Karen is a senior structural designer in BASE’s Chicago office whose broad project experience includes military, office, high-rise, retail, senior living, and hospitality projects, and even the design of supports for extensive photovoltaic arrays. Karen’s projects have led to her develop an in-depth knowledge of design for progressive collapse, and high wind and high seismic environments as well as develop extensive experience with a large array of materials, including steel, concrete, masonry, and wood. Karen also has developed expertise in the design of tower crane foundations and tie-ins, as well as the design of formwork, shoring, and reshoring.

Karen is from Hoffman Estates, IL, and has spent most of her free time since kindergarten at her parents’ Chinese restaurant in Lake in the Hills. She enjoys reading, drawing, and doing puzzles – one of the most difficult being a 3D mechanical wooden locomotive.