Our Key Staff

John Pepper is the founding principal of the firm and has over 35 years of structural and forensic engineering experience. John is a graduate of the University of Miami. He served as an officer in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he obtained the rank of Major. John was one of the first engineers in the country to serve as a structural engineer on an Urban Search and Rescue Team. He was the lead engineer with Florida Task Force One before retiring from the team after returning from the World Trade Center disaster in 2001. John has designed hundreds of buildings and other structures, including the 40-story Mystic Point Tower Condominium, which was one of the tallest concrete buildings in Florida, and has been involved in the investigation of thousands of forensic engineering cases.

Greg has a Master’s of Science Degree from the University of Illinois where he studied structural engineering and a BSCE from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. In addition to his experience as a Coast Guard officer both in operations and engineering Greg has many years of experience in structural design and analysis and has completed over 2,500 forensic engineering investigations. Greg is a licensed Professional Engineer, Threshold Building Inspector and was the lead structural engineer (retired) with Florida Task Force One (FL-TF1) – Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR).

Diane Riggi has 28 years of experience in structural design and inspection of all types of construction. Diane was the 2006 President of the South Florida Chapter of The Florida Structural Engineers Association, which is part of the National Council of Structural Engineers. Diane brings experience and dedication to each project.

Marcelo Perla graduated as a civil engineer 40 years ago. His studies, research and experience have led him to specialize in forensic engineering, structural finite element modeling of 3D structures, analysis, design and troubleshooting on distinct structural and non-structural building component materials.

He has completed over 400 forensic engineering investigations. Marcelo has the natural ability to meticulously collect evidence and examine existing and past conditions and damages, and diligently examine surrounding environments, his work is combined with research, analysis, and thorough study of compromised materials to finally determine the true cause and origin of damages.

Marcelo was born in Lima, Peru, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. He moved to Florida where he attended Florida International University (FIU) and graduated as a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, later Marcelo became a Doctoral Candidate in Structural Engineering also from FIU.

Marcelo is a licensed Professional Engineer, Threshold Building Inspector and a retired Structural Specialist Engineer with Florida Task Force One (FL-TF1) – Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR).

Jake has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Civil Engineering from Florida State University and holds an Engineer in Training (EI) certification. He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Kevin Porto has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Civil Engineering from Florida State University and is currently studying for an Engineer in Training (EI) certification. Kevin served as a mentor for incoming freshman students as part of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Mentorship Program. He is an active member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Florida Structural Engineers Association (FSEA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He started working as an intern for PEGroup Consulting Engineers in November 2020 and is currently a Graduate Engineer.