PETER BOARDMAN
DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
A reputation for innovation and delivering first-class structural engineering solutions. Over the past 40+ years I’ve worked on projects in New Zealand, Australia, Nepal and around the pacific, including Fiji, PNG and Samoa.
My focus is on working with others in the design team to get a really good solution to each project on which I’m engaged. Where appropriate, that means pushing the boundaries by thinking about things in a new way. It also means designing buildable solutions - important because it can be incredibly costly if extensive redesign is required once construction is underway. Keeping abreast of new technology and ideas allows me, and my team, to stay ahead.
My in-depth experience, as a result of my 40+ years as a structural engineer, means I’ve come across many of the problems facing my clients today and, more importantly, many great solutions. This means you get the benefit of my ability to take what’s been done before and to either build on it or to come up with something even better.
My key skills include problem solving, conceptual engineering and construction engineering. My approach to working with my clients and partners is collaborative. I listen well, respond and contribute to project teams - I’m not a silent partner. My approach to working with my team at Structure Design is to give them goals and to let them find their own way there, while at the same time supporting and pushing them.
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Key projects on which I’ve been involved include:
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Te Papa. I worked with a great team and, at the time, the engineering on this building was sharp. It remains a good building today.
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A number of buildings for the University of Auckland as part of its rebuild.
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Two projects in Papua New Guinea - the Taurama Aquatics Centre and the Rita Flyn Netball Centre, which will be completed in time for the 2015 Pacific Games. Our strong team won these projects over international stadium experts.
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I set up Structure Design in 1998 after spending over 20 years at Holmes Consulting Group.
If you’re looking for an experienced structural engineer for your project, please get in touch.
Qualifications:
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A Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (1st Class Honours) University of Canterbury
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Chartered Professional Engineer, New Zealand
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Member of New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering
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Member of New Zealand Structural Engineering Society
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Elected Fellow of Institution of Professional Engineers
ASHLEY SMITH
ASHLEY SMITH
DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
With 40 years’ experience in New Zealand, the UK, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and PNG. I have led the structural team on multiple high-rise and long-span structures including buildings, sculptures and stadia.
I provide strategic advice to architects, developers, building owners and managers and contractors around how to set up their building design to ensure it meets their needs. If you’re looking for strategic structural engineering input you’ll benefit from my experience and knowledge of the most efficient way to organise a structure to achieve a specific set of objectives. I also manage our structural engineering team, design the structures for new buildings and assess and strengthen existing ones.
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My approach is to begin projects without a preconceived view of how things should be done, instead ensuring I understand the owner and architects’ specific objectives for that project. I then provide advice around how best to organise the structure to suit.
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You can expect open-mindedness and teamwork - everyone has different knowledge and experience and I believe in leveraging this to get the right outcome.
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I will help to steer you in the right direction and will deliver technically. You can be confident that my team’s structural solutions are both feasible and efficient and that we can solve original challenges with no precedent. For example, we are currently designing the structure for a 100m long sculpture that can only be supported in the middle. When placed at Gibbs Farm it needs to look like it’s fallen into position. I also regularly work as an expert witness to help resolve disputes for government agencies, local bodies, insurance companies, building owners and construction companies.
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Project highlights include:
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The Downtown Ferry Basin Redevelopment for Auckland Transport, which is being constructed ahead of the 2021 America’s Cup. Our structural engineering innovation and expertise has enabled a striking yet functional design for new ferry berths, gangways and gangway shelters along the western edge of Queens Wharf; together with alterations to the existing Ferry Terminal Building.
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Ravenscar House in central Christchurch; a grand residence/museum that will house one of New Zealand’s most important private collections of fine arts, sculpture and furniture. We worked with Patterson Associates Architects to design this important building and have protected it against future earthquakes on a base-isolated platform above the basement car park. Earthquake demolition rubble from 2011 was used in the aggregate to make the precast concrete roof and wall panels.
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The Rita Flyn Netball Centre, a $30m international level facility with seating capacity for 3,000 people, developed for the 2015 Pacific Games held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. We were involved right from the outset and agreed with the architect how to best set up the structure before he had developed his designs, important given that his vision was to make the structure part of the architecture. We delivered comprehensive documentation and the project ran smoothly.
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Century Tower in Tokyo. Norman Foster was the architect and his outstanding design meant we had to design a huge floor area without any columns. The structural skeleton was to be exposed and needed to look great as well as perform in the event of an earthquake.
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The Vero Centre. This iconic Auckland landmark continues to perform well and has no trouble attracting high caliber commercial and office tenants.
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As an expert witness, I was joint investigator for DBH (now MBIE) into the collapses of the CTV Building in Christchurch, appearing at the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission. I also investigated and reported on the Stadium Southland roof collapse in Invercargill, and problems with the initial construction of the Vector Arena roof structure in Auckland.
Qualifications:
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Master of Engineering (Civil) University of Auckland
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Member of New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering
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Past President and Life Member of New Zealand Structural Engineering Society
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International Professional Engineer (NZ)
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Chartered Professional Engineer
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Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers (NZ)
JON HAAGH
JON HAAGH
DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
Director and senior structural engineer, with 20 years’ experience in New Zealand and the UK. I have led design for a range of structures - from educational and sculptural projects to multi-storey commercial, residential, retirement and carpark buildings.
I provide innovative structural engineering input that stands the test of time to projects for developers, architects, building owners and contractors who:
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are designing or developing a new building
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are planning alterations to an existing building
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have received advice from their local Council about the seismic grading of their building.
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My diverse experience on a range of different building types from educational centres and large-scale commercial through to multi-storey residential means I can work up solutions to complicated problems. This sometimes involves finding new and better ways of doing things.'
If you choose to work with me you can expect me to communicate clearly and regularly with everyone in the design team to make sure that:
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I understand your desired outcomes
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I meet these as well as agreed timeframes, and
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my work is coordinated with that of the architect
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Examples of my work, that demonstrate this innovation include:
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Waiparuru Hall - Jon led the structural design of the largest catered school leaver hall in New Zealand, which was opened in 2020. It will be home to 786 residents across two towers. To improve structural performance and increase future flexibility, SDL advocated for the post-tensioned floors to be used in lieu of tradition beam and slab construction, which was further researched and accepted by the contractor.
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The Diocesan School for Girls Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Auckland. The development of post- tensioned timber box beams helped Structure Design win a design excellence award at the 2009 Timber Design awards.
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Edition Parnell - Elegant Apartment Building with a Structural Solution that Maximises Views, Number of Storeys, and enabled Open Plan Layouts. We were engaged to deliver the full structural design and review construction of this new eight-storey high-end residential apartment building located on a steeply sloping site with six storeys of apartments over two storeys of basement carparking. The building is built into a steep slope, the maximum slope retaining is 4 storeys tall, and the foundations are anchored below the water table. At ground level the footprint pulls in from the edge of the level above, giving the impression that the top of the building is floating. To achieved this, a cantilevering post-tensioned (PT) transfer slab has been designed to support the levels above. The soffit of the transfer slab is exposed to view, incorporating a textured finish from rough sawn timber formwork. Concrete shearwalls have been kept to the core of the building, enabling the views to be maximized and allowing an open plan apartment layout.
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Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Hons), 2000
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Member NZ Structural Engineering Society
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Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
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International Professional Engineer (IntPE)
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Member, Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (MIPENZ)
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Member, Structural Engineering Society New Zealand (SESOC)
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Member, New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE)
BRENDAN DONNELL
ENGINEER
Senior structural engineer, with more than 20 years’ experience in New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. I have experience of designing a range of structures - from commercial, industrial and multi-storey residential buildings to medical facilities, liquid retaining structures, power plants, educational and community facilities and sports stadia.
I am passionate about delivering successful projects that help clients to thrive and, ultimately, benefit the wider community.
This involves working with clients to overcome both conceptual and detailed problems; finding ways to strengthen old buildings cheaply and cunningly, providing architects with great designs with the minimum of hassle, helping contractors build as quickly and easily as possible, peer-reviewing large engineering firms’ work and meeting deadlines.
I enjoy using the architect’s or client’s design objectives to drive innovation in the structure. Technical challenges excite me because they force me to do things in a new or smarter way. Both these things allow us to achieve a legacy. For example, on the University of Auckland’s Engineering School project, I collaborated closely with the design team to achieve an aesthetic result in the structural steelwork detailing, as well as structural performance.
For the Mercy Hospital redevelopment project we were asked to assist with design of seismic restraints for the fitout and building services, in addition to the structural design work that we had initially been engaged for. Due to the highly congested services routes in corridors, we researched and adopted an innovative and cost-effective framing product that could provide support to multiple services on one frame, and did not require diagonal bracing. It was the first time the contractor had used it, but by the end of the project they were convinced it was a good idea and planned to use it on their next job.
If you work with me you can expect a good quality design, delivered to the agreed programme, and clear communication throughout the process. I start by listening and really understanding what you want to achieve and then am methodical in the way I plan and execute my work both in terms of design and communication back to the client and to the wider project team. I talk to the architect to understand which aspects of their design are sorted and which are in flux so I can maintain flexibility for areas still being worked through. This results in a smoother, quicker process by minimising re-work.
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The University of Auckland’s Engineering School is a key recent project of mine; other career highlights include:
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Mercy Ascot Hospital redevelopment, including 10 new operating theatres, wards, and intensive care units.
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Jervois Rd apartments; 5 storeys of luxury apartments built over a 3-storey basement. What a view! The client now has us working on a similar scale apartment building next door.
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Mangere Arts Centre, a hub for arts & culture in South Auckland.
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Designing foundations for the iconic Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
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Working in the Solomon Islands on a number of aid infrastructure projects. The country had suffered from ethnic conflict which had decimated the construction industry, so working with locals to help the industry recover and upskill was really rewarding.
Qualifications:
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Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
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International Professional Engineer (IntPE)
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Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), University of Auckland
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Executive Member, Engineers for Social Responsibility
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Associate Professional Certificate in Safety in Design, University of Sydney
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Chartered Member, Engineering New Zealand (CMEngNZ)
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Member, Structural Engineering Society of New Zealand
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Member, New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering
GABRIELA TUFARE
ENGINEER
Senior Structural Engineer & Qualified Architect with over 20 years of combined international experience across New Zealand and Spain. Experienced in the design of residential and commercial buildings, long-span pedestrian bridges, sculptures, seismic assessment and strengthening of existing structures.
My dual background bridges the gap between architectural vision and structural design, enabling a holistic, problem-solving approach. This background has given me an understanding of both perspectives and means I find ways of delivering structures that complement and enhance the architect’s vision.
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You can expect me to adopt a problem-solving approach to your project.
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Every development brings new challenges and I enjoy working with the wider project team to identify the best solution.
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Project highlights include:
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In Spain I worked on the structural design of many different types of projects, ranging from office and residential buildings, sporting facilities, hotels and schools.
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Probably the most challenging and interesting one was the Water Park project for the Zaragoza International Exhibition.
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Some of the most significant projects I have been involved in NZ are:
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Simplicity project: Reiputa Building A & C.​
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Simplicity Project: Waiatarua - Ascot Avenue Building C.​
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33m long aluminium gangways - Downtown Ferry Redevelopment project. ​
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Elm Street, a Kainga Ora development of 6-8 storey blocks in timber.​
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Several high-end architectural residential projects.
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Atrium building of the University of Auckland Engineering School.​
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Anglesea Medical Centre in Hamilton, a 2 storey building with steel frame and CLT floors.
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Qualifications:
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Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)​​
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Chartered Member, Engineering New Zealand (CMEngNZ)​
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International Professional Engineer IntPE(NZ), APEC Engineer​
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Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering – FPC, Barcelona, Spain​
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Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture – UNLP Argentina​​​​
MAHMOUD RAFIENEZHAD
MAHMOUD RAFIENEZHAD
ENGINEER
Experienced Structural Engineer with a passion for both sustainable engineering and innovative design. I have over 12 years’ experience designing residential and commercial structures (including multiple high-rise buildings), bridges and undertaking seismic assessments.
