
JENEEVAN GUNABALASINGAM
JENEEVAN GUNABALASINGAM
ENGINEER
Structural engineer with 12 years’ experience in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, infrastructure and oil & gas projects in Singapore and New Zealand. I’ve primarily worked with concrete and structural steel but, since moving to New Zealand, have started designing timber structures.
I’m passionate about learning and overcoming challenges, which is what led me to pursue structural engineering as a career. I enjoy solving problems and seeing my work brought to life in the form of a finished structure.
A good listener, you can expect me to understand your objectives and key drivers and to deliver a design that meets your needs. I am able to draw on my experience designing different types of structures to produce designs that will work for your particular project.
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Project highlights include:
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Metlifecare Somervale (Tauranga) - Design of three storey ‘T’ shaped building made of reinforced concrete, structural steel and mass timber. Raft foundation of the building is designed for earthquake induced liquefaction.
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Mitre10 Waihi truss and frame factory - Design of 2100 m2 factory building with portal frames spanning 44m. Portal frames and factory floor are supported on timber piles.
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TCC Courts Conversion - Seismic strengthening design to convert IL2 commercial building into IL3 sports complex. The building comprises of reinforced concrete basement and steel super-structure.
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Panepane Wharf replacement for Western Bay of Plenty District Council - Design of 50m long and 2m wide jetty platform and 15m long and 3m wide staircase supported by steel piles. Super-structure is made of Aluminium and sub-structure is made of structural steel.
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Kopar at Newton (Singapore) - Design of two 22 storey towers and basement carpark. Towers involved precast, prefabricated, volumetric construction method. Towers and basement structure are supported by driven piles.
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Whistler Grand (Singapore) - Design of two 36 storey towers and basement capark. Towers involved precast, prefabricated, volumetric construction method. Towers are supported by bored piles and basement structure is supported by driven piles.
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Qualifications:
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Master of Science in Civil Engineering
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Bachelor of Science in Engineering with Honours - Minor in Structural Engineering
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Chartered member of Engineering New Zealand (CMEngNZ)
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Chartered Engineer (CEng) of Engineering Council (UK)
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Member (MISTRUCTE) of the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK)
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Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)

JOHN PFLUKE
JOHN PFLUKE
ENGINEER
As a Structural Engineer with over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of designing a diverse array of structures across New Zealand and Europe. My passion lies in finding innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, ensuring that our designs are meticulously thought through and seamlessly coordinated with the entire design team – embracing the philosophy of “measure twice, cut once.”
The aspect of my work I find most rewarding is collaborating closely with architects and builders to deliver exceptional results for our clients. I have led numerous projects, ensuring that each one meets the highest standards of design and construction. My expertise allows me to blend creativity with precision engineering, transforming architectural visions into resilient, tangible structures.
My commitment extends beyond the design phase; I am deeply involved in overseeing the on-site engineering components throughout the construction process. This hands-on approach ensures that the design intent is faithfully translated into reality, addressing any engineering intricacies that arise. Witnessing a project evolve from concept to completion is immensely rewarding, and I take pride in delivering fully realized, structurally sound masterpieces.
When you work with me, you can expect a collaborative and communicative approach throughout the entire project lifecycle. I prioritize understanding your unique vision and requirements, striving to exceed your expectations. My dedication to transparent communication and meticulous attention to detail fosters a positive and productive working relationship.​
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Work highlights:
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Te Kura O Matapihi, Tauranga - Design and construction observation of a new multipurpose teaching spacing. Designed to meet Ministry of Education’s requirements.
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Port of Tauranga - Various projects including seismic assessment and upgrade of existing buildings, and design of new infrastructure for the port.
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Hato Hone St John, Waihi - Design of a new ambulance station. The building is single storey with an IL3 rating.
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Trevelyans Pack and Cool Ltd, Te Puke- Design of two new cool stores with a total plan area of over 2500m2.
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St Peters Hall, Hamilton - Design of the seismic strengthening for a Heritage New Zealand listed timber framed 1890’s church hall.
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Fonterra, Hawera, Taranaki - Construction management for the refurbishment of their P5 milk powder facility.
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International Projects:
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Design of new offices for an energy provider based in Dresden, Germany.
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Design of temporary structures for the Floating University in Berlin, Germany.
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Contributed to the design of the new 1 Leadenhall skyscraper for Brookfield-Multiplex in London, UK.
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Qualifications:
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Member of Engineering New Zealand (MEngNZ)
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Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), University of Auckland
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Member of New Zealand Structural Engineering Society (SESOC)
RICHARD PATTERSON
STRUCTURAL DRAUGHTSPERSON
Highly experienced structural draughts person with over 20 years’ experience in the design and drafting of educational, correctional, medical facilities as well as industrial, commercial to multi-storey retail and residential, buildings. Having a strong track record in BIM management and REVIT, having led the development of REVIT as a drafting tool and trained others in its use on a global scale.
I enjoy communicating how a structure is constructed by effective use of modelling and detailing, clash detection between disciplines and solutions to best handle any issues.
Early in my career I gained ‘on site’ experience, and with this practical knowledge I am able to effectively work through the constructability and consideration to transportation of building components.
You can expect me to deliver what you want and, if that’s not possible, to find alternative solutions within your budget. I will discuss different approaches early with you so that you can consider which are best suited to you.
I am flexible, honest and have integrity, work well individually and great in a team environment.
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Project highlights include:
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New correctional facility based in Wiri NZ. Lead draughtsperson. This comprised of several individual buildings including housing (veering security levels), education and administration units. This project was a huge learning curve for me as I, along with the whole project team, had to consider security at a whole new level and thoroughly consider every single aspect of the design from a new perspective.
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Airport terminal extension, Wellington NZ. Lead draughtsperson. A fun and interesting project. Replicating the existing structure as well as making it a seamless extension and hide additional strengthening as per updated codes. Revit was a great tool for all aspects of the project.
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Pulverized Coal Conversion, Sorowako, Indonesia. Lead draughtsperson. Site measure and survey to ensure multiple conveyor bents rising up to a 70m gravity feed pulverizer would thread between existing structures. Where as most of the structural framing delivered in 40-foot containers from manufacturing in Singapore. Extensive use of point clouds and Revit assisted in design and constructability.
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Northern Busway Stations, Auckland, NZ. Lead draughtsperson. Another enjoyable project where all buildings, motorway-crossing bridges and foot traffic access are all so highly visible.
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Police Communications Platform, Auckland, NZ. Lead draughtsperson. Difficult site at around 65m on top of an operating police station with an extremely narrow window for removal and installation of new communications platform. Hand survey and creating templates to assist manufacturing to very tight tolerances.
TIM SWAGER
ENGINEER
Structural Engineer and Engineering Manager, Tauranga with more than 11 years’ experience. I have designed a wide range of structures from commercial, retail and industrial to high-end residential homes, multi-unit residential buildings, educational and community facilities and infrastructure projects. I have also been heavily involved in seismic assessment and upgrade work and construction monitoring.
I am passionate about delivering great buildings that are architecturally interesting, unique, challenging or that bring the local community together. It’s fulfilling to see finished buildings that I’ve been able to help create, knowing they will leave a positive legacy.
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Over the years I’ve designed structures using a range of materials including steel, concrete, and block masonry. However, the material I most enjoy designing with is timber. It’s not only great from a sustainability perspective, but timber buildings have a look, feel and warmth to them that really benefit their occupants. I’ve designed a number of timber structures including early childcare centres and a Pan Pacific Fale in Hamilton.
You will find me approachable, open-minded, reliable and collaborative. I pride myself on my problem-solving skills, close attention to detail and on communicating clearly, which includes explaining technical concepts in layman’s terms, where needed.
I am relishing the opportunity to build the Tauranga office to become the structural engineering partner of choice for innovative, challenging and complex projects as well as an employer of choice for structural engineers and draughtees in the Bay of Plenty region.
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Project highlights include:
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Design and construction observation of the new Selwyn Street, five-storey student accommodation block to house students at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus. This features a mix of structural steel and cross laminated timber (CLT) to remove weight from the structure, resulting in a cost-effective solution.
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Designing a new Pacific Island Fale style community centre building to be constructed as part of the new Pan Pacific Hub in central Hamilton. The Fale is an important Level 3 building with a floor area of approximately 570m2 and is over 14m high at the centre of the roof. The structural system is almost entirely timber.
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Design and construction observation of the three-storey Quest hotel and serviced apartment building in central Tauranga. The structural system comprises cross laminated timber suspended floors supported by a structural steel two-way moment frame. This reduces both the weight and the cost of the structure.
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Designing a five-storey office building to be located in Tauranga, with steel-concrete composite tray flooring supported on structural steel beams with steel moment frames running in one direction and precast concrete shear walls in the other.
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Undertaking the structural analysis for Westgate Footbridge, which crosses the North Western motorway at Hobsonville, Auckland.
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Designing several large new kiwifruit cool store, office and canopy structures for OPAC in Opotiki.
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Design and supervision of numerous low rise industrial, retail, trade unit buildings throughout the Tauranga region, typically using precast concrete panel and steel portal frame structures.
Education/Qualifications:
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Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
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Master of Engineering (Civil)
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Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
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Member of New Zealand Timber Design Society
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Member of New Zealand Structural Engineering Society (SESOC)