Nicolas Rodrigues Appointed Managing Director in San Francisco

International engineering firm Walter P Moore announces a leadership transition in its San Francisco office. Effective immediately, Nicolas Rodrigues, PE, SE, has been named Managing Director for the Structures Group. He succeeds Rafael Sabelli, SE, who will continue as a Senior Principal while focusing on his role as the firm’s Director of Seismic Design.

As Managing Director, Rodrigues will lead the San Francisco structural team, overseeing operations, business development, and collaboration with clients and colleagues across the West Coast. He brings more than two decades of local experience delivering cost-effective structures across sectors ranging from tall buildings to higher education.

Nicolas’ expertise in tall buildings and seismic design equips him to guide our San Francisco team as they deliver some of the region’s most complex projects. At the same time, Rafael’s continued focus on seismic innovation ensures that our clients benefit from advanced technical solutions.

Sabelli will continue to oversee Walter P Moore projects that include unique and innovative structural systems, which are in locations with high seismic risk. With decades of experience in California, he is widely recognized for advancing seismic design practices and contributing to the development of modern building regulations.

With strengthened leadership and deep expertise in tall-building and seismic engineering, the team is positioned to support clients across California and beyond with resilient, technically sophisticated solutions.