Richard R. Illingworth, P.E., Principal

Mr. Illingworth began his career with Caltrans in 1969. In the early 1970's Rich joined the Environmental Studies Group and was responsible for preparing highway noise impact reports, training staff and developing traffic noise mitigation measures. In 1975 he joined the Office of Noise Control at the California Department of Health where he aided in the development of the Model Noise Ordinance and the "Noise Element Guidelines." Since 1977 Rich has worked as an acoustical consultant. He has prepared the Noise Elements of the General Plans for many communities and environmental noise studies for a wide variety of projects. Rich has a BS degree in Civil Engineering for the University of California at Davis. He is a registered Civil Engineer in Colorado and California.

Mr. Rodkin began his career as an acoustical consultant in 1973. Rich has worked continuously in the many aspects of acoustics related to the design of new buildings, the environment, and industry. Building designs include commercial, institutional and residential projects. Transportation noise and vibration studies include freeways, light rail and heavy rail trains, and local roadway improvements. He has prepared environmental noise studies for a wide range of industrial, commercial, residential, institutional and transportation projects. Rich has an MS degree in Acoustics from the University of California at Berkeley and a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Davis. He is a registered Mechanical Engineer in California.

Dr. Donavan began his professional career in acoustics in 1976. At General Motors from 1979 to 2001, Paul lead projects and group activities in tire/road noise, interior noise control, aerodynamic noise generation, and exterior vehicle passby noise. Prior to 1979, he worked at Wyle Labs and the National Bureau of Standards on issues of environmental noise and noise measurement. Although Paul has a broad background in acoustics, his particular areas of expertise include tire noise, sound intensity methods, aeroacoustics and wind tunnel testing, and structure-borne sound analysis. He received his Doctor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology specializing in Acoustics with research in urban sound propagation. Paul has authored numerous technical papers and given short courses in his areas of expertise. He was also the 2001 President of the Institute of Noise Control Engineers.

James A. Reyff, Project Scientist

Mr. Reyff, an air quality and acoustical specialist, joined our firm in October 1995. He is a meteorologist with a broad background in meteorology, air quality and noise. His career in environmental studies began in 1989. James has prepared both air quality and noise technical reports for Caltrans projects. James combined his expertise in meteorology and transportation noise to manage a research study funded by Caltrans that investigated long-range diffraction and reflection of noise from sound walls under different meteorological conditions. He has a BA degree in Geoscience (Meteorology) from the San Francisco State University.

Mr. Svinth specializes in room acoustics, building sound isolation and mechanical system noise & vibration control. He has over 6 years of experience in the design of room acoustic and sound isolation solutions for the renovation and design of a wide range of commercial, residential, entertainment and religious projects. In his experience as an acoustical consultant he has conducted numerous studies of the noise and land-use compatibility surrounding ground and air transportation systems. His educational background includes a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. degree in Mechanichal Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. Fred is a full member of the Acoustical Society of America and an associate member of the American Institute of Architects.

Mr. Thill has a broad background in environmental science and conducting environmental noise and air quality studies. During the two years with the firm he has conducted environmental planning studies for projects with increasing complexity and has developed the ability to effectively work with others. He is in charge of maintaining the laboratory and test equipment inventories. Under minimal supervision, he has conducted research, written environmental noise and air quality reports and performed noise and vibration testing for a large number of projects. Michael has a BS degree in Environmental Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara.