Meet Our Team

Stephen M. Leyton

Founder and President
LinkedIn
Steve@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 102

Steve began his career in 1981 on the design/build side of the fire sprinkler industry and founded Protection Design in 1995 to focus on Architectural as well as Contractor clients. Affiliations include membership in NFPA, International Code Council (ICC), American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), California Fire Prevention Officers Northern and Southern Sections, and the San Diego Fire Protection Association. He is a principal member of the NFPA13 Technical Committee for Residential Sprinklers and Chairman of the NFPA14 Technical Committee for Standpipe systems. He also served as Chair of the installation committee for the California State Fire Marshal’s 2009 Residential Sprinkler Code Adoption Task Group and as Co-Chair of the ICC Ad-Hoc Committee on Residential Fire Sprinklers in 2005. Steve has worked on a wide range of residential, commercial/industrial, institutional and high-rise projects in the USA, Mexico and Asia.

Brent J. Kearney

Vice President, Director of Design & Project Management
LinkedIn
Brent@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 109

Brent began drafting in AutoCad at age 14, and joined Protection Design in 2006. His professional growth in the fire protection industry encompasses all aspects of fire protection system design and project management, including 3D fire sprinkler system design and BIM coordination in Revit and Navisworks. His foresight and planning expertise help to guide clients to efficient and strategic solutions to code and design challenges. His extensive knowledge of the NFPA wet-pipe standards (13, 13D, 13R, 14, 20 and 24) lend themselves to projects in all formats and occupancies including large scale tenant improvements, medium and high density residential communities, educational, historical and institutional projects. Elevated to Design Manager in 2015, Brent has crafted an extraordinary working relationship with demanding jurisdictional authorities such as California Division of the State Architect (DSA) and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). Brent is also a key member of our On-Site Services team with special expertise in MIC and impairment remediation.

Patti Atwell

Director of Operations
LinkedIn
patti@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 100

Patti comes to PD&C with a background in construction management, procedure and policy development, HR compliance, financial oversight, and front office administration, Patti brings both strategic insight and practical execution to PD&C. Patti is known for clear communication, accountability, and maintaining high standards of professionalism in fast-paced environments. With extensive experience in operations management, client relations, compliance, and organizational leadership. Patti specializes in creating structured systems, improving communication workflows, and ensuring operational accuracy across projects. Outside of her professional work, Patti is an avid baseball fan and enjoys watching all MLB. Patti and her husband enjoy their 3 kids and 2 grand kiddos also their furry kids-Boxer Ruby and Golden Retriever Lana.

Sergio A. Vallina

Design & Project Manager
LinkedIn
Sergio@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 111

Energetic, driven, a detail-oriented, Sergio is a Civil Engineer with a passion for design, construction, and turning challenges into solutions. He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from UABC in Baja California, Mexico, and brought his talents to the U.S. in 2017 when he joined the Protection Design team. With a solid foundation in AutoCAD, Revit, and modeling technologies, Sergio plays a key role in coordinating fire protection system designs, including underground piping, sprinkler layouts, Fire Pump modeling and Standpipe systems. His skill set has expanded to include hydraulic calculations, fire flow analysis, seismic bracing calculation and hands-on construction management—making him a vital asset on every project he touches. Before relocating, Sergio served as a Project and Construction Manager in Mexico, leading residential, educational, and public infrastructure builds from the ground up. Outside of work, he is a fitness enthusiast, loves live music and is always up for some quality time with his family and friends. Sergio brings energy, creativity, and a can-do spirit to everything he does.

Dante Vallina M.

Senior Associate Director, Design and Project Manager
LinkedIn
Dante@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 106

After receiving his degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering from the Technical Institute of Tijuana, Dante spent 25 years in MEP engineering and contracting, including 11 years of heavy industrial projects and 3 years of intensive experience with hospital and healthcare facilities throughout Mexico. Since joining Protection Design in 2005, Dante has worked in drafting, layout, design and hydraulic modeling of water-based fire protection systems both in AutoCad and Revit. As a design technician and job captain his work experience includes industrial, educational, institutional and residential projects in the USA and Mexico.

