jon shafer, p.e. principal
Mr. Shafer has worked at Sider + Byers since 2005 and became a principal in 2010. His duties include business management and direction, project management, as well as HVAC design. Jon has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Washington. He is an avid sports fan, enjoys playing guitar, and loves hiking with his wife and two boys.
dana fontes, P.E., Principal
Mrs. Fontes is a native Seattleite with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Washington. She became a principal in 2013 after beginning her career at Sider + Byers in 1998 as an intern. Her duties include business and project management. She is a sustainability resource for our office, designing and documenting many LEED certified projects since 2001. Outside of work, Dana enjoys gardening, sports (especially Husky basketball) and spending time with her two children and husband.
NATHAN BYERS, P.E., ASSOCIATE
Mr. Byers joined Sider + Byers Associates in 1988, when the firm was known as Edward S. Sider & Associates. He is now an associate and was a principal from 1993 - 2021. Nathan's responsibilities include project management, engineering training, and is an all-around expert in HVAC and plumbing systems. He has a BSME from Washington University in St. Louis. He is a Sounders fan and a motorcycle enthusiast.
GEORGINNA LUCAS, P.E.
ELECTRICAL DIRECTOR
Ms. Lucas has worked in the construction industry since her graduation from Penn State in 2001. Her experience encompasses a wide variety of projects specifically focusing on the design of power, lighting and lighting control systems. She is responsible for department management, project management, electrical design and coordination.
JAMES WHIGHAM,P.E.
ASSOCIATE
Mr. Whigham grew up in Eastern Washington, so he has experience on both the "dry side" and the "wet side". James earned his mechanical engineering degree from Gonzaga University, joined our office in 1999 and is accomplished in energy modeling, BIM, HVAC and plumbing design. He was a volunteer firefighter, which gives him personal insight into his extensive fire station design work. James enjoys hiking and photography and frequently takes completion photographs of our projects.
KATRINA SHINBO, BIM TECHNICIAN, ASSOCIATE
Katrina has an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Aided Drafting. Katrina has worked at Sider + Byers since she began her career in 1999.
She is in charge of the firm’s BIM and CAD production. Katrina enjoys reading and spending time with family.
JOSEPH LEE, MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Joseph graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 2019, obtaining a BS Mechanical Engineering degree. He joined Sider + Byers in 2022, where he is learning and applying his engineering skills to become adept in designing plumbing and mechanical systems. He loves to be active, and some of his hobbies include playing tennis or golf in his free time.
ANDY JOHNSTON, SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Andy interned with Sider + Byers and then joined us after completing his studies at Washington University in St. Louis. He has strong analytical and communication skills. He is a Seattle native, and an avid skier.
THOMAS WIGFIELD, MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Thomas graduated from Gonzaga University in 2023 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He joined Sider + Byers in October 2023 where he is applying his mechanical and plumbing design skills. In his free time, Thomas likes to play clarinet, hike and explore the outdoors, and play online games with his friends.
Martin Hill, Mechanical Engineer
Marty earned his mechanical engineering degree from Oregon State University in 2023 and joined Sider + Byers in 2024. During the week Marty enjoys designing mechanical and plumbing systems. On the weekend you’ll find him playing board games and exploring disc golf courses around Washington.
RYAN ARP,
sr. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Ryan graduated from Washington State University in 2003 and has been working in the electrical engineering industry since 2006. He has worked as an electrical designer and project manager on a broad spectrum of projects during his tenure. When he is not asking for larger electrical rooms he is usually off exploring the mountainous outdoors on foot, bike or skis.
JUSTIN FONTES,
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Justin graduated from the University of Washington with an electrical engineering degree in 1999. Prior to joining Sider + Byers in 2020, he worked as an engineer in telecom. He has experience working with builders, contractors, and other industry engineers. In his spare time, Justin likes to travel and hike with his family, both at home and abroad.
marianne hooper- fojt, business manager
Marianne is our business manager, in charge of accounts and marketing since 2007. A native Seattleite, Marianne enjoys gardening and spending time with family (especially her grandchildren!)
anne king, administrative assistant
Anne is responsible for our front office. She has lived in Seattle for 35 years and been employed with Sider + Byers since 2008. Anne enjoys camping, wine tasting and going to concerts but her true passion is her love of animals.
ED SIDER, P.E.,
FOUNDER
1938 - 2023
Ed founded the firm as Edward S. Sider and Associates in 1979. Originally from Long Island, Ed received a BSME from Lehigh University. He was a Captain in the Army Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer at Leo. A. Daly, and a partner at Notkin Engineers before starting his own design firm. Although Ed is no longer with us, S+BA strives to embody the tradition of ethics and humanity that he exhibited throughout his career.