I am a registered producer statement author for high-risk projects with Auckland Council, which means I ensure high-risk projects comply with the Building Code.
I love problem-solving, which is why I relish working on complex projects. They allow me to combine my practical experience and research in order to develop new ideas that achieve a specific goal – be it to speed up construction, create more usable space, or play to individual contractors’ strengths.
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As technical lead at my last company, I trained young engineers from around the country and supported them on their projects. This experience has given me a really good understanding of the construction practice and market throughout New Zealand.
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Project highlights include:
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Summerset Halfmoon Bay Retirement Village, Auckland is 43,000m2 GFA development up to 8 storeys highs. It compromises of basement carparks, landscape podium floors, public amenity areas, apartments and care units. We provided strategic advice regarding enabling works and staging as well as design and construction monitoring of the building structures.
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The Pacifica, Albert Street. I was the lead designer on this 57-storey structure, the tallest residential building in New Zealand. My role included delivering the column design package and the 6-7 storeys of transition structure.
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The 12-16 Wakefield Street DSA. I undertook a detailed seismic assessment and strengthening design of this 18-storey tower. The complexity of the building and construction restraints required complex analysis skills, innovative design and a close collaboration with the contractor.
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VOCO and Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 58 Albert Street. I peer reviewed the design of this 39-storey apartment in Auckland CBD and signed off the Producer Statement (PS2) submitted for Building Consent. Given the height of the building and the location in the heart of Auckland, high-risk register was required by Auckland Council to review the design to ensure NZ Building Code compliance.
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Qualifications:
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Registered Producer Statement Author for High-Risk Projects (Auckland Council)
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Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng, CMEngNZ)
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International Professional Engineer (IntPE(NZ), APEC Engineer)
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Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering
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Bachelor of Engineering in Civil/Structural Engineering
LEON YANG
ENGINEER
Structural Engineer with over 7 years of New Zealand experience. I have been involved in the designs of a wide variety of structures – including Educational, Public, Healthcare, Retirement Villages, industrial projects, and high-end residential projects.
Additionally, I have extensive experience conducting seismic assessments and designing seismic strengthening solutions across New Zealand.
I’m passionate about bringing ideas to life. It’s a great feeling when I help make creative architectural designs into reality.
I have designed timber, concrete, and steel structures, as well as hybrid combinations, for a diverse range of satisfied clients. My approach prioritizes constructability, ensuring practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet each client’s needs.
I will collaborate closely with the architect to deliver your desired solution. This process requires clear, timely communication and the ability to develop buildable, well-coordinated designs that minimize potential onsite complications. My approach prioritizes strong relationships with all project stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for the project.
With a Master of Business Management (MBM), I bring a strong commercial focus to structural engineering, ensuring that technical solutions align with financial and project objectives. My understanding of business strategy, cost management, and risk assessment enables me to contribute to projects not only from an engineering perspective but also with a keen awareness of budget constraints, value engineering, and overall project profitability.
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Experience highlights include:
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Northcote Community Center Redevelopment
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Elizabeth Knox - Totara Development
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Metlifecare Clevedon Otua Ridge Village
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Karewa Medical Center - Te Rapa
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Construction Monitoring of Mercy Ascot Hospital
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DSA and ISA for Sanford Ltd
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Taco Bell Botany - Restaurant Brands
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Hinaki and Greenslade Development - NZ Living​
Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
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Master of Business Management (with Distinction)
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Member of Structural Engineering Society New Zealand (SESOC)
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Member of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (MEngNZ)
RACHELLE RAVARA
ENGINEER
Chartered structural engineer with 14 years’ experience designing new structures, conducting seismic structural assessments and designing strengthening for existing structures. As well as extensive experience in New Zealand, I’ve also worked in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
RACHELLE RAVARA
I’m passionate about making the world a safer place to live and believe I can contribute by designing cost-effective, sustainable, buildable and robust structures.
I enjoy working together with architects and other specialists to ensure each structure works with the architecture and solving problems. Every structure is different and so I’m continually learning and developing solutions to new challenges.
