Our People

Lucas Ponce, PE

Founder and President

Lucas Ponce is the founder and president of Ponce-Fuess Engineering, LLC. Mr. Ponce's career began and thrived during a nearly 12-year tenure with L.A. Fuess Partners, Inc., where he was responsible for the structural design of a variety of building types, including K-12, higher educational facilities, parking structures, hospitals, resort hotels, corporate offices, regional shopping malls, and high-rise residential developments.

While he serves in multiple management capacities with Ponce-Fuess Engineering, his role as a structural engineering team leader and project manager is where he devotes most of his time. Outside of the firm, Mr. Ponce is further recognized by his peers as a standout in the structural design community through his election to multiple leadership roles within the Structural Engineers Association of Texas.

Project Responsibilities

• Principal-in-Charge of Projects
• Project Management
• Project Engineering
• Consultation

Geoff Bliss, PE

Associate Principal

Geoff is a seasoned Project Manager with over 14 years of experience and is well versed in the analysis and design of conventional and light gauge steel, as well as masonry and concrete structures. Known by both clients and peers as a big picture thinker, he has a knack for identifying potential conflicts early in the design process and addressing them before they become larger concerns. His broad range of project experience includes healthcare, municipal, industrial, aviation, military, and commercial building structures.

Prior to joining Ponce-Fuess, Geoff served as a Team Lead and Facilities Office Manager over both MEP and Structural service units. As a key member of the Ponce-Fuess team, he is responsible for leading project staff through the successful completion of each project from design through construction.

Project Responsibilities

• Project Management
• Project Engineering
• Project Coordination
• Construction Administration

Rene Avila, PE, LEED AP

Associate Principal

Rene has over 20 years of experience with a variety of building and construction types and has served as the Structural Engineer of Record for more than 200 building projects.

He is involved in all phases of projects from schematic design to construction administration, and works closely with architects and other design disciplines to fully coordinate projects during the design phase. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he is also experienced with the best use of sustainability in structural components for building designs.

Project Responsibilities

• Project Management
• Project Engineering
• Project Coordination
• Construction Administration

Hugo Escobar, PE, SE

Associate Principal

Hugo brings over 17 years of complex project experience to the firm, as well as a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams through challenging project assignments. He is well versed in the design and construction administration of a broad range of project types, including commercial, institutional, residential, and industrial facilities and is able to draw from this varied experience to provide alternate insight and solutions to different project challenges.

Project Responsibilities

• Project Management
• Project Engineering
• Project Coordination
• Construction Administration

Sanjay Tamrakar, PE

Associate

Sanjay began his structural engineering career in 2012 and joined Ponce-Fuess shortly after in 2015. He is an insightful engineer, often acknowledged for his punctuality and timely responses during coordination. He is experienced in the design of concrete, steel, and masonry structures and has completed projects throughout the DFW area for numerous K-12 schools, both major area airports, and multiple healthcare campuses. As a key member of the Ponce-Fuess team, he assists senior staff in the design and construction administration of larger and more complex projects, while also serving as a technical resource and mentor to younger staff on projects of a smaller scale.

Project Responsibilities

• Project Engineering
• Project Coordination
• Construction Administration