Engineering Design Consultants

Civil Engineering
By facilitating effective and sustainable use of natural resources and providing you with a practical and cost-effective solution, our aim is to ensure that our design work meets your objectives and the relevant council requirements.

Land development

From initial concept to detailed design, cost estimating, consent applications, specifications, cost schedules, and construction monitoring, we provide a complete service for residential, commercial and industrial land development projects.

Earthworks

With the benefit of our highly experienced team of geotechnical, civil and environmental engineers, we offer a high-level of cross-discipline skills, providing excellent earthworks design.

Stormwater drainage

Using computer generated analysis, we can back up efficient proposals for improvements to existing infrastructure and the design of new drainage systems to serve subdivisions and new developments.

Wastewater drainage

We provide complete and comprehensive engineering services for new wastewater drainage reticulation and the rehabilitation of existing systems in urban environments. Our expertise extends to the design of individual and communal on-site wastewater treatment facilities pump stations and disposal fields for rural clients.

Water supply

Our extensive evaluation of existing water supply systems using computer modelling, plus designing and monitoring the construction of new supply networks using detailed designs, and specifications, will ensure that your projects meet local and national potable water standards.

Environmental performance

Mitigation measures to reduce the impact of land development, earthworks, stormwater diversion and wastewater disposal, are crucial to many civil engineering projects.

Environmental Engineering
Our extensive understanding and knowledge of environmental standards and the requirements set by regional and local authorities, form the basis of our cost-effective, innovative design service and our sound advice; all aimed at reducing the impact of your development on the environment.

Infrastructure design and upgrading

With high density development placing increased pressure on existing public infrastructure, we have acquired extensive experience in the design and upgrade of existing drainage, water supply, sewerage, stormwater and road systems. We can also design low impact solutions for new intensive developments with consideration given to downstream capacity and environmental features.

Resource and land use consent applications

EDC carry out assessments into the environmental effects associated with land development projects as outlined below. We also identify the most appropriate form of mitigation measures to reduce adverse effects and provide comprehensive design drawings and reports to assist with resource and land consent

Land Use Consent applications.

Stream and coastal protection works and land development, can result in an increased pressure on our streams and coastline due to the expanding impervious areas and related stormwater discharges. We have specialist skills in the design of low impact solutions, to reduce the adverse effects from development and to remediate streams and coastal areas that have suffered from previous land-use intensification and natural erosion processes.

Contaminated land studies

Using desk study of available historical records and aerial photos, EDC provide an investigative service to determine possible past contamination land use. From soil and groundwater sampling we can determine contamination levels, sources and potential effects. We also design and provide reports for the remedial work on site, to protect public safety and the natural ecology.

Trade waste investigations

To ensure regulation compliance, our highly-regarded environmental team carries out investigations and assessments of how waste is discharged from commercial developments, and prepares reports on future provisions needed to address any serious concerns.

Overland flow paths & flooding reviews

Using sophisticated stormwater modelling software, we can estimate the extent of existing overland flow paths and flood plains that threaten land and dwellings. We then review and design the necessary diversions, erosion protection measures and property protection works.

Energy efficiency (H1) design

Following recent changes to the Building Code, we now also provide design services in respect to H1 “Energy Efficiency”. “In October 2007, clause H1 of the New Zealand Building Code was changed to require improved thermal performance (insulation) in all new houses, non-residential buildings smaller than 300m2, and in alterations to both. New houses and major extensions to existing houses need to use 30% less heating energy to achieve healthy indoor temperatures than previously” – Dept of Building & Housing.

Fire Engineering
Designing buildings to take into account public safety and property protection in the event of fire, is at the core of EDC’s specialist fire engineering service. Working to performance-based requirements set down in the New Zealand Building Act 2004, our fire engineering team has extensive knowledge of fire and emergency safety design factors, that ensure compliance with the strict codes imposed by the Act.

Life-saving service

We provide this potentially lifesaving service to a range of construction projects including new commercial and multi-unit title properties, existing buildings under renovation and fire protection upgrades to systems in older public buildings. In particular, our in-house expertise provides essential fire engineering services for community buildings including schools, churches and childcare centres. And also for: warehouses, converted buildings, apartment complexes, shop fit-outs and medical centres.

Subdivision of commercial and residential buildings

EDC fire engineers can assist you and your surveyor in the subdividing process of your offices, shops, or flats/units. Such subdivisions require an inspection, analysis and a report by qualified fire engineers to ensure compliance with the fire safety documents.

