ALI KAZEMI
Aliso Viejo
Summary
Results-driven leader with a strong background in operations and project management. Expertise in enhancing business development and client relations through effective strategic planning. Proficient in value engineering and budgeting, delivering successful projects through innovative solutions and team mentorship.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Engineering
CORE Structure, Inc.
Santa Ana
08.2021 - 12.2025
- Guided business development initiatives to enhance client relations and onboarding processes.
- Mentored project managers, designers, and CAD team to improve project quality and efficiency.
- Provided leadership in QA/QC of projects to ensure adherence to standards.
- Assisted partners with daily office operations to drive overall firm success and project outcomes.
Senior Project Manager
Wright Engineers
Irvine
05.2019 - 08.2021
- Managed client onboarding and budget allocations for commercial and residential projects.
- Oversaw design, coordination, and construction of restaurants, office buildings, and tenant improvements.
Senior Project Manager
BORM International
Irvine
03.2014 - 05.2019
- Oversaw client onboarding, proposals, budget allocations, and team management for residential and commercial projects.
- Coordinated design and construction of landscape and retaining structures for diverse developments.
- Executed design of custom residences with concrete podiums and retaining walls ranging from 14,000 to 24,000 sq.ft.
- Managed design and construction of Villages at Tustin Legacy Shopping Center, enhancing project delivery efficiency.
Senior Project Manager
Wright Engineers
Irvine
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Managed client onboarding, proposals, budget allocations, and team oversight for multiple projects.
- Coordinated design and construction efforts for commercial restaurants and office buildings.
- Led tenant improvement projects and essential facilities initiatives to meet client specifications.
- Delivered notable projects including Downtown Disney Starbucks in Anaheim and Orlando.
- Executed construction for Rite Aid Pharmacy in Seal Beach, CA, ensuring quality standards.
- Directed project teams to enhance collaboration and efficiency throughout development phases.
Consultant
Independent Consultant
Aliso Viejo
10.2008 - 01.2013
- Delivered structural engineering consultation to local architects and clients regarding structural engineering requirements.
Consultant
AQX Engineering, Inc.
Santa Ana
07.2010 - 12.2012
- Managed client on-boarding, proposals, budget allocations, and team oversight for various projects.
- Executed design and construction for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.
- Conducted structural observation and inspection of existing buildings to evaluate integrity.
- Delivered notable projects, including Tenant Improvement at Elephant Bar and Corona Bowling Alley.
- Oversaw design and construction processes to ensure compliance with project specifications.
- Performed inspections to identify structural issues in existing structures for timely remediation.
- Led team management efforts to achieve project milestones and enhance productivity.
- Facilitated proposal development and budget allocation to align with project goals.
Senior Project Manager
Pettit, Engineers and Architects
Corona
05.2008 - 10.2008
- Specialized in design and construction of industrial and commercial buildings.
- Managed design staff throughout project phases to ensure quality outcomes.
- Contributed structural design and detailing during preliminary and construction document phases.
- Facilitated cross-discipline coordination to enhance project integration.
- Developed comprehensive structural typical notes and detail library for firm use.
Project Lead / Project Manager
WD Partners
Irvine
01.2006 - 04.2008
- Designed branded multi-unit rollout projects across various U.S. locations.
- Executed structural design and detailing for commercial and retail buildings.
- Coordinated architectural and MEP aspects of projects, ensuring seamless integration.
- Reviewed shop drawings for accuracy during construction phases.
- Responded to RFIs and conducted structural observations on-site.
- Mentored junior design engineers and drafting staff for skill development.
- Conducted peer reviews of engineering work, collaborating with internal teams and external consultants.
- Secured permits and approvals from municipalities for multiple projects.
Senior Project Engineer
Structures Design Group
Irvine
02.2002 - 01.2006
- Conducted structural design for tract housing in California and Nevada.
- Designed new structures and additions for wood frame residences.
- Coordinated field work on projects during construction phases.
- Interacted with architects, contractors, and building officials for project alignment.
Project Engineer/Manager
Wallace/SC, Inc.
Irvine
01.2001 - 12.2001
- Specialized in retail store designs between 30,000 ft² and 150,000 ft².
- Designed buildings according to local and state codes while preparing construction documents.
- Collaborated with architects and building officials to ensure compliance.
- Reviewed shop drawings and addressed RFIs along with construction conflicts.
- Conducted site visits for structural observations during construction phases.
Design / Project Engineer
The S/L/A/M Collaborative
Glastonbury
06.1996 - 12.2000
- Specialized in design of institutional, healthcare, educational, science and technology facilities.
- Designed buildings and structural components using steel and concrete specifications.
- Prepared and verified construction documents for accuracy and compliance.
- Reviewed shop drawings to ensure adherence to design specifications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering, Emphasis in Structural Engineering
University of Connecticut
01.1997
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Value Engineering
- Technical Sessions
- Best Practices
- Building Code Updates
- Methods of Construction
- Networking & Business Development
- Proposal Writing
- Design Experience
- Concrete Construction
- Steel Construction
- Wood Construction
- Masonry Construction
- Consulting Services
- Budgeting
- Forecasting and Scheduling
- Project & Team Management
- Permit & Approval Process
- ACI Codes
- IBC Codes
- CBC code
- Field Experience
- Vendors & Contractors
- Blue Beam
- Building Requirements
Affiliations
- Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), Associate Member
- American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
- American Plywood Association (APA)
- American Wood Council (AWC)
Timeline
Director of Engineering
CORE Structure, Inc.
08.2021 - 12.2025
Senior Project Manager
Wright Engineers
05.2019 - 08.2021
Senior Project Manager
BORM International
03.2014 - 05.2019
Senior Project Manager
Wright Engineers
01.2013 - 03.2014
Consultant
AQX Engineering, Inc.
07.2010 - 12.2012
Consultant
Independent Consultant
10.2008 - 01.2013
Senior Project Manager
Pettit, Engineers and Architects
05.2008 - 10.2008
Project Lead / Project Manager
WD Partners
01.2006 - 04.2008
Senior Project Engineer
Structures Design Group
02.2002 - 01.2006
Project Engineer/Manager
Wallace/SC, Inc.
01.2001 - 12.2001
Design / Project Engineer
The S/L/A/M Collaborative
06.1996 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering, Emphasis in Structural Engineering
University of Connecticut