We move projects forward with clarity, precision, and trust.

Our Approach

At Cornerstone Structural Engineering, we believe great projects don’t happen by accident — they move forward with the right process, the right communication, and the right team behind them.

Too often, engineering projects fall behind schedule and over budget due to miscommunication, inefficiencies, or a lack of coordination. That’s why we’ve built our approach around being proactive from day one. We provide clear, timely communication, updates throughout the project, and use advanced tools like 3D modeling to improve clarity and collaboration across disciplines.

But our approach goes beyond process — it’s built on trust. We do what we say we’re going to do, and we do it the right way. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to overdelivering, we help our clients make better decisions, avoid costly surprises, and keep their projects moving forward with confidence.

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Meet the Team

  • Profile picture of John Riordan with short gray hair wearing a blue collared shirt, standing next to a brick wall outdoors with green and yellow autumn leaves in the background.

    John Riordan

    PRESIDENT / PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
    479-471-5375 ext 1
    John@csengineeringinc.com
    View LinkedIn


    Background
    Over 20 years of experience in structural engineering practice and design involving new construction, renovations, and additions to existing facilities. John has worked on various industrial projects throughout the region, many in the food processing industry, the oil and gas industry, and the coal- and gas-fired power plants. John has worked on a large-scale educational project designing the bracing and its connections for a fourteen-story structural steel building. John has also worked on many secondary educational projects which included classrooms, safe rooms, performance theaters, and gymnasiums.

    Role
    The founder and president of the Cornerstone family, John leads this team to strive for efficacy, efficiency, and elegance. Working with contractors, fabricators, architects, and industry leaders, John has provided solutions to our clients to meet their needs and objectives. John enjoys supporting our clients’ success and helping them push their projects forward. Guided by his dedication to his family and faith, a proper Work-Life balance is of great importance to him and all those who work with him.

    Hobbies
    Enjoys regenerative agriculture, reading, hiking, and spending time with family.

  • Profile picture of Timothy Looper with long hair, glasses, and a goatee wearing a suit jacket and light blue shirt, sitting in an office with computer screens in the background.

    Timothy Looper

    DRAFTSMAN/DESIGNER
    479-471-5375 ext 2
    Timothy@csengineeringinc.com
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    Background
    Over 25 years of experience in the construction industry covering residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional. Timothy's main focus is on creating efficient, functional, and aesthetic designs that complement the human form. Having his start in residential design, he has had a role in every facet of the industry from design to completion.

    Role
    Timothy has been assisting Cornerstone Structural Engineering for the past 7 years. From software to structural design, he is driven to understand and resolve any challenge that arises. Always with an eye on the horizon, Timothy is constantly looking for ways to innovate and push our clients' projects forward.

    Hobbies
    In his free time, Timothy enjoys solving puzzles, sudoku, reading, and camping.

  • Profile picture of Jacob Ortlieb, a young man with brown hair, beard, and mustache, smiling, wearing a light blue collared shirt, against a plain gray background.

    Jacob Ortlieb, E.I.

    PROJECT ENGINEER
    479-471-5375 ext 3
    Jacob@csengineeringinc.com
    LinkedIn

    Background
    Jacob brings experience in structural engineering consulting, with a background in both civil and structural design. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2023 and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 2024 from the University of Arkansas. His project experience includes industrial, commercial, and municipal structures, with experience in steel and concrete design, structural inspections, and engineering software including RISA-3D, RISA Foundation, Revit, and Civil 3D.

    Role 
    As a Project Engineer at CSE, Jacob supports the design and development of structural engineering projects from concept through completion. He assists with structural analysis and design, engineering calculations, construction documents, inspections, and project coordination. His experience with both steel and concrete structures allows him to contribute practical, well-coordinated solutions to our clients' projects.

    Hobbies
    Jacob enjoys hunting, fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his wife.

  • Portrait of Tyler Jewell, a young man with brown hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a blue suit and light blue shirt, against a gray background.

    Tyler Jewell

    DRAFTSMAN
    479-471-5375 ext 4
    Tyler@csengineeringinc.com
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    Background
    Tyler brings over five years of drafting and detailing experience, with a strong background in steel construction and technical documentation. He is experienced in AutoCAD and Tekla and has a background in developing detailed fabrication and erection drawings, 3D models, and construction documents. His previous experience also includes leading a detailing team and coordinating with engineers, fabricators, and construction teams.

    Role 
    As a Draftsman at CSE, Tyler supports our engineering team by developing accurate, detailed drawings and 3D models that help bring structural designs from concept to construction. His practical steel detailing experience and attention to constructibility help ensure our projects are clearly documented and ready for the field.

    Hobbies
    Tyler enjoys hikes around the Ozarks with his family and weekend golfing outings with his son and daughter.

  • Profile picture of Michelle Feltman with long brown hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a white collared shirt, against a blurred dark background with bright light sources.

    Michelle Feltman

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
    479-471-5375 ext 5
    Michelle@csengineeringinc.com
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    Background
    Over 25 years in process assistance and finance management, with a background supporting engineering teams.

    Role
    As a valued member of the Cornerstone family, Michelle provides a wealth of knowledge, balance, and perspective to the team. She is a critical part of our operation, bringing organization, oversight, and a strong commitment to keeping our clients’ projects moving forward. With a focus on integrity, honesty, and loyalty, Michelle plays an essential role in the success of both our team and our clients.

    Hobbies
    Michelle enjoys the beach, spending time with her many animals, and making memories with her family.

Our Core Values

  • Clearly communicate what we need from the client before we need it.

  • Provide timely progress updates.

Proactive

  • Providing unexpected deliverables that improve understanding and project bidding.

Overdeliver

  • When we give our word, we keep it — our clients know they can trust us.

  • We choose what’s right, every time, in every situation.

Integrity

  • Use interoperability to bring efficiency and precision to engineering workflows.

  • Provide a supportive framework for work/family integration.

Seamless

  • Pursuing excellence and continually honing skills, processes, and deliverables.

  • Increasing knowledge and professional development.

Expertise

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right structural engineering partner can make or break a project. At Cornerstone Structural Engineering, we’re not just focused on delivering plans — we’re committed to helping you move forward with confidence from start to finish.

What sets us apart is how we combine proactive communication, technical expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way. We don’t wait for problems to arise — we anticipate them, address them early, and keep you informed every step of the way. Our use of advanced tools and coordinated workflows ensures greater clarity, fewer surprises, and a smoother path from concept to completion.

When you work with us, you’re getting more than an engineering firm — you’re getting a reliable partner who values your time, your investment, and your success. We take pride in overdelivering, building trust, and helping every project reach its full potential.

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