Point Design Group brings together the legacies of Morris Knowles & Associates (founded in 1916) and Hammontree & Associates (founded in 1980).
Point Design Group is led by a seasoned leadership team that brings together decades of experience across engineering, surveying, and site development. Their collective expertise guides the firm with a focus on quality, innovation, and client success.
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Mr. Vale, P.E., is the CEO/Chairman of Point Design Group. With more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering, Mr. Vale previously served as Executive Vice President before assuming his current leadership role. He is responsible for overseeing the firm's operations and frequently serves as Principal-in-Charge on key projects, providing strategic direction and technical expertise.
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Mr. Oprisch is a Principal and Transportation Manager, He has over 34 years of experience in transportation and bridge engineering. He has managed and designed hundreds of projects for counties, municipalities, and state agencies in addition to local roads and culverts, and bike paths and trails. Mr. Oprisch has extensive ODOT training and is well versed in the ODOT design process.
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As a Principal at Point Design Group and PA Office Lead / Municipal Services Manager, Mr. Utzman brings more than 30 years of comprehensive engineering experience. Throughout his career, he has successfully led the design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration of a wide range of municipal projects, including sanitary sewer systems and public housing developments across Pennsylvania. His expertise also includes securing critical funding through programs such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST), the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
In his leadership role, Mr. Utzman oversees the daily operations of the Pennsylvania office and guides the firm’s municipal services practice, including staff management, financial performance, and strategic growth initiatives. He is dedicated to building strong client relationships, fostering collaboration across teams, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, reliable engineering solutions.
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Mr. Zimmerman serves as Principal and Regional Land Development Manager for PA. With over 23 years of engineering experience, he is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, and several other states (as listed on the left). He also holds certifications as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) and in Stormwater Quality. His expertise spans the site design and permitting of commercial, industrial, and residential developments.
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Mr. Leighty is a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience in both field and office surveying. As the coordinator of all surveying operations across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, he brings a comprehensive understanding of the region's land development needs. His expertise spans a wide range of projects, including municipal, commercial, and energy-related work. Mr. Leighty also serves as the President Elect of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to advancing the profession across the Commonwealth.
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Mr. Grimm a partner and has over 30 years of experience as a roadway/civil site engineer. He has worked on numerous projects involving roadways, paving, civil site development, and drainage design.
Responsibilities include pavement resurfacing plans, civil site design, pavement design, geometric design of roadways, intersection design, and detailing, stormwater management calculations and reports, land use planning studies and research, site plan layout, grading plans, parking lot design, storm sewer and detention/retention design, stormwater quality Best Management Practice design and reports, and assistance with permit approvals.
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Ms. Schumacher is a Civil Site Engineer, Partner, Land Development Manager for Ohio. She has over 31 years of experience in Civil Engineering. and is also LEED-AP. Ms. Schumacher oversees all projects and task assignments in Civil Site including design, assistance in obtaining permits, master planning, feasibility studies, preparation and checking of design plans and specification, and drainage/storm water management client communications, project scheduling, and management of technical personnel, contract administration and working with review agencies. Ms. Schumacher’s experience includes commercial sites, including shopping centers, industrial complexes, hotels, residential allotment and recreational facilities.
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Mr. Cellitti is a partner, has over 15 years of experience in Landscape Architecture and civil site design and he has been with the company for 15 years. He is a Senior Project Manager and Professional Landscape Architect. His experience includes site and stormwater management design and permitting for commercial, industrial, residential, streetscape and park projects. Mr. Cellitti excels at assistance in navigating and obtaining permits, feasibility studies, preparation and checking of design plans and stormwater designs, management of client communications, project scheduling and management of technical personnel, contract administration and working with review agencies.
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Mr. Irvin is a key member of our Energy team, with a specialized focus on oil and gas development. He brings extensive experience in site design, permitting, and construction administration, supporting projects from initial planning through final construction. His background includes leading the design and regulatory approval process on energy-related developments, with a strong emphasis on securing Water Quality, NPDES, ESCGP, and local Township permits, as well as coordinating with state and federal agencies such as DOT and FAA. Known for his hands-on approach, Mr. Irvin plays an integral role in delivering complex projects efficiently while navigating the unique challenges of oil and gas site development.
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Ms. Chase serves as a Bridge and Highway Engineer in our Transportation Engineering Department. Ms. Chase has over 23 years of experience in bridge and highway design with Hammontree & Associates, Limited and works from our office in Summit County, Ohio. She is a team member on our bridge inspection unit and is involved in the field work for the annual inspection programs and individual bridge inspections. She maintains online inventory for county-wide inspections.
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Mr. Renicker is a Partner and the Municipal Services Manager for Ohio. He has over 17 years of experience. Management duties include client communications, project scheduling, management of technical personnel and task assignments, contract administration, construction observation, and working with review agencies. Design and project duties include assistance in obtaining permits, master planning, feasibility studies, preparation and checking of design plans and specifications, and subconsultant coordination. Mr. Renicker has experience in studies and design of roadways; storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water mains; water storage tanks; pump stations and force mains; wastewater treatment plants; and water treatment plants. Mr. Renicker serves as the Village Engineer for the Village of Lakemore, Ohio. Responsibilities include project management and design; review of development plans within the Village; and construction observation for all projects within the Village.
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Mr. Leighty is a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience in both field and office surveying. As the coordinator of all surveying operations across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, he brings a comprehensive understanding of the region's land development needs. His expertise spans a wide range of projects, including municipal, commercial, and energy-related work. Mr. Leighty also serves as the President Elect of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to advancing the profession across the Commonwealth.
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With over six years of site/civil engineering experience, Mr. Varner serves as the Land Development Department Manager of our PA office. He brings a well-rounded background in site design and permitting for commercial, retail, and residential developments across Pennsylvania. His experience spans all phases of project delivery, including site layout, grading and earthwork analysis, utility design, stormwater management, and erosion and sediment control. Mr. Varner has successfully supported a variety of projects, from energy infrastructure to carwashes, while navigating complex permitting processes with local municipalities, conservation districts, and state agencies.
Our philosophy is to invest in technology and training to deliver the services required to make every project a success.
It is the Point Design Group philosophy to invest in technology and training to deliver the services required to make every project a success. Our departments have experience in planning, design, and construction as well as the preparation of plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
