BEN VARELA, P.E., S.E., LEED AP
PRINCIPAL
A licensed engineer with over eighteen years experience, Ben’s technical experience includes seismic evaluations and retrofits, finite element and non-linear analyses, parametric rationalization of geometry, and integrating façades with main building structure. Prior to establishing OFFSET, Ben founded Workpoint Engineering in 2015 and served as Principal and Director, where he co-led the practice to become a recognized fast-growing engineering firm in Los Angeles. Ben received his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Monterrey Tech, Mexico and his Master of Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Ben worked at Thornton Tomasetti during his early professional formative years, where he participated in a wide range of projects including mixed-use, high-rise, and commercial buildings, educational facilities, performing arts centers, museums, sports facilities, and transportation centers.
KATIE CHUH, P.E., AIA
PRINCIPAL
A licensed engineer and a licensed Architect in California, Katie retains a unique depth of experience in projects ranging from multi-family/mixed use, custom single-family houses, modular/prefabrication, and commercial buildings with technical emphasis in seismic design & detailing, structural dynamics and Building Information Modeling. Katie received her Bachelor’s in Structural Engineering from University of California, San Diego, and her Master of Architecture degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to establishing OFFSET, Katie worked for several years in Los Angeles based architectural and engineering firms, including Kevin Daly Architects and Workpoint Engineering. In recent years, Katie has served as a Guest Lecturer at UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design and has helped teach graduate-level technical studios focused on structural performance within architectural design.
DAVID FLORES
BIM DIRECTOR
As the BIM Director at OFFSET, David brings an extensive range of knowledge in Building Information Modeling, focusing on best-practices, workflow automation, and project deliverables. With over fifteen years of experience in the field, David has helped develop OFFSET’s BIM portfolio and improve the firm’s technological efficiency with an expertise in Revit Modeling and CAD interfaces. Prior to joining the team, David was the BIM Director at Workpoint Engineering and previously worked as a Master Modeler at Thornton Tomasetti with technical drafting experience in civic, institutional, commercial and multi-residential projects. A graduate of the UCLA Writer’s Program, David enjoys fiction writing in his spare time, in addition to cooking and spending time with his family.
VANINA FIAMINGO
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
A native of Buenos Aires, Vanina Fiamingo received her degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE). Vanina is no stranger to the architecture and design world, as she grew up in an architect family surrounded by blueprints and renders. Before joining OFFSET, she worked as a consultant for multiple firms in various industries across the United States and Latin America including technology, entertainment, non-profit, real estate, and marketing organizations.
JAMES BOUCHER
BIM MANAGER
As the BIM Manager at OFFSET, James works closely with engineers to develop modeling templates and standards that help streamline office production in drafting, structural detailing and 3D modeling. Originally from Austin, TX, James holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural and Engineering Computer Aided Drafting with several years of technical experience in Revit modeling and AutoCAD. In his free time, James enjoys surfing and plans to compete with the Western Surfing Association. He is currently working towards a degree in Civil Engineering with plans to transfer to California State University – Long Beach.
JUN JIN, P.E.
ASSOCIATE
A licensed engineer with over thirteen years of structural design and analysis experience, Jun’s technical design work includes finite element structural modeling, dynamic analysis for wind and seismic design, seismic detailing, and construction administration. His expertise spans a range of project types, including commercial, residential, educational, government, sports facilities, and transit. Jun holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining OFFSET, Jun worked for Thornton Tomasetti in Los Angeles and HOK in Atlanta, Georgia. In his free time, Jun enjoys playing sports with his children and playing golf.
ALANYA CHANVONGNARAZ
ENGINEER
Alanya was born in Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and later went to Singapore for high school on scholarship. Moving to the US in 2018, she attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Alanya joined OFFSET as an Engineer. In the coming years, she has plans to pursue her graduate studies with an emphasis in Structural Engineering. In her free time, Alanya enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.
CYRIL HUI
SENIOR CONSULTANT ENGINEER
Cyril received his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, and his Master of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to joining OFFSET, Cyril worked as an engineer in Los Angeles where he gained experience in single family residential, hillside structures, and mixed use projects. Cyril’s technical skills are focused on the earthquake resilience of hillside structures through their design, analysis and documentation. Cyril is an avid cyclist and enjoys exploring new urban trails in his free time.