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You can expect me to keep your project scope and requirements at the forefront of my mind when designing your structure. I am flexible and will provide options if needed, collaborating closely with your project team to ensure your project is delivered on time and within budget. It’s important that you know the status of your project and are aware of any holdups, which is why I provide regular job status updates.
Project highlights include:
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139 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland – I have been involved from the Detailed Design Phase through to the Construction Stage of a five-story high-end apartment building with a three-level basement car park. Given the project’s complexity, we encountered various on-site challenges, for which I contributed to developing effective solutions.
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Blind Foundation Workshop Building, Parnell, Auckland – I have been involved in the seismic improvement of a circa 1926 concrete and unreinforced masonry brick building. As with many heritage structures with limited documentation, developing structural strengthening details presented significant challenges, which I helped resolve.
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SPCA Hobsonville - I was involved in the renovation of the existing SPCA building in Hobsonville from concept to construction stage, where my work included the structural design of concrete works for new slabs and foundations. I carried out the assessment and strengthening of roof parapets, and was responsible for the design of timber structural elements outside the scope of NZS 3604. Additionally, I provided detailed design for the seismic restraint of non-structural elements such as ceilings, partitions, bulkheads, and mechanical services.
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MLC Somervale, MLC Clevedon Amenities and Care Building - I have designed the seismic restraints of non-structural elements such as ceilings, partitions, and services.
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Bupa Foxbridge Retirement Village and Care Home, Te Rapa. I designed the structures for these 4-storey apartment and 3-storey care facility buildings, which are seismically separated. I worked closely, and built strong relationships, with the client, the architect and the other consultants.
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Mason Apartments Stage 2 (Blocks 4 & 5), Otahuhu, Auckland. My tasks involved designing the structures and undertaking construction monitoring for two 4-storey apartment buildings. I worked directly with the client, providing them with options and being flexible. I also provided solutions to issues that arose on site, developing a good working relationship with both the client and contractor.
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Qualifications:
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Chartered Professional Engineer, New Zealand
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International Professional Engineer
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Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Structures)
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Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
X.H.(HANS) WANG
X.H.(Hans) WANG
ENGINEER
Senior structural engineer with over 19 years’ experience designing residential, commercial, and innovative structures in New Zealand and China. These include stadia, high-rise towers, low to medium rise apartment blocks, retail and industrial buildings, long-span pedestrian bridges and sculptures.
I also have an in-depth knowledge of earthquake engineering and have been involved in numerous seismic assessments and strengthening projects for existing buildings.
You can expect me to develop practical structural solutions for your project. I will simplify the design to minimise mistakes, and make it easy to consent, build and maintain. My approach is collaborative – I build strong working relationships with other project parties, sharing ideas and working together to resolve any issues that may arise.
I’ve worked with a range of materials including pre-cast concrete and aluminium, but the materials I most enjoy designing with are structural steel and timber as these materials allow me to develop creative solutions to connect the various elements together.
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Project highlights include:
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Seismic strengthening of the Rydges Hotel complex in Queenstown using rock anchors for the lateral system and CFRP for floor diaphragms.
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Structural design 36-meter-span mass timber beams for Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Sydney. These are the longest free-spanning mass timber beams in Australasia. Each beam consists of a 1.8-meter-deep composite section with a concealed spliced joint, making the finished beam appear as a single piece of timber.
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Structural design of an 8-storey volumetric modular apartment in Wellington, comprising 80 prefabricated modules stacked “LEGO-like.” This innovative structural system is the first of its kind in highly seismic regions, designed to dissipate energy during seismic events without damaging the modules. I standardized all the modules to make them easy to fabricate, transport, and erect.
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North Stand structure design of Forsyth Barr Stadium. The project is Dunedin’s NZ$198 million major sports facility with a seating capacity of 30,000, scheduled for completion in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
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Structural analysis and design of a 450-meter super high-rise building in China, comprising Grade A offices, serviced apartments, and luxury hotels.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Engineering in Structural Engineering
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Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand
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Chartered Professional Engineer, New Zealand