About Us
Leadership
Behind every RAND project is our experienced leadership team, which includes licensed engineers and architects leading planning, design, and coordination across building envelope, structural, MEP, energy, and code disciplines, working with clients from evaluation to repair, restoration, compliance, and building upgrades.
Partners
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.
Principal & Vice President
As RAND Principal and Vice President, Peter Varsalona directs the firm’s Building Design Group, which provides comprehensive solutions for complex projects, including adaptive reuse and development, commercial-to-residential conversions, new construction, and gut renovations. Peter develops and oversees plans and specifications for capital improvement projects involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, architectural and interior, facade, and roofing upgrades. He also administers construction for these projects.
Peter has extensive experience investigating construction deficiencies, reviewing and correcting construction documents, and conducting comprehensive physical condition and capital improvement assessments. He has prepared detailed diagnostic reports, feasibility studies, and budget projections, including Description of Property and Building Condition reports for condominium offering plans in compliance with New York State Attorney General requirements, as well as offering plan reviews for condominium boards and tenant associations.
His energy expertise includes ASHRAE Level II and III energy audits, commissioning and retro-commissioning, identifying energy conservation measures, and compliance with New York City energy laws, including Local Law 97. Peter also established and supervises RAND’s in-house Code & Zoning Department, which handles building alteration filings, work permit and Certificate of Occupancy applications, violation removals, and code compliance.
Peter regularly speaks and writes on building design and performance, energy compliance, capital planning, and system upgrades. He has presented for the New York Association of Realty Managers, the Council of New York City Cooperatives & Condominiums, the Cooperator New York Expo, and Professional Women in Construction. He has contributed to Habitatmagazine’s “Ask the Engineer” column with RAND President Stephen Varone, AIA, and has been quoted in The New York Times, Bloomberg, Crain’s New York Business, The Real Deal, Habitat, The Cooperator, and other media outlets. He has also appeared on WNYC and NY1.
Peter joined RAND as a summer intern in 1991 and became a Principal in 2000. He received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. He is a Registered Architect in New York and a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Peter is also a Certified Energy Manager, Certified Building Commissioning Professional, certified New York State Asbestos Inspector, Management Planner and Project Designer, and New York City Certified Asbestos Investigator.
Senior Structural Engineer
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.
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.
Partner, Construction Phase Director, Senior Structural Engineer, Architect
As Senior Structural Engineer, Architect, and Construction Phase Director on RAND’s Facade & Roofing Team, Eugene Gurevich leads the structural rehabilitation and upgrade of buildings across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. His project experience includes FISP and PIPS repair programs, exterior wall restoration, roof replacement, structural and foundation improvement, and waterproofing of building envelopes. Eugene’s role spans all phases of project delivery, including design oversight, construction administration, special inspections, forensic investigations, emergency response, and feasibility studies. He also spearheads Physical Condition Survey assignments used in Capital Needs Assessments and Condominium Offering Plans, mentors emerging professionals, and provides expert witness testimony and litigation support. Since joining RAND in 2008, Eugene has led large-scale structural and exterior restoration efforts throughout the New York metropolitan area. His portfolio includes capital improvement programs for multi-building residential campuses, landmark preservation, church restorations, and green roof and solar initiatives. Known for his technical range and collaborative approach, Eugene brings clarity and leadership to complex projects in the field and in the office. Eugene holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rutgers School of Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Norwich University, graduating summa cum laude. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in New York and New Jersey, a Registered Architect in New Jersey, Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI), NYC Technical Director of Special Inspections, ICC-Certified Special Inspector, LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C), and SPRAT Rope Access Technician.
Partner, Code & Zoning Compliance Team Leader
As Code & Zoning Compliance Team Leader, Paul Grissett oversees the complex permitting and city agency filing processes that must be completed before construction work can begin. His work plays a key role in guiding projects to meet compliance with all local, state, and city building codes, ordinances, and regulatory requirements. With decades of experience working closely with New York City agencies, including the Department of Buildings, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Department of Transportation, NYC Fire Department, NYC Environmental Control Board, Parks Department, Office of Environmental Remediation, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and Department of Environmental Protection, Paul has developed a deep understanding of the policies and procedures specific to each. He is fully versed in NYC Zoning Regulations, Building Codes, and Local Laws, and brings extensive knowledge of agency protocols, review cycles, and permitting procedures to every project. Before joining RAND in 1999, Paul worked as a legal records supervisor at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He studied construction and civil engineering at New York City Technical College.
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.
(Retired Partner)
Steven Z. Tingir (affectionately known as Zob) led RAND’s Facade & Roofing Team for over 25 years, spearheading the effort to expand the firm’s expertise in building envelope design and restoration. A building envelope specialist with degrees in civil and structural engineering from Manhattan College, Zob played a vital role in the safety and preservation of New York City’s built environment over a career spanning more than four decades. Joining RAND in 1992, Zob performed and oversaw thousands of facade inspections and hundreds of repair programs as the requirements evolved through Local Laws 10/80, 11/98, and FISP. He also contributed to a wide range of other important RAND projects, particularly Physical Condition Survey assignments on behalf of co-op/condo boards and tenant associations. His technical expertise, pragmatic approach and obvious love and respect for his work made Zob a trusted resource for clients, and an inspirational mentor for all those lucky enough to cross his path. Zob retired from RAND in 2023 after more than 30 years of dedicated service, but will always be acknowledged as a critical component of the firm’s success story, and remain a well-loved friend.