Stephen A. Varone, AIA
Founder & President
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.
Peter E. Varsalona, PE, CEM, CBCP
Principal & Vice President
As RAND Principal and Vice President, Peter Varsalona directs the firm’s Building Design Group 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 has written Habitat magazine's “Ask the Engineer” column (with RAND President Stephen Varone, AIA), and 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.
Michael J. Larkin, PE
Partner, Senior Structural Engineer, Construction Phase Director
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 responsibilities include researching and compiling technical specifications, developing prioritized budget reports, coordinating contractor bid solicitation and negotiation, and providing project consultations. 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.
Luke Pantaleo, RA, NCARB
Partner, Facade & Roofing Team Leader
As RAND's Facade & Roofing Team Leader, Luke Pantaleo designs and supervises all of RAND’s exterior restoration and roofing construction documents, as well as oversees all leakage evaluations, facade inspections, and the following groups: RAND’s Infrared Survey Group, Drone Group, Green Roofs Group and Historic Preservation Group.
Luke’s extensive experience encompasses construction administration; Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) inspections and repairs; roof replacements; balcony, parapet, and bulkhead repairs; building evaluations; leak investigations; window and door replacements; historic preservation; and Special Inspections. He has successfully managed numerous complex capital improvement programs throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Luke graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Spitzer School of Architecture at The City College of New York (CUNY). He is a New York State Registered Architect, certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), a Level II Infrared Thermographer, and an ICC Structural Masonry Special Inspector.
Christopher B. Walsh
Partner, Chief Administrative Officer
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.