ABOUT | Melqart, Inc.

OUR APPROACH

Melqart approaches structural engineering as a collaborative technical discipline focused on execution and reliability. We work closely with architects, developers, contractors, and owners to understand project constraints, loading demands, and construction methodologies early in the design process.

Our approach emphasizes:

Code compliance and jurisdictional coordination
Constructability, sequencing, and phasing considerations
Efficient load paths and appropriate system selection
Clear drawings, details, and structural notes

We apply consistent internal standards and quality control procedures to maintain reliability across projects of varying scale and complexity. Each project is evaluated based on its specific conditions to deliver structural solutions that are practical, durable, and aligned with the overall design intent.

MEET OUR TEAM

RICHARD DAOUD SE

Richard Daoud, S.E. is the Principal and Founder of Melqart, Inc., bringing 19 years of experience in structural engineering across commercial, residential, industrial, and utility projects.

Melqart was established to provide disciplined engineering supported by exceptional responsiveness. The firm operates with direct senior-level involvement, clear communication, and timely decision-making to keep projects moving from design through construction.

Richard remains closely engaged in technical leadership and project execution, ensuring accountability, consistency, and reliability at every stage.

Dhiraj Swami, S.E. is a California-licensed Structural Engineer and Associate Principal with more than a decade of experience delivering high-performance structural solutions for complex buildings. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil (Structural) Engineering from UCLA and a Bachelor’s degree from Gujarat Technological University.

Dhiraj specializes in the design and execution of wood, steel, masonry, and concrete structures across a wide range of building types, including multifamily housing, hospitality, mixed-use, retail, and institutional facilities such as schools and college campuses. His project experience spans new construction, seismic retrofits, and renovations—often on buildings that require careful coordination with architects, contractors, and city agencies.

As an Associate Principal, Dhiraj plays a key leadership role in project strategy, technical oversight, and client coordination. He brings a rigorous, hands-on approach to engineering and delivery, ensuring that designs are constructible, code-compliant, and cost-effective. From early feasibility through construction administration, he is trusted to protect project performance, schedule, and budget while maintaining the highest standards of structural safety.

DHIRAJ SWAMI SE

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Kalpan is a Senior Project Engineer with over eight years of experience in residential, commercial, and seismic retrofit design. He holds an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UCLA and is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in California. His work includes extensive soft-story retrofit projects across Southern California, along with a range of major residential and commercial developments.

He sees structural engineering as a core science brought to life through the structures we build. Collaboration, quality, and timely delivery guide his approach, and he believes persistence is essential to creating safe environments where communities can grow and thrive. At Melqart Inc., he focuses on contributing thoughtful, reliable engineering solutions rooted in both technical rigor and genuine care.

KALPAN VASANWALA PE

Craig McMillan serves as Melqart’s BIM and CAD Manager, leading the development, implementation, and enforcement of drafting and modeling standards across all projects. He plays a critical role in ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in project documentation from concept through construction.

Craig oversees BIM workflows, drawing production, and coordination with engineering teams, maintaining alignment between design intent and deliverables. His disciplined approach to quality control and deep understanding of structural detailing standards support Melqart’s ability to deliver reliable, construction-ready documents across a wide range of project types.

CRAIG MCMILLAN BIM and CAD Manager

Omer Sohail, P.E. is a civil and environmental engineer with experience supporting infrastructure and land development projects across a wide range of site conditions. He works closely with grading design, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management, helping guide projects from early planning and permitting through construction. His approach emphasizes practical design, regulatory compliance, and constructability.

Omer also has extensive experience with soil and groundwater investigations, environmental site assessments, and remediation projects. He routinely supports subsurface evaluations, data interpretation, and remediation planning in coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Omer is a board licensed professional engineer in multiple states across the nation and brings a collaborative, detail-oriented mindset to delivering effective and reliable engineering solutions.