Who we are

Jade is an industry leading engineer, and a founder of Kirk Roberts Consulting. Established in 2006, Kirk Roberts has expanded to five offices across New Zealand with a growing team of multi-disciplinary experts and consultants. An innovative leader, Jade specialises in complex engineering and large-scale project developments.

Renowned for his technical expertise and broad industry knowledge Jade’s experience has enabled the company to develop from a small consultancy to New Zealand’s leading medium-sized engineering practice. He is keenly involved in design while providing strategic leadership.

Outside of work, he thrives when pushing his boundaries on the slopes, rugby field and in the surf. In his words, anything his insurance company doesn’t like.

“We’re proud to have created a company with excellent technical competency and quality for clients; one that drives innovation, looks after its employees and has an exceptional culture.”

Damian McMillan is a founding director of the company, opening the Tauranga office in 2006. With over 20 years in the construction and engineering industry, he is knowledgeable and experienced in managing complex projects, building key client relationships, and developing a national team. He has been exposed to a large variety of projects including industrial, commercial, retail, healthcare, education, and software development. Damian brings succinct communication with a ‘no surprises’ approach for clients. With a passion for innovation, he is focused on driving the company forward through new initiatives, culture, and software development.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Damian fishing, diving, or gardening (with a chainsaw and any other powertool!) and spending time with his family.

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Chief Financial Officer, Grant Weir is a Chartered Accountant bringing professional expertise from roles both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
With over 18 years’ experience in financial management and business operations, he leads our finance teams across four offices and oversees all commercial aspects of the business.

Grant works to ensure Kirk Roberts is performing at its optimum and provides trusted financial insight to the executive and management teams.

Outside of work Grant spends time with his young family and is a keen snowboarder who loves to travel.

“I have developed a strong commercial understanding of how the finance function assists the growth of a business. I am driven by the challenges of growing a local successful business with big plans. It’s exciting to see the expansion and future opportunities ahead of us at Kirk Roberts.”

With a career spanning over 27 years, Craig provides valued input into a wide variety of projects, from conception through to completion. He thrives in leading our client-focused team who have a real desire to deliver projects.

Craig enjoys skiing, fishing, and mountain biking (particularly downhill!).

“We’re a vibrant dynamic team that works hard and is valued.”

Jan is the Regional Manager for the Auckland area and brings to the role nearly 20 years of experience in analysis, design, and delivery of multi-disciplinary projects in the residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. His expertise and focus includes structural engineering, modular and volumetric designs and delivery. He is committed to finding innovative and cost-effective design solutions for clients. He manages a high-performing office environment of 40 professional staff, effectively and with humour.

Jan has previously lived and worked in The Czech Republic, Spain, England, Ireland, and Canada. Out of working hours, he can be found on his mountain bike or hiking and skiing with his family.

“We celebrate 17 cultures in our Auckland office, and we thrive by developing strong and trusted relationships with project stakeholders”

Nik George leads our South Island team. A structural engineer with over 25 years experience with a strong multidiscipline focus, Nik has worked in the UK on projects ranging in value from $0.5M to $100M across most major sectors. He came to New Zealand in 2012 to work on the Christchurch rebuild. Having settled in New Zealand his role has progressed through the management of national discipline teams to the current role of supporting our 70 staff in Christchurch.

Outside of work he enjoys squash, boating and sea fishing.

“Bringing everyone’s different ideas into focus is a passion for me. Creating and delivering efficient and cost effective solution for our clients is a fundamental driving force.”

Steve is the regional manager for our Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) office and has considerable experience in ground engineering and project management on a wide range of major infrastructure projects across New Zealand. Steve understands client requirements, as well as the multi-disciplinary approach needed to deliver successful projects for his clients.

On the weekends you’ll find Steve active and busy maintaining his beautiful lifestyle block and enjoying the mighty Waikato.

“We’ve got awesome people, a great new space, a growing client list, and exciting projects across the Waikato Region. We’re all really looking forward to what is to come.”

With over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries both in North America and New Zealand, Jordan brings a practical approach to his engineering solutions. Jordan applies cost-effective solutions that consider more than just the typical geotechnical issues. His hands-on approach means he is involved in all stages of a project.

As a natural team builder, Jordan has developed our Geotechnical, Civil, and Environmental teams from a small group of 3-4 engineers in 2015, to now being recognised as a significant leader in the supply of Geotechnical, Civil, and Environmental Solutions within New Zealand.

