A structural engineer’s contribution to a development begins well before detailed design. Early advice can help clients understand site constraints, test whether an initial vision is practical and make informed decisions about cost, buildability, programme and project risk.

With structural, geotechnical, civil, environmental, fire and architectural teams across New Zealand, Kirk Roberts can bring the right expertise into a project from the outset.

We spoke with Deborah Curd, Kirk Roberts’ National Structural Manager and Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau Board member, about when clients should engage an engineer, what good multidisciplinary collaboration looks like and why clients do not need all the answers before starting the conversation.

Start the conversation early

When should a structural engineer first become involved in a development? For Deborah, the answer is straightforward.

“At the beginning. The earlier the better, really.”  Ideally, this means involving engineering expertise during the initial scoping or masterplanning stages, before the concept is fixed and key decisions have already been made.

At this point, an engineer can help clarify what the client is trying to achieve and test how the vision aligns with the site, budget and programme. Structural complexity can significantly affect cost and buildability, so early conversations allow those implications to be explored while there is still flexibility to make meaningful changes.

The aim is not to reduce a project’s ambition. It is to understand what the development needs to achieve and make sure the engineering response is appropriate to its purpose.

Why bring multidisciplinary engineering advice in early?

Structural decisions rarely sit in isolation. Ground conditions influence foundation options, civil requirements affect site levels and layout, and architectural and fire considerations can shape materials, configuration and buildability.

That is why Deborah encourages clients to bring the wider consultant team together early. Looking at the site and design collectively helps identify potential conflicts and opportunities before they become embedded in the design.

Kirk Roberts’ structural, geotechnical, civil, environmental, fire and architectural teams can work together around the same project. For clients, that coordinated approach can mean fewer surprises, less redesign and greater confidence in the direction of the development.

Multidisciplinary delivery is about more than having several services within one business. It requires open communication, a shared understanding of the client’s objectives and a focus on the best overall result for the project, not simply the completion of one technical component.

What does good value engineering look like?

A design needs to work technically, but good engineering also considers cost, construction methodology, sequencing, durability and programme.

The decisions made on a drawing eventually need to become something a contractor can build efficiently. Considering materials, sequencing and practical delivery during design can reduce unnecessary complexity and help avoid inefficient solutions on site.

The same principle applies to value engineering. Done well, it is not simply an exercise in making a project cheaper. It means understanding what creates value for the client and finding an efficient way to achieve the required performance and outcome. That requires an understanding of the client’s priorities and the confidence to challenge assumptions when there may be a simpler or more practical way forward.

For 2026, Kirk Roberts is proud to partner with The Keystone Trust, a New Zealand charity dedicated to supporting pathways into property and construction careers through scholarships, mentoring, internships and industry connections.

The Keystone Trust helps young people access the education, support and industry exposure they need to build successful careers within the construction and property sectors, while creating strong connections between students and industry organisations across New Zealand.

This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in the future of our industry and supporting the next generation of engineering and construction talent. Through this sponsorship, our team will have opportunities to mentor students, support networking initiatives, and host Keystone Trust events within our offices around the country.

The partnership also enables us to build meaningful relationships with emerging talent entering the industry, including students who have completed internships with Kirk Roberts through the Keystone Trust programme.

At Kirk Roberts, we’re passionate about creating futures and supporting initiatives that help strengthen our industry for the long term. We’re proud to support an organisation creating opportunities for future industry leaders and helping shape a stronger future for the property and construction sector in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

As buildings become more complex, traditional fire design methods don’t always provide the flexibility or insight needed to achieve the best outcomes.

At Kirk Roberts, we deliver advanced fire and evacuation modelling using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Pathfinder, helping optimise building design while improving usability and enabling greater architectural freedom.

Unlike simplified approaches, FDS modelling simulates how fire and smoke develop and move throughout a space over time.

This allows our team to assess key safety factors such as visibility, temperature, and tenability, providing a much clearer picture of building performance.

“For projects where standard fire design methods fall short, advanced modelling gives us the ability to test real scenarios and optimise outcomes. That often means greater design flexibility and avoiding unnecessary cost, while still meeting the required safety standards.”

Herman Fong, Fire Team Leader Auckland.