Welcome New 2026 Associate Principals

Farnsworth Group announced recently that nine employees have been named Associate Principals of the firm in recognition of their leadership, technical excellence, and influence in helping shape the Company’s continued success.

As Associate Principals of the firm, these individuals will be actively engaged as trusted contributors and respected voices within the organization, helping to shape outcomes through collaboration, mentorship, and leadership.

Joe Adams, PE / Transportation / Peoria, IL
Joe joined Farnsworth Group in 2006 and brings 20 years of experience in transportation systems planning, design, and construction. Known for his practical, collaborative approach, he works closely with project stakeholders to deliver well-coordinated, constructible solutions that support successful project outcomes.

Matt Cale, PE, CxA, LEED AP BD+C / National Programs / Atlanta, GA
Matt joined Farnsworth Group in 2018 and serves as Sustainability and Decarbonization National Program Manager. Matt focuses on integrating sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization strategies into projects across a range of markets. He has more than 20 years of experience in commissioning, energy modeling, and sustainable design for complex building projects.

David Gatchel / Corporate Safety / St. Louis, MO
David is Environmental Services Manager and Corporate Safety Director at Farnsworth Group. He is an experienced environmental, health, and safety (EHS) professional with a strong background supporting the oil and gas industry. As Corporate Safety Director, David provides leadership across the firm’s safety programs. He joined Farnsworth Group in 2015.

Derek Hartmann / Oil & Gas / Lisle, IL
Derek is a Senior Professional Manager with experience in both urban and rural pipeline design, permitting, hydrotest and pipe stress analysis calculations, horizontal directional drilling and bore crossings, as well as launcher, receiver, heater and metering and regulating (M&R) design. He has local, regional, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and US Army Corps of Engineering permitting, and project management. Derek joined Farnsworth Group in 2016.

Rik Jansson, PE / AMT Process / Austin, TX
Rik joined Farnsworth Group in 2018 and has worked in a wide range of roles in the nanotech, semiconductor, and biopharmaceutical industries.  He is able to draw from his wide range of experiences and knowledge and understanding of practices in the semiconductor and biopharm industries, to provide engineering solutions to clients with high-purity industrial applications as he manages design projects.

Brandon Lott, PE / Land Assembly / Peoria, IL
Brandon joined Farnsworth Group in 1997 and brings nearly 35 years of experience in water resources engineering, project management, and infrastructure development. His work spans stormwater modeling, green infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and municipal projects. Known for his thoughtful, systems‑based approach, Brandon helps clients develop resilient, environmentally responsible solutions that work today and into the future.

Diane Mansfield, AIA / Architecture / Springfield, IL
Diane serves as Farnsworth Group’s Healthcare Practice Leader, bringing nearly 25 years of architectural experience and a deep passion for healthcare design. She is committed to creating innovative, patient‑centered environments that support both healing and efficient care delivery and has successfully led full‑service design teams on healthcare projects across the country. With a strong vision and hands‑on leadership style, Diane enhances the firm’s ability to deliver modern healthcare solutions that respond to the evolving needs of patients, providers, and communities.

Kristofer Orth, AIA / Architecture / Waukee, IA
Kristofer joined Farnsworth Group in 2019 and has extensive experience with municipal and public safety projects, including multiple public works, law enforcement, fire station facilities. As Municipal and Public Safety Practice Lead, Kristofer oversees all municipal building projects throughout the country. He works closely and intensely with the project team to make sure all project goals and desire are met.

Julie Sass, AIA / Architecture / Fort Collins, CO

Julie is an Architectural Manager with more than 19 years of experience with Farnsworth Group’s Architecture practice. Her work spans a diverse range of project types, including municipal, healthcare, education, recreation, and office/commercial facilities. Known for her collaborative approach, Julie works closely with clients and team members to deliver thoughtful, well‑coordinated solutions.