Fire design reports and drawings

Our fire design reports and detailed drawings will ensure compliance with acceptable solutions covered by Section C of the NZ Building Code, which provides for means of escape from buildings and protection of other people’s property.

Inspections

We have the experience and skills to provide inspection services for:

• The review of fire safety requirements under Building Consents
• Certifications of compliance
• Checking fire damaged buildings

Software investment

We have invested in state-of-the-art computer software. This technology enhances the service we provide to clients who require specific fire engineering design; for example within underground car parks.

Investigations

We have the experience and knowledge to determine the fire safety requirements for your development project involving new and existing buildings, shop fit-outs and change of use of existing buildings.

Geotechnical Engineering
EDC’s geotechnical engineers play a key role in the early planning and design stages of large-scale land developments, commercial building projects and residential developments, on sites that require specific site investigation. We identify the geological setting of a site and determine the geotechnical properties of underlying subsoil and rock strata.

Our geotechnical specialists appreciate and understand the variables of the environment, local council requirements and mitigate to minimise risks that are often unseen. Whether you are planning a large-scale commercial development, building a new home on steep land, or are required to obtain a geotech report for local council, our service will be tailored specifically to suit your development and budget.

Site investigations

We carry out site investigations for all sizes of projects, residential and commercial, from small jobs that require hand auger equipment, to large-scale commercial and land development projects that may require supervision of deeper, machine-drilled boreholes. We can organise specific field and laboratory testing of subsoils and rock, to obtain a detailed understanding of the variability of the ground beneath a site. This can be further expanded on by engaging contractors for geophysical (using ground vibration, ground radar, magnetic or induced potential) investigations if necessary.

Slope stability analysis

Using our expertise in computer software to analyse the risk of future instability and our geological interpretation skills, we provide technically-sound and comprehensive advice for new developments on sloping land and remedial work on land affected by past, present or possible future instability.

Geotechnical design

EDC provide specific geotechnical designs to suit specific structure and ground interaction requirements including shallow and deep foundations, mass, segmental and cantilevered retaining walls. Our geotechnical experts integrate with our structural engineering section to provide the detailed calculations, producer statements, design drawings and specifications.

Construction monitoring

We oversee earthworks projects, providing construction observation and field testing to examine and approve the progress in relation to the consent requirements. We certify the completed works and provide Producer Statements and Geotechnical Completion Reports, confirming the ground is appropriate for the foundation design. We also monitor retaining-wall construction, drainage, stormwater, sanitary and on-site wastewater disposal.

Reports

We provide geotechnical reports detailing site investigation and analysis findings, and provide comprehensive recommendations for earthworks, slope stability measures, retaining walls, and foundations; essential for detailed structural design and the building and Resource Consent application processes.

On-site wastewater disposal

Our geotechnical team work closely with our environmental engineers to carry out exploratory holes to identify soil types and suitability. This information is then compiled into a report to advise on solutions for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems for rural developments.

Structural Engineering
Highly experienced in a diverse range of small to large-scale projects, our track record for engineering excellence includes work on: multi-storey apartment buildings, offices, warehouses, factories, churches, schools, community facilities and residential projects that comply with specified design codes.

Peace of mind

With the expertise to ensure compliance with the standards set down in the New Zealand Building Act 2004 and relevant New Zealand Standards, Engineering Design Consultants (EDC) play a crucial role in the safe construction of your project. We are also highly skilled in other areas that require structural expertise including: bridges and culverts, commercial signs, shade sails, retaining walls, silos and tanks and the support structures for various industrial processes.

Structural analysis and design

EDC produce detailed structural design drawings for small to large-scale buildings and industrial projects, and also provide a structural design service for the renovations to existing buildings; using 2D and 3D computer software to provide safe and cost effective solutions.

Seismic analysis and design

We can inspect the condition of existing buildings and recommend seismic upgrading work, or start from scratch with a proposed building to advise and design the necessary seismic design features to the current standards within New Zealand.

Construction certification

Where required, we inspect the construction work in progress and liaise with the contractor and issue instructions on the relevant technical matters. Our chartered engineers can certify the completed construction work using the Producer Statements required by council, in accordance with the Building Act.

Meet our extensive team of industry professionals.

Auckland

Patrick Harris Senior Structural & Civil Engineer- Managing Director BE Civil Chartered Professional Engineer  MIPENZ, IntPE(NZ) As a founding Director of Engineering Design Consultants, Patrick is currently responsible for overall company management, business strategy, and overseeing senior managers. A Chartered Professional Engineer with more than 30 years’ experience, Patrick has worked extensively on large to small-scale civil, marine, and high rise structural engineering projects in New Zealand, the Pacific, South America, and the United Kingdom.	Ian Hendy Senior Civil & Geotechnical Engineer, Director BE Civil (Hons)  Chartered Professional Engineer MIPENZ, NZGS Ian joined EDC in 1995, bringing broad experience in geotechnical and civil fields to the company. He has developed considerable expertise in all aspects of land development including bulk earthworks, retaining structures, slope stability assessments, building foundations, environmental controls, roads, stormwater, wastewater and water supply infrastructure.	Gareth Williams Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Director BSc (Hons) Mining Geology P.Grad. Dip. Management Studies MSc (Eng) Foundation Engineering Chartered Professional Engineer IntPE(NZ) MIPENZ MAusIMM Gareth joined EDC in 2003 as senior geotechnical engineer with responsibility for meeting clients for both geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations including sampling, control of field staff, design of fieldwork, slope stability analyses, effluent (domestic wastewater) on-site disposal design, plus factual and interpretive reporting including foundation and retaining wall design recommendations. Gareth has specialist skills in interpreting the results of contaminated land investigations. He also acts as an expert witness at Council and geo-environmental issues.
Jonathan Mumford Civil & Structural Engineer, Senior Associate N.DIP Civil (ZA) Btech Civil (ZA) GIPENZ Jonathan is originally from South Africa, where he did an internship working on a variety of civil and structural projects while completing his civil engineering degree. He has worked in New Zealand since 2002, and joined EDC in 2006. Jonathan has both civil and structural contracting experience and has worked on projects for residential subdivisions, pipeline installations, road construction and upgrades, and a sanitary sewer treatment plant for a town of 10,000 people.	Scott Lawrence Structural Team Leader – Auckland MEng(Hons) CPEng IntPE(NZ) MIPENZ Scott is Chartered Professional Engineer and Auckland Structural Team Leader. He joined EDC in June 2015 and brings with him 11 years’ experience working within New Zealand and Singapore. He graduated from the University of Bristol (UK) in 2003 and has spent the majority of his working life overseas. He brings good business development, client relationship management, design project management and leadership to EDC.	Carey Senior Senior Civil / Environmental Engineer BE Civil (Hons) Chartered Professional Engineer, MIPENZ Carey joins the Auckland Civil and Environmental team bringing 14 years’ of experience in water and infrastructure related projects. He studied Natural Resources Engineering in Christchurch, before beginning his career with Opus in Wanganui. He later transferred within Opus to the UK to work. In between travelling experiences, he worked on private developments, flood risk projects and on-site wastewater projects.

Christchurch

Andrew Congalton Civil/Environmental Team Leader, Director BE (Civil) GIPENZ Andrew started at the company as a student in 2000 and, aside from a year working in the UK, has been with the company throughout, becoming an Associate in 2011 and Director in June 2016. Andrew enjoys working on projects from start to finish, building relationships with clients by providing quality engineering service based on experience in a wide scope of civil and environmental engineering projects throughout the country. From residential flooding and groundwater problems, full design and construction supervision of complex sub-divisions and school development, contaminated site investigations and remediation work, trade-waste reporting, to stream remediation, Andrew has experience in a broad range of work and enjoys providing innovative solutions for client needs.

Giles Learman Geotechnical Team Leader, Associate BSc (Hons) CGeol FGS Giles joined EDC in March 2012 and was previously a Director in a UK based multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy, with responsibility for geotechnical and contaminated land engineering, along with company health and safety. Now in the much drier climate of Canterbury Giles enjoys leading and developing the geotechnical team in Christchurch whilst also helping build upon EDC’s environmental capabilities. Giles is skilled in; foundation assessment, design and interpretation of geotechnical and contaminated land investigations, slope stability analysis, retaining wall design, project management, cost benefit analysis and negotiation with regulators

Sam Polson Structural Team Leader, Associate BE(Hons) CPEng MIPENZ MIStructE After a period working in Wellington and Singapore, Sam spent five years in the Middle East working on a range of high-profile projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. However Sam realised that he missed the green grass of home and the projects that New Zealand offers, so at the end of 2011 Sam returned to his old University town to assist with the rebuild. His areas of expertise are the design of concrete and steel commercial buildings, residential deign, seismic strengthening and acting as an expert witness. Sam is an advocate for strengthening and upgrading of existing buildings. He believes in collaboration with building owners and stakeholders to develop solutions that are cost effective, easy to build and meet the project brief.