Primera is pleased to welcome Paresh Thakkar, CFM, CPESC as a Sr. Water Resources Engineer based in Chicago. With over 40 years of experience in drainage design, hydraulic studies, and site development, Paresh brings a wealth of technical expertise and leadership to our transportation, utility, aviation, and stormwater projects.

Throughout his career, Paresh has led complex infrastructure efforts from roadway drainage and detention pond design to floodplain encroachment and erosion control. His expertise with modeling tools like EPA-SWMM, HEC-RAS, and HEC-HMS, combined with certifications that include Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), will add significant value to Primera’s team, projects, and clients alike.

Before joining Primera, Paresh managed civil design and field engineering for large-scale municipal and transportation projects, consistently bridging technical precision with hands-on implementation. He’s passionate about mentoring younger engineers and helping the next generation of talent grow in their careers. Paresh earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in India.

“We’re thrilled to have Paresh on board. His knowledge in stormwater and drainage design brings tremendous value to our transportation projects and our people,” says Stacie Dovalovsky, Sr. Vice President & Transportation Division Manager. “His passion for mentoring and solving complex challenges aligns perfectly with our knowledge-and-collaboration-focused values.”

Founded in 1987, Primera is a full-service, woman-owned engineering design and consulting firm dedicated to developing meaningful client relationships that allow us to provide best-in-class client service. Primera offers a wide range of professional services in the buildings, transportation, and utility environments, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing (M/E/P), civil, structural and telecommunications engineering, as well as commissioning, energy, architecture, sustainability, life safety, lighting, project and construction management, and business consulting services.