About Survey Works
Survey Works is a professional land surveying firm based in Austin, Texas, specializing in complex commercial, civil, and infrastructure projects across Central Texas. With over 15 years of field-tested experience, we partner with developers, engineers, utility companies, architects, and public agencies to deliver accurate, high-efficiency surveying solutions. We align with your goals from day one, applying our CRAFT values – Candor, Rigor, Approachability, Focus, and Trust – to ensure clear communication, dependable timelines, and defensible data.
We understand that ordering a survey can sometimes be confusing, which is completely normal. At Survey Works, we walk you through the process and help you understand what you are getting and why you need it. Whether you need high-resolution topographic mapping for site development or ALTA surveys for a multi-acre commercial acquisition, we deliver the precision and professionalism that complex projects demand. We adhere to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors’ standards and are trusted throughout the industry for dependable, detail-oriented results.
Survey Works LLC • TBPLS Firm No. 10194157
Survey Works Team
Owner and Founder
Derek Kinsaul
Derek Kinsaul, RPLS, is the founder of Survey Works with 30 years of experience and a BA in Geomatics from Troy University. He specializes in client relationships and enjoys the variety of people and stories the surveying world brings his way. Originally from the Southeast, he now calls Austin home—and keeps our team focused, steady, and always moving forward.
Operations Manager
Coby Michalek, SIT
Coby is our Survey Operations Manager, blending project management know-how with a passion for helping clients (and teammates) see the bigger picture. With roots in Henderson, TX and a guitar always nearby, he brings precision, purpose, and just a hint of adventure to everything he does.
Project Manager
Jad Duplechain, RPLS
With 18 years of surveying experience and licenses in Texas and Colorado, Jad specializes in project management, boundary, and topographic surveys. He’s known for his sharp eye during records research and steady leadership on complex jobs. Outside of work, you’ll find him biking, cooking, or enjoying live music in Dripping Springs.
Construction Manager
Rick Kinsaul, PLS
Rick is a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensed in Alabama with 42 years of experience in the field. Over the course of his career, he has owned and operated a land surveying firm and later led the survey department for a regional civil engineering company. At Survey Works, Rick serves as Construction Manager, where his deep industry knowledge and meticulous attention to detail make him a key asset on complex construction workflows. Outside of work, Rick is an accomplished guitarist.
Crew Coordinator
Josh Zdrodowski, SIT
With a background in Natural Resource Management and five years at Survey Works, Josh leads field crew scheduling and client coordination. He brings a problem-solver’s mindset to every project, treating each one like a unique puzzle. Originally from Michigan, Josh now calls Austin home after time in Salt Lake City.
Senior Survey Technician
Erik Olden, SIT
Erik has 10 years of surveying experience and a BS in GIS from Texas State, specializing in drafting topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, and subdivision plats. He’s known for his problem-solving skills and team-first mindset. Outside of work, he enjoys leatherworking and annual camping trips to Colorado.
Project Manager, UAS Pilot, Technician
Byron Bragg, SIT
Byron combines expertise in LiDAR, drafting, and project management with a BS in Mathematics from Texas State. He’s driven by the blend of tech and the outdoors, especially in projects like the Rio Grande LiDAR survey. With five years at Survey Works, he brings precision and versatility to every job.
Office Manager
Pamela Stearns
Pamela has led business administration and client services at Survey Works since 2018, bringing a background in sales and a degree from the University of Memphis. She’s passionate about guiding clients through the process and staying connected to Austin’s growth. Outside the office, she enjoys time with her nine grandchildren — all local to Austin.