Leadership Team
Senthil Puliyadi, M.S., M.Tech., P.E.
Founder & CEO
Senthil leads all engineering teams and quality control processes. With extensive structural engineering design experience as Engineer-of-Record on many heavy industrial and commercial construction projects ranging up $35+ million, he offers a library-esque knowledge base for our engineering teams. He has a Masters Degree in structural engineering from Missouri University of S&T and is a licensed engineer.
Yisilayin Silafu, M.S. Struct., P.E.
Director of Engineering
Yisilayin directs the residential division connecting the estimating team with the project engineers. He provides quality control for the final submittals and guides project engineers to create accurate and cost effective engineering solutions. Yisilayin graduated from UC San Diego with a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering and has 8+ years of engineering experience in lightweight framing structures, including: wood and light gauge cold form steel.
Ben Bronow
Director of Estimating
Ben manages cost estimating and helps clients navigate stages of projects for commercial accounts nationwide. His experience in fin-tech and con-tech startups provides a solid foundation for his role at Zenith, providing distinct insights into emerging technologies and markets. In his spare time, Ben enjoys travel and taking scenic motorcycle rides.
Benjamin Walsh, Esq.
General Counsel
Ben is Zenith’s General Counsel. After earning his Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law, Ben began his legal career as corporate counsel assisting businesses navigate the complexities of the law. Ben has experience in all aspects of corporate law, including contract, employment, intellectual property and litigation. In his free time, Ben enjoys woodworking and traveling with his wife and daughter.
Remi Tan, A.I.A, LEED AP BD+C
Lead Architect
Remi is a highly creative licensed senior licensed architect and LEED AP sustainability consultant with 30+ years of experience in a broad range of domestic and international projects: multi-family, affordable, senior housing, office & custom residential. Remi’s experience as a planning commissioner and urban planning minor allows understanding how the projects fit into their local and regional surrounding. Remi enjoys hiking along the beach and hills at the coast, catching a new ballet performance in his free time.
Hemal Modi, S.E.
Structural Team Lead
Hemal Modi is a California licensed Structural Engineer (SE) and brings over 17 years of experience in Structural Engineering, Construction, and Project Management of a wide variety of projects. Given the regions of his previous projects, seismic zone structures have been a key focus of his expertise. Hemal brings his experience in construction engineering and design activities including concept, schematics, design development, peer review, and value engineering in a wide range of sectors — including airports, casinos, commercial, healthcare, hotel, institutional, offices, and residential.
Ryan Tade, E.I.T
Estimator
Ryan has almost 10 years of experience in the building industry. He has worked as an estimator for a Subcontractor and General Contractor, and as an intern for the City building department. He is also an Excel spreadsheet wizard.
Yu (Vincent) Yan, M.S. Struct., P.E.
Shareholder
Until mid 2022, Vincent oversaw engineering projects and operations. His role in estimating ensured he is always considering labor and material cost, and construction mean and methods during the engineering design ensuring everything is cost-effective. With a Master Degree in structural engineering from LA Tech, he is a licensed engineer who brings a unique experience to Zenith’s quality control, from start to finish.
Irina Nelkin
Office Manager
Irina manages office operations and is responsible for a diverse set of administrative tasks. From payroll to on-boarding of new employees, she performs her duties with decisiveness and accuracy. In addition to overseeing personnel, Irina ensures the smooth functioning of the offices. She is a mother to two beautiful daughters.
Nikhil Choudhary, M.S. Struct.
Founder & Board Member
Nikhil co-founded Zenith and remained it’s CEO until September 2021. After he received his Master’s Degree in structural engineering from Michigan State University, he spent several years in general contracting and construction management, marrying engineering with in-field construction. His experience makes him seasoned in domestic and international business management. He currently sits on Zenith’s board and helps guides the growth of the company.
Senthil Kumar, A.G.
Engineering Manager
Kumar has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and has been an integral part of Zenith for about 10 years. Kumar is an expert in structural design and has worked on many of our commercial engineering projects including, roof and ground mount solar systems, carports, anchorage design for MEP lines and equipment. He is well versed in engineering software such as Matchcad, RAM Elements, and Enercalc.
Ritesh Bhingare
Senior Drafter
Ritesh has 15+ years of experience in structural and architectural projects. He has been leading our drafting team since 2015. He is an expert in AutoCAD drafting in a broad range of multi-family, affordable, senior housing, office & custom residential projects