M. Cody Tharpe, P.E., S.E.
Principal
Mr. Tharpe holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over fifteen years of experience in structural engineering design, structural condition assessment, on-site construction observation, and construction project engineering and management. Over the course of his career, Mr. Tharpe has been involved in the design and construction of a significant number of schools, hotels, churches, office buildings, restaurants, medical offices, warehouses, mixed-use facilities, bridges, and both multi-family and single-family high-end residential structures. Mr. Tharpe's expertise includes structural analysis and design of steel, concrete, masonry, and timber structures located in high seismic and wind velocity regions. He is also proficient in assessment, analysis, and design of modifications and repairs of historic buildings for adaptive reuse projects.
Mr. Tharpe remains active in the community through his involvement with the Metro Savannah Rotary Club and volunteering with various organizations, such as The Emmaus House Soup Kitchen, Union Mission, and the United Way of the Coastal Empire. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and currently serves on the City of Savannah Code Enforcement Board of Appeals and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Owner's Council.
Sonny J. Peetoom, E.I.T.
Project Manager
Mr. Peetoom holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Southern University, where he focused on coursework with a structural emphasis. As a Project Engineer, he utilizes 3D finite-element structural analysis and design software and Building Information Modeling to assist in the development of project construction documents. He also serves as the on-site representation for the firm during the construction phase of many projects. Sonny's past work experience in the construction industry ranged from high-end residential framing to fine carpentry and finish work for yacht renovations.
Nathan White, P.E.
Project Manager
Mr. White is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. He also received a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Washington State University. As Project Manager, Mr. White is responsible for structural engineering and design of building structures, completing structural construction documents, and construction administration. In addition, he manages all facets of the engineering process from conception through construction for projects ranging from historic renovations to large-scale commercial developments.
Mr. White moved to Savannah from Denver, Colorado and has over 13 years of experience in structural engineering throughout the Western United States. Throughout that time he worked extensively in the design of steel, concrete, masonry, and wood structures.
J.T. Kowalchuk, P.E.
Project Engineer
J.T. earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Michigan Technological University.
As Project Engineer, J.T. utilizes the latest technology in 3D finite-element structural analysis and building information modeling software to assist in the development of project construction documents. He is responsible for design tasks on projects ranging from small historic preservation efforts to complex mixed-use developments.
Bryan T. Hamilton
BIM Manager
Mr. Hamilton earned a Masters of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design in August of 1998. While working for a local architecture firm, he received increased responsibilities for commercial projects, including renovations and new construction based primarily in the South Carolina Lowcountry. In 2007, Mr. Hamilton began providing structural design and drafting services to a local engineering firm and quickly honed his skill set as a structural designer. His extensive knowledge of construction detailing and Building Information Modeling allows a smooth work flow between architect and engineer; His experience on both sides of the professional relationship is a unique and valued asset to the firm.
Mr. Hamilton lives just outside of Savannah with his wife and children. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family.
Jessica Van Buren
Structural Designer
Jessica is a graduate of the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts in History Concentration and a minor in Art History. She earned her Master of Arts in Architectural History from the Savannah College of Art and Design and holds an Associate of Applied Sciences in Architectural Drafting from Savannah Technical College.
As BIM Technician, she utilizes Building Information Modeling software to develop construction documents and 3D models to facilitate coordination with all design team members.
Macy Spears, E.I.T.
Structural Design Engineer
Ms. Spears holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Southern University with a focus on structural engineering. She received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Southern in 2021.
As the Structural Design Engineer, Ms. Spears helps Senior Engineers prepare design calculations for project elements, engineering sketches, and markups for drafting and construction documents utilizing REVIT and the latest structural analysis software.
Angela Stephenson
Office Manager
Angela graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Human Services. After beginning her career in the home healthcare industry, she made the decision to be a stay at home mom to her twin boys. In 2015, a position at Tharpe Engineering Group opened and she made the leap back into the work force. As Administrative Assistant, Ms. Stephenson manages the firm's internal operations, including billing, accounting, and general support of the technical staff.
In her off time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her husband and sons.