The Big Cottage

Nick is a senior structural engineer based in Christchurch, with over a decade of experience across commercial, industrial and residential projects. He specialises in earthquake engineering and is involved in seismic assessment and strengthening of existing buildings, including commercial and industrial structures. 

Alongside assessment work, Nick is involved in the structural design of new residential buildings and construction monitoring as projects move from design through to build. Outside of work, he represents New Zealand in competitive dodgeball. 

Elliot enjoys helping clients navigate complex development challenges and is passionate about projects that create lasting value for communities, infrastructure networks and the environment.

A Director with more than two decades of experience, Elliot leads our engineering operations and brings extensive experience in civil and geotechnical engineering across the South Island. His work spans residential, commercial, infrastructure, tourism and recreation developments, with expertise including large-scale land development, critical infrastructure, natural hazard resilience, and flood and earthquake recovery.

He has been involved in projects ranging from greenfield developments and transport infrastructure to alpine facilities, tourism destinations and community assets, bringing a wealth of technical expertise to every project.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, Elliot enjoys working alongside clients, councils, contractors and project teams. He's particularly skilled at balancing technical requirements, environmental considerations, stakeholder expectations and long-term project objectives.

Alongside his project work, he's advised councils and national panels, contributed specialist expertise during major earthquake and flood responses, and provided evidence as an expert witness in High Court proceedings. He's also a strong advocate for sustainable engineering and plays a leads our sustainability initiatives.

In 2025, Elliot was appointed an Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau Fellow (learn more), recognising his contribution to the profession and wider industry.

Outside of work, you'll find Elliot and his family in the surf or on the slopes actively relaxing.

Alastair is our structural engineering team leader. He takes the time to explain what's involved or required, and guides clients through the process so it’s easy to understand.

Alastair leads our structural engineering team, providing hands-on structural design leadership and technical oversight from concept through to construction. He has extensive experience leading structural projects across Canterbury, including education, commercial and residential developments.

He has worked in multidisciplinary teams in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, holding senior roles in design management, team leadership and project delivery. This experience gives Alastair broad technical experience across steel, concrete, masonry and timber structures, as well as post-earthquake building assessments for residential and commercial buildings. 

His strengths include structural design, site investigations, coordination with other disciplines and construction monitoring. He has a strong focus on commercial and industrial projects in Christchurch and across Canterbury and is valued for his practical, considered approach to structural engineering.