Out of the office, Jordan enjoys competing in ultimate (frisbee), golf (both the traditional form and the disc form), racket sports, exploring New Zealand with his young family, and introducing people to the world of modern board games.

Al is the National Manager of Software at Kirk Roberts and is the founding developer of Specifi, Kirk Roberts’ online structural engineering tool.  He has around 30 years experience working both in New Zealand and internationally.  He leads a small team of developers focussing on Specifi and internal applications for the wider KR team.

Al lives in Nelson with his family and is an avid golfer and skier.  He and his wife also own a boutique Nelson winery, so life is never dull.

“I really respect the vision that Kirk Roberts has when it comes to automating and improving the way our industry works.  We see pain points and truly try and ‘find better ways’”.

Aidan is the national manager for Specifi, an online structural engineering tool, as well as a structural manager for Christchurch. Aidan’s comprehensive knowledge of the construction and engineering industry is further enhanced by his expertise in low-rise residential buildings. He leads a vibrant young team, who are always excited to learn more and enjoy being faced with a challenge.

Aidan is kept busy at home with three young boys of his own. He loves to get outside walking, running, biking, or skiing.

“In this ever-changing industry technology has become a very important component in finding the best solutions and staying ahead of competition. At Kirk Roberts, we believe it is important to invest in the digital future.”

Amber is passionate about connecting talent to Kirk Roberts, understanding what candidates are looking for in their careers, and how they connect with the KR purpose. You could say she is obsessed with the candidate experience and wants to bring everyone on that journey.

Amber partners with our leaders across the business to help build our high-performing teams; delivering employer branding and improvement initiatives to help drive our overall strategic vision.

“KR is a great place to work, I’m proud to be part of the team and bring more great people into the KR family.”

Daniel has over 18 years of architectural experience undertaking design and documentation within the residential, commercial, industrial, and education sectors. He enjoys working with clients to develop innovative architectural designs.

His versatile nature has seen him accumulate a wide range of experience across various multi-disciplinary project types for Kirk Roberts Consulting undertaking project procurement, project conversion, client management, design development, statutory management, and design coordination with all Kirk Robert’s disciplines.

Outside of work, he enjoys hunting ‘big’ game in deep bush cover throughout the central plateau. At home, any free time is dedicated to his 12Ha livestock farm (beef) where there is always work to be done.

In additional to David’s experience as a Structural Engineer in New Zealand, he holds an academic Masters’ in Engineering and is a member of Engineering New Zealand.

David is highly skilled in all aspects of structural design and analysis. He has broad experience displayed primarily in the design of commercial, low to medium rise construction.

With 25 years’ experience across New Zealand, David has strong technical ability and client-focused knowledge and drive. He assists the geotechnical and civil teams as a technical reviewer, CRM manager, mentor, and go-to person for complex problems. David provides expert witness and independent engineering review services with a balanced factual focus on the root causal issue of the claim.

Based in Invercargill, he is an avid free diver, spearfisherman, and conservational hunter. He provides community volunteer input with the NZDA and DOC on conservation management projects for biodiversity, as well as the Back Country Huts Trust restoring the hut networks for outdoor recreationists.

“I have been in the industry for several decades, across several disciplines and exposed to most consultants work across NZ, and the greatest learning is that successful engineers are those that deliver on-time and budget, and with value-added solutions.  That is what myself and KR are here to do.”

Firas is a Technical Director – Geotechnical and Chartered Professional Geotechnical Engineer (CPEng) with over 20 years of experience across New Zealand and overseas. His main focus is to offer practical, effective geotechnical advice that enables clients to make informed decisions. Firas has developed and led the geotechnical engineering team in Christchurch and provides technical support to the wider geotechnical teams across our regional offices and collaborates with other disciplines to ensure smooth work delivery.

Firas is a committed team player and a skilled leader who understands that achieving success relies on understanding the unique challenge of each project and effective communication between all parties at all levels.

Garth has spent two decades driving health, safety and quality culture and best practices across local and international manufacturing and design companies. He enjoys the challenge of bringing these skills and experiences to the local construction and consulting industry, where the results mean better, safer buildings and infrastructure in the city where he lives. Garth likes working with teams of passionate, intelligent, and talented people, showing them better ways to keep themselves and others safe while on the job.

