About Needham DBS

Needham DBS is a structural engineering firm specializing in constructability-first and integrated design-build steel solutions.

Founded in 1989, Needham DBS provides structural engineering services for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings throughout North America, bringing decades of experience delivering complex structures. With offices in Lenexa, Kanas and Fort Wayne, Indiana, the firm is trusted by owners, developers, contractors, and architects on projects where schedule certainty, structural efficiency, risk management, and constructability matter.

What sets Needham DBS apart is not just what we design – but how we deliver it.

Process Centric Approach

Needham DBS has pioneered a push into the vertical integration of structural engineering services in the overall building construction process.  This integration provides a typical structural engineering design plus complete shop drawing production of steel and concrete parts and CNC file creation to drive the factory. This type of service package is known as Concurrent Design and Detailing™ (CD²) and can greatly accelerate production and construction schedules.

The DBS Difference

A major advancement beyond CD² is Design Build Steel, or DBS as it is currently known. DBS provides the design-build contractor with a fixed price for all design and structural steel without the delays of the conventional approach. Similar in some respects to a pre-engineered system, a variety of simple to very complex building types can be delivered under the DBS banner. DBS can even provide projects installed or erected, as well as incorporate precast concrete wall products, and act as project Engineer of Record for the entire project. It also is a natural fit for EPC style projects such as power plants and complex production facilities.

Executive Leadership

Needham DBS is led by licensed engineers and industry professionals with deep experience in structural engineering, design-build delivery, steel construction, and constructability-focused execution. Our leadership team brings hands-on technical knowledge and practical construction insight to every project, ensuring decisions made in design translate cleanly to fabrication and the field.

Karen S. Hand, PE, CEO and President

Joining Needham DBS in 1998, Karen has been president since July 2018 and is responsible for the firm’s overall operations, strategic direction, and engineering leadership. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with a background in both conventional structural engineering and pre-engineered metal building systems, bringing a unique perspective to steel-intensive and design-build projects.

She is widely recognized for her leadership in the Tilt-Up and concrete industry, including:

• President of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) Board of Directors (2023)
• Member of ACI Committee 551 and 319
• Recipient of the David L. Kelly Distinguished Engineer Award (2022)
• Inducted into the TCA College of Fellows (2025)
• Named a Top 20 Influencer in the Tilt-Up Industry for multiple consecutive years.

Susan Y. Fox Sherry, CPA, CGMA, CFO

Susan serves as Chief Financial Officer for Needham DBS and manages all financial, compliance, and risk management functions for both the engineering practice and the Design-Build Steel division. Her responsibilities include financial planning, audit compliance, insurance, banking relationships, and internal controls.

Susan’s leadership supports the firm’s ability to perform reliably on complex projects while maintaining strong governance and fiscal discipline.

Todd A. Hill, PE, SE, Vice President

Serving as Vice President, Todd oversees the firms Fort Wayne office including engineering management, steel procurement, fabrication coordination, and quality assurance.

Todd is licensed in more than twenty-five jurisdictions across the United States and brings extensive experience in heavy structural systems, industrial facilities, and large-scale steel projects. His leadership ensures that engineering decisions align with fabrication and construction realities, reducing risk and improving schedule reliability.

Jason Blankenship, PE, SE, Director of DBS Sales and Business Development

Jason is a licensed Professional Engineer serving as the lead for the Design Build Services division and engaging new clients for business development. Jason connects clients’ needs, project strategy, and technical execution ensuring that opportunities pursued by the firm align with constructability, delivery method, and long-term client value.