Miguel Heyer

Project Manager
Miguel@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 104

Miguel holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from ITESO, a university in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he built a strong foundation in architectural design and construction management. Before transitioning into fire protection, he gained valuable experience in architectural projects that shaped his ability to approach building systems with a holistic perspective. For the past 8+ years, Miguel has specialized in fire sprinkler projects, serving as both a designer and project manager. His work ranges from detailed sprinkler layouts to overseeing project coordination and execution, ensuring systems meet code requirements while aligning with the overall building design. His combined background in architecture and fire protection allows him to bridge design intent with technical performance, bringing unique value to the Protection Design team. Outside of work, Miguel has developed a passion for design, enjoys playing chess and golf, and takes part in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Fernando Lozano

Design Technician
LinkedIn
Fernando@protectiondesign.com T: 619 255 8964, ext: 117

Fernando is a civil engineer with a strong background in fire protection system design. Since joining Protection Design & Consulting in 2019, he has specialized in developing fire sprinkler systems for schools, residential buildings, and high-rise projects. His expertise includes underground layouts, sway brace calculations, and fire pump design, with proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software. A graduate of UABC in Baja California, Mexico (Class of 2017), Fernando is committed to delivering precise, reliable, and code-compliant designs that support safety and efficiency across all project types. Outside of his professional work, Fernando is an avid endurance athlete who has completed multiple half-marathons and an Ironman 70.3. Always motivated by new challenges—whether in design, sports, or everyday life—he brings the same energy and determination to every project he takes on.

Juan Castaneda

Design Technician
T: 619 255 8964, ext: 112

Juan brings precision, passion, and a whole lot of personality to the world of civil engineering. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UABC in 2018, Juan jumped into structural design—analyzing and engineering steel, concrete, and wood elements for both residential and commercial buildings. He’s also tackled large-scale industrial work, serving as a cost analyst on complex projects like gasification plants. In recent years, Juan has expanded his expertise on fire protection systems, modeling sprinkler systems in Revit and AutoCAD; and performing hydraulic calculations using HASS software to determine systems pipe sizing. His meticulous and multidisciplinary approach allows him to provide efficient, NFPA standard-compliant, and well-integrated Fire Protection document sets. With a vision for growth and continuous improvement, Juan earned a Master's degree in Construction Management from ITC Mexico, where he strengthened his skills in leadership, project management, and strategic decision-making. Outside of his professional life, Juan finds balance in his hobbies: he is a collector of Formula 1 model cars, a golf, a baseball and a football fan. These hobbies allow him to maintain a focused, competitive, and disciplined mindset, qualities he also brings to his practice.

Kevyn Soto

Design Technician
T: 619 255 8964, ext: 112

Kevyn earned his Civil Engineering degree from UABC in Baja California, Mexico in 2017—and hasn’t slowed down since. Before joining the PD&C team in 2020, he worked on geotechnical analyses for major highway projects throughout Mexico and helped design essential sewer and water supply systems for his local county water authority. These days, Kevyn brings that technical expertise to life at PD&C, where he performs complex hydraulic calculations and models a variety of fire protection systems with precision and creativity. He’s a pro with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Inclinalysis, HASS, Bluebeam, and the full Office suite. But when he’s not engineering systems, Kevyn is engineering adventures. He’s a passionate world traveler, always chasing his next passport stamp. He loves hitting the open road on his motorcycle, spending time with friends and family, pumping iron at the gym, and pounding pavement in marathons across the map. Whether he’s on a job site or at the finish line, Kevyn is always moving forward.

Karen Lara

Design Technician

Karen earned her Construction Technician degree in 2017 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana in 2023. She has 2 years of experience in the design of special systems installations, including CCTV, voice and data, access control, fire alarm systems, intrusion alarms, and fire protection systems. She has worked on mixed-use, industrial, residential, and hospital projects using software such as AutoCAD, Revit MEP, and SketchUp. Currently, she works as a BIM Designer at Aqua Fire Engineering. In her free time, she enjoys taking Latin dance classes.

Carolina Chávez

Design Technician

Passionate about design and innovation, Carolina graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico. With over 8 years of experience, she has worked on a variety of residential and commercial projects, contributing both to the creative design process and on-site supervision. She stands out in design development and 3D modeling to enhance project visualization, using software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Lumion, and D5 Render. During this time, she has collaborated on projects based in San Diego, CA, serving as a BIM Architect and 3D Artist, developing conceptual designs and permit sets. Carolina has always been committed to professional growth and continuously expanding her skills and knowledge, which led her to join the Aqua Fire team.

Stephen M. Leyton

Founder and President
T: 619 255 8964, ext 102
Steve began his career in 1981 on the design/build side of the fire sprinkler industry and founded Protection Design in 1995 to focus on Architectural as well as Contractor clients. Affiliations include membership in NFPA, International Code Council (ICC), American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), California Fire Prevention Officers Northern and Southern Sections, and the San Diego Fire Protection Association. He is a principal member of the NFPA13 Technical Committee for Residential Sprinklers and Chairman of the NFPA14 Technical Committee for Standpipe systems. He also served as Chair of the installation committee for the California State Fire Marshal’s 2009 Residential Sprinkler Code Adoption Task Group and as Co-Chair of the ICC Ad-Hoc Committee on Residential Fire Sprinklers in 2005. Steve has worked on a wide range of residential, commercial/industrial, institutional and high-rise projects in the USA, Mexico and Asia.

Brent J. Kearney

Vice President, Director of Design & Project Management
T: 619 255 8964, ext 109
Brent began drafting in AutoCad at age 14, and joined Protection Design in 2006. His professional growth in the fire protection industry encompasses all aspects of fire protection system design and project management, including 3D fire sprinkler system design and BIM coordination in Revit and Navisworks. His foresight and planning expertise help to guide clients to efficient and strategic solutions to code and design challenges. His extensive knowledge of the NFPA wet-pipe standards (13, 13D, 13R, 14, 20 and 24) lend themselves to projects in all formats and occupancies including large scale tenant improvements, medium and high density residential communities, educational, historical and institutional projects. Elevated to Design Manager in 2015, Brent has crafted an extraordinary working relationship with demanding jurisdictional authorities such as California Division of the State Architect (DSA) and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). Brent is also a key member of our On-Site Services team with special expertise in MIC and impairment remediation.

Patti Atwell

Director of Operations
T: 619 255 8964, ext 100
Patti comes to PD&C with a background in construction management, procedure and policy development, HR compliance, financial oversight, and front office administration, Patti brings both strategic insight and practical execution to PD&C. Patti is known for clear communication, accountability, and maintaining high standards of professionalism in fast-paced environments. With extensive experience in operations management, client relations, compliance, and organizational leadership. Patti specializes in creating structured systems, improving communication workflows, and ensuring operational accuracy across projects. Outside of her professional work, Patti is an avid baseball fan and enjoys watching all MLB. Patti and her husband enjoy their 3 kids and 2 grand kiddos also their furry kids-Boxer Ruby and Golden Retriever Lana.

Sergio A. Vallina

Design & Project Manager
T: 619 255 8964, ext 111
Energetic, driven, a detail-oriented, Sergio is a Civil Engineer with a passion for design, construction, and turning challenges into solutions. He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from UABC in Baja California, Mexico, and brought his talents to the U.S. in 2017 when he joined the Protection Design team. With a solid foundation in AutoCAD, Revit, and modeling technologies, Sergio plays a key role in coordinating fire protection system designs, including underground piping, sprinkler layouts, Fire Pump modeling and Standpipe systems. His skill set has expanded to include hydraulic calculations, fire flow analysis, seismic bracing calculation and hands-on construction management—making him a vital asset on every project he touches. Before relocating, Sergio served as a Project and Construction Manager in Mexico, leading residential, educational, and public infrastructure builds from the ground up. Outside of work, he is a fitness enthusiast, loves live music and is always up for some quality time with his family and friends. Sergio brings energy, creativity, and a can-do spirit to everything he does.

Dante Vallina M.

Senior Associate Director, Design and Project Manager
T: 619 255 8964, ext 106
After receiving his degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering from the Technical Institute of Tijuana, Dante spent 25 years in MEP engineering and contracting, including 11 years of heavy industrial projects and 3 years of intensive experience with hospital and healthcare facilities throughout Mexico. Since joining Protection Design in 2005, Dante has worked in drafting, layout, design and hydraulic modeling of water-based fire protection systems both in AutoCad and Revit. As a design technician and job captain his work experience includes industrial, educational, institutional and residential projects in the USA and Mexico.

Miguel Heyer

Project Manager
T: 619 255 8964, ext 104
Miguel holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from ITESO, a university in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he built a strong foundation in architectural design and construction management. Before transitioning into fire protection, he gained valuable experience in architectural projects that shaped his ability to approach building systems with a holistic perspective. For the past 8+ years, Miguel has specialized in fire sprinkler projects, serving as both a designer and project manager. His work ranges from detailed sprinkler layouts to overseeing project coordination and execution, ensuring systems meet code requirements while aligning with the overall building design. His combined background in architecture and fire protection allows him to bridge design intent with technical performance, bringing unique value to the Protection Design team. Outside of work, Miguel has developed a passion for design, enjoys playing chess and golf, and takes part in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Fernando Lozano

Design Technician
T: 619 255 8964, ext 117
Fernando is a civil engineer with a strong background in fire protection system design. Since joining Protection Design & Consulting in 2019, he has specialized in developing fire sprinkler systems for schools, residential buildings, and high-rise projects. His expertise includes underground layouts, sway brace calculations, and fire pump design, with proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software. A graduate of UABC in Baja California, Mexico (Class of 2017), Fernando is committed to delivering precise, reliable, and code-compliant designs that support safety and efficiency across all project types. Outside of his professional work, Fernando is an avid endurance athlete who has completed multiple half-marathons and an Ironman 70.3. Always motivated by new challenges—whether in design, sports, or everyday life—he brings the same energy and determination to every project he takes on.

Juan Castaneda

Design Technician
T: 619 255 8964, ext 112
Juan brings precision, passion, and a whole lot of personality to the world of civil engineering. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UABC in 2018, Juan jumped into structural design—analyzing and engineering steel, concrete, and wood elements for both residential and commercial buildings. He’s also tackled large-scale industrial work, serving as a cost analyst on complex projects like gasification plants. In recent years, Juan has expanded his expertise on fire protection systems, modeling sprinkler systems in Revit and AutoCAD; and performing hydraulic calculations using HASS software to determine systems pipe sizing. His meticulous and multidisciplinary approach allows him to provide efficient, NFPA standard-compliant, and well-integrated Fire Protection document sets. With a vision for growth and continuous improvement, Juan earned a Master's degree in Construction Management from ITC Mexico, where he strengthened his skills in leadership, project management, and strategic decision-making. Outside of his professional life, Juan finds balance in his hobbies: he is a collector of Formula 1 model cars, a golf, a baseball and a football fan. These hobbies allow him to maintain a focused, competitive, and disciplined mindset, qualities he also brings to his practice.

Kevyn Soto

Design Technician
T: 619 255 8964, ext 112
Kevyn earned his Civil Engineering degree from UABC in Baja California, Mexico in 2017—and hasn’t slowed down since. Before joining the PD&C team in 2020, he worked on geotechnical analyses for major highway projects throughout Mexico and helped design essential sewer and water supply systems for his local county water authority. These days, Kevyn brings that technical expertise to life at PD&C, where he performs complex hydraulic calculations and models a variety of fire protection systems with precision and creativity. He’s a pro with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Inclinalysis, HASS, Bluebeam, and the full Office suite. But when he’s not engineering systems, Kevyn is engineering adventures. He’s a passionate world traveler, always chasing his next passport stamp. He loves hitting the open road on his motorcycle, spending time with friends and family, pumping iron at the gym, and pounding pavement in marathons across the map. Whether he’s on a job site or at the finish line, Kevyn is always moving forward.

Karen Lara

Design Technician
Karen earned her Construction Technician degree in 2017 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana in 2023. She has 2 years of experience in the design of special systems installations, including CCTV, voice and data, access control, fire alarm systems, intrusion alarms, and fire protection systems. She has worked on mixed-use, industrial, residential, and hospital projects using software such as AutoCAD, Revit MEP, and SketchUp. Currently, she works as a BIM Designer at Aqua Fire Engineering. In her free time, she enjoys taking Latin dance classes.

Carolina Chávez

Design Technician
Passionate about design and innovation, Carolina graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico. With over 8 years of experience, she has worked on a variety of residential and commercial projects, contributing both to the creative design process and on-site supervision. She stands out in design development and 3D modeling to enhance project visualization, using software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Lumion, and D5 Render. During this time, she has collaborated on projects based in San Diego, CA, serving as a BIM Architect and 3D Artist, developing conceptual designs and permit sets. Carolina has always been committed to professional growth and continuously expanding her skills and knowledge, which led her to join the Aqua Fire team.