When he is not kept busy with three teenage sons, he enjoys swimming, kayaking, cycling, gardening, and making his own beer and wine.

Hayden has over 13 years experience in Drafting and BIM across the South African, Middle Eastern, and New Zealand markets, working with a wide variety of building types including residential, warehouses, hotels, apartments, bridges, and mixed-use developments.

You’ll find Hayden taking part in a range of sports like squash, soccer and tennis outside of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle or attending exciting live sports matches, a great way to enjoy the sports he loves.

“Our clients are always looking for new and innovative ways to carry out projects and at Kirk Roberts that is what we thrive in doing.”

Herman has over 15 years of experience in fire engineering consultancy services in the construction industry in New Zealand. He has diverse project experience and detailed knowledge of fire engineering topics.

James is the Environmental Department Manager based in Christchurch and provides support Nationwide. He is a Certified Environmental Practitioner with experience in the UK and New Zealand in a wide range of complex earthwork, commercial and industrial land development projects.

With a combined environmental and geotechnical background, together with earthwork and civil construction experience, James is able to offer clients effective and practical site management, remediation, and earthwork engineering solutions.  Since joining Kirk Roberts in 2016, James has developed the environmental engineering department, now offering work nationwide for clients ranging from private land-owners, earthwork contractors, multi-national corporations, and Government entities.

Outside of work, James enjoys surfing, rock climbing, and travel.

Jason is the Geotechnical Team Leader for the Tauranga office. He is a Chartered Professional Engineering Geologist and a Tauranga City Council Accredited Category 2 Engineering Geologist.

Jason has over 16 years experience working as an engineering geologist within the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions across a broad range of projects, including residential, commercial and industrial projects, bulk earthworks and land development, and landfill/cleanfill construction and monitoring.

Jason lives in Tauranga with his wife and young daughter, and outside of work Jason’s hobbies include formula one, video games and all things pop culture.

Jens is the technical lead for the environmental team in Christchurch and provides environmental support nationwide. He is a certified environmental practitioner (CEnvP) with experience in contaminated land matters, stormwater and ecology.

Jens enjoys maintaining the excellent team culture at Kirk Roberts and guiding the environmental team through complex contaminated land investigations, remediation and validation. He is always looking for better ways to streamline remedial earthworks and make a site safe while avoiding or reducing soil disposal costs. “If you can mix or encapsulate it – don’t dump it”.

Outside of work, Jens enjoys water sports with foil, sail and paddle, backcountry trips and gardening.

Jo leads Kirk Robert’s Marketing and Communications activities undertaking all aspects of development of the brands as the company grows and diversifies. An effective, creative, and collaborative leader she has a strong focus on internal and external communications, culture and brand management, client events, website development, and driving our digital strategy.

Out of the office, you will find Jo making the most of the gorgeous New Zealand outdoors exploring, biking, or swimming with her family, or digesting a decent, juicy novel in the sun with a botanical G&T!

“Collaborating with the team to bring great ideas to life is exciting. It’s really inspiring seeing the current growth, and the company culture Kirk Roberts is creating throughout New Zealand.”

Julie enjoys hiring fabulous people into roles that suit their strengths and supporting them to flourish in their careers while enjoying the camaraderie at Kirk Roberts.  She is excited to see our clever people work together to deliver smart solutions to our clients, and have fun doing it.

Outside of work she heads into the outdoors – plus grows grapes for boutique Nelson wine.

“We are proud of the passionate team at KR and the way we all look after each other to create a positive and united work culture.”

Meng is Kirk Robert’s financial controller and an Associate. With over ten years experience in finance, she works alongside the Financial Director, for all KR entities financials and prepares the company’s financial reports.

Out of the office, Meng enjoy walking, yoga, and socialising with friends.

“I enjoy working with our lovely and friendly colleagues at Kirk Roberts. With the company growth,  it’s exciting to have the opportunity to continually be developing.”

For more than 40 years, Michael has been involved in projects across a wide range of civil engineering disciplines and has developed significant knowledge and understanding of the issues faced in bringing projects to fruition, from Due Diligence Masterplanning; to Final Completion Certification.

Michael excels in developing staff and processes that make the delivery of civil engineering and Development-Zone Infrastructure, an inclusive team effort, based on proactive engagement at all levