The APD Pulse Network: February Edition

February 17, 2026

THE APD PULSE NETWORK

February Edition

APD Engineering Architecture logo, featuring bold green letters and modern design, representing innovative architectural solutions.

February 17th, 2026

This February edition reflects the steady momentum behind APD’s continued growth, driven by strong leadership, technical expertise, and intentional expansion over the past three decades.

This month, we highlight our ongoing partnership with Jack in the Box and the role APD plays in supporting prototype development and multi-site rollouts nationwide. We also celebrate 27 years of dedication from our Senior Principal, Chris Kambar, whose leadership has strengthened our national footprint and reinforced the client relationships that drive our continued success.

You will hear directly from our MEP team on the questions clients ask most, explore career opportunities for mid-level Architects, Civil Engineers, and Project Leads, and see where our team will be connecting with industry leaders at upcoming events.

Across every project and market, our focus remains consistent: thoughtful execution, integrated collaboration, and long-term partnerships built on trust.

Thank you for being part of the APD Pulse Network.

On the Boards

Jack in the Box

Jeffersonville, Indiana

 

APD Engineering & Architecture has been a proud partner of Jack in the Box since 2017. In 2023, APD was entrusted by the brand to be the Prototype Architect, placing APD at the center of how Jack in the Box restaurants is designed, refined, and delivered across markets. Since then, APD has supported the successful delivery of more than 50+ Jack in the Box locations nationwide, helping translate corporate standards into buildable, repeatable solutions.

Located along Veterans Parkway in Jeffersonville, Indiana, this project represents APD’s first Jack in the Box location in the state and features the brand’s latest MK12 “Walk-Up” Prototype. The drive-thru-only format removes the traditional dining room and prioritizes kitchen performance, order flow, and site efficiency, allowing the brand to perform effectively on smaller parcels without compromising operational goals.

For this location, APD delivered full-service Architecture, Civil, Structural, MEP, and Permitting, navigating real-world site constraints while aligning closely with corporate design intent. The result is a highly efficient, brand-forward facility that reflects how APD supports national clients, not just by designing buildings, but by helping define and execute the standards that allow brands to grow with confidence.

Team Spotlight

Chris Kambar, PE

Senior Principal of Civil Engineering & MEP

Celebrating 27 years at APD 

Chris Kambar joined APD in 1999, seeking a career that would challenge him and fuel his passion for continuous learning. Since becoming a Senior Principal in 2012, Chris has played an instrumental role in the firm’s growth, bringing steady leadership, technical depth, and meaningful client relationships to every project.

Behind each project he touches, Chris pays close attention to the details others may not. From digging into existing conditions to coordinating approvals with agencies and utility providers, he understands that time, effort, and clear communication are essential to delivering exceptional results.

When asked what has had the greatest impact on his career, Chris points to the long-standing relationships he has built with both clients and team members. Mentoring the next generation of engineers and watching them grow remains one of the most rewarding parts of his work. The advice he often shares, passed down from his father, is simple: Work smarter, not harder.

Outside of engineering, Chris loves to travel and is an avid skier, having explored the mountains of Austria, Switzerland, Utah, and British Columbia. Still, Martha’s Vineyard holds a special place in his heart, where childhood memories came full circle when he proposed to his wife beneath a lighthouse.

After 27 years of service, Chris continues to exemplify thoughtful leadership, dedication, trust, and a relationship-driven mindset that helps define APD.

Congratulations, Chris, on this remarkable milestone.

Top 5 Questions Our MEP Engineers Hear Most, and Why They Matter

From single-site builds to national rollouts, our MEP teams support projects across varying climates, codes, and utility conditions. No matter the location, the same technical questions tend to surface early.

Below are three of the most common questions our MEP engineers are asked at the outset of a project. The remaining two dive deeper into how early MEP decisions support consistency across markets and long-term operational success. Click Read More to view the full feature.

1. How does APD adapt MEP systems to fit client prototypes or brand standards?

APD often works from client prototypes or develops them in-house, which define standards like equipment vendors, power requirements, and system layouts. This allows the team to focus on site-specific adjustments rather than starting from scratch.

2. How can MEP design help control both construction costs and long-term operational expenses?

APD helps clients weigh upfront construction costs against long-term operating savings to find the right balance. Coordinated, integrated MEP designs also reduce construction inefficiencies and costly trade conflicts.

3. How does APD evaluate system options when space, noise, or site constraints exist?

The MEP team works closely with equipment vendors to select options that meet project constraints while staying efficient and discreet. The goal is systems that perform well without being noticeable to the end user.

Construction team at a building site under steel framework, wearing hard hats.

Investing in Talent. Building the Future.

As APD celebrates 30 years of intentional growth, we remain focused on the professionals driving the next chapter of our firm.

For mid-career architects and engineers ready to step into greater responsibility, APD offers more than a position, it offers a defined trajectory toward leadership. We are proud to foster a culture where professionals are supported in advancing their careers and strengthening their expertise. Here, your work is visible and your progression is intentional.

Through our integrated Architecture and Engineering model, you will work directly with national brands, collaborate across disciplines, and lead projects that span all 50 states. We support licensure, provide structured leadership mentorship, and create the opportunity to manage complex national programs with true autonomy.

Your experience is valued. Your progression is visible. Your impact is measurable.

If you are ready to take on complex national work, refine your technical expertise, and grow within a firm built for long term success, we invite you to explore opportunities at APD.

Upcoming Events

March 31st

Built Southeast in Orlando, Florida

Deborah Craver

Business Development Manager

Nick Spaziani

Project Lead

April 19th – 22nd 

BuildPoint in Orlando Florida

Adam Noga AIA, NCARB

Principal of Architecture

Brian Grinnell AIA, NCARB

Principal of Architecture

Joel Skogen PE

Associate Principal of Mechanical Engineering 

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