facade inspections, analyzing exterior and roof-level conditions, and developing programs for their repair and maintenance.

Michael has been the lead Project Engineer on many of RAND's retrofitting and development projects for residential and commercial properties throughout the New York metropolitan area. His construction management responsibilities involve researching and compiling technical specifications, developing prioritized budget reports, coordinating contractor bid solicitation and negotiation, and providing construction administration services. Michael also conducts comprehensive engineering evaluations for developers, agents, and financial and legal institutions. His engineering consultation experience includes water penetration, structural integrity, code compliance, and environmental issues. He frequently provides expert legal testimony on behalf of clients.

Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 and is a New York State-licensed Professional Engineer.

As RAND Principal and Vice President, Peter Varsalona directs the firm’s Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) practice. With extensive experience managing the design and upgrade of major building-wide systems, he has prepared numerous plans and specifications for large-scale system upgrades, including heating and chiller plants, electrical wiring and metering, gas- and water-piping, and fire protection as well as administered the construction on such projects. 

Among Peter’s expertise is investigating construction deficiencies and reviewing and correcting construction design documents. He has conducted dozens of comprehensive physical condition and capital improvement surveys of building systems and prepared detailed diagnostic reports, including Description of Property and Building Condition reports for Condominium Offering Plans in compliance with the New York State Attorney General’s Office as well as Condominium Offering Plan reviews for condominium boards and tenant associations. Peter also established and supervises RAND’s in-house Expediting Department, which handles building alteration filings, work permit and Certificate of Occupancy applications, violation removals, and code compliance.

Peter has spoken and written on building design, performance, and upgrade for a number of industry groups, including the New York Association of Realty Managers, the Council of New York City Cooperatives & Condominiums, the Co-op and Condo Expo, and Professional Women in Construction. He cowrites (with RAND President Stephen Varone, AIA) the “Ask the Engineer” column in Habitat magazine, and has been quoted for his building expertise in The New York Times, the Cooperator, BrickUnderground.com, and other publications. Peter has also appeared on NY1’s “Real Estate Report” discussing how to spot common defects in newly built properties.

Peter, who joined RAND in 1991 as a summer intern and became Principal in 2000, received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Peter is also a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), a Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP), a certified New York State Asbestos Inspector, Management Planner and Project Designer, and a New York City Certified Asbestos investigator. 

As RAND’s Senior Executive since founding the firm in 1987, Stephen Varone is responsible for its management and direction, overseeing all of the company’s operations, including project management, technical services, finances, staffing, and business development. Based on his extensive expertise, Stephen has spoken at numerous events sponsored by industry organizations, including The Council of New York Cooperatives, BuildingsNY, The New York Association of Realty Managers, the Real Estate Board of New York, The Landmarks Conservancy, The Federation of Housing Cooperatives, The Association of Cooperative and Condominium Managers, and the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board. He has led workshops and seminars on such topics as “Capital Improvement Strategies,” “Long-Range Planning,” “Managing Your Project,” “Procurement Practices,” “AIA Contract Documents”, and “Achieving a Safe Local Law 11/98 Report.” Stephen also cowrites (with RAND Principal Peter Varsalona, PE) the “Ask the Engineer” column for Habitat magazine, covering a wide range of building repair and upgrade issues.

In addition, Stephen is part of an advisory group working with the New York City Department of Buildings on continuing changes and refinements to Local Law 11/98, to help make the Facade Inspection and Safety Program more effective and conducive to public safety. 

Stephen received his Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a Registered Architect in New York State.

As the head of Facade & Roofing team for RAND, Steven Tingir designs and supervises all of RAND’s exterior restoration and roofing construction documents. He also has extensive expertise in construction administration.

Steven’s career in building design and repair has spanned more than three decades. He has performed hundreds of Local Law 10/80 and 11/98 facade surveys, inspected proposed cooperatives and condominiums on behalf of tenant organizations, performed physical condition surveys, provided budget projections for remedial work, and conducted bid solicitations/negotiations.

Steven, who joined RAND in 1992, has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and he received a Master in Structural Engineering from Manhattan College.