history
In 1986 Ron Powell and Robert Hinkle founded Powell & Hinkle Engineering in Orange Park, Florida. Specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design, the firm has consistently delivered reliable, efficient systems for construction projects.
Powell & Hinkle Engineering has steadily built a strong reputation for high-quality work, professional client service, and dependable, on-time project delivery on projects of varying size and complexity.
Principals
PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Lane R. Hinkle, P.E.
Lane is a licensed professional engineer in both mechanical and electrical disciplines, bringing more than 35 years of experience to each project. He began his career with Lockheed Martin Corporation, where he gained broad, hands‑on exposure to project management, research and development, manufacturing systems, and design and implementation of office and warehouse facilities.
At Powell & Hinkle Engineering, Lane leads the mechanical engineering practice and manages mechanical design projects across commercial and retail, condominium and resort, industrial, and institutional sectors. His portfolio spans new construction and renovation work delivered under both design‑bid and design‑build delivery models. Lane’s combined technical background and project‑level leadership ensures coordinated, practical engineering solutions that meet client schedules, operational requirements, and budgetary constraints.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
MS Electrical Engineering, 1991
VIRGINIA TECH
BS Electrical Engineering, 1988
Credentials & Affiliations
• LEED AP BD+C
• LEED Commissioning Authority CxA
• NCEES, ASHRAE, ACG, ACEC
State Registrations
• Florida, Georgia, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington
principal electrical engineer
Thomas M. Elder, P.E.
Tom brings more than 35 years of electrical engineering and construction experience to his work. A former Journeyman Electrician, he developed extensive hands‑on expertise in industrial and commercial installations and now leads all electrical engineering projects at Powell & Hinkle. His technical strengths include lighting analysis and point‑by‑point photometrics, power distribution and emergency generation, UPS systems and low‑voltage network cabling, and comprehensive fire alarm system design. He manages every phase of design and construction—project management, design development, construction documents and specifications, and construction administration—consistently delivering practical, cost‑effective solutions grounded in field experience, formal training, and thoughtful, code‑compliant design.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
BS Electrical Engineering, 1994
Credentials & Affiliations
• LEED AP BD+C
• NCEES, IESNA, BICSI, ACEC
State Registrations
• Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi
Principal engineer
Robert L. Hinkle, P.E.
With more than 50 years of engineering experience, Bob is a seasoned mechanical and fire protection engineer at Powell & Hinkle Engineering who leads all fire protection engineering projects and oversees assigned mechanical work, providing technical direction from concept through construction. His system design expertise includes heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC); plumbing; fire protection systems; process and utility piping; chilled water, hot water, and steam systems; compressed air and gas distribution; and building automation systems. Renowned for staying at the forefront of the engineering and construction fields, Bob consistently pursues innovations and practical solutions that enhance design efficiency, constructability, and long‑term system performance.
Education
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
MS Engineering Science & Mechanical Engineering, 1970
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
BS Chemical Engineering, 1965
Credentials & Affiliations
• NCEES
• ASHRAE, NSPE, NFPA, FES, ACEC
State Registrations
• Florida, Georgia, Alabama, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
STAFF
Galton Mok, P.E.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Richard Mathews, P.E.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
David Spell, P.E.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
James Hennessey, P.E.
Mechanical Engineer
Kevin Wood
Senior Mechanical Designer
Chris Francis
Senior Mechanical Designer
Robert Bird, CPD
Senior Plumbing Designer
Hannah Elder
CAD Technician
Mark Haskins
Senior Electrical Designer
Steve Sicignano
Senior Electrical Designer
Dale Howard
Senior Electrical Designer
Patti Hinkle
Office Manager
Miriam Hinkle
Administration
Rachel Wood
Administration / Marketing
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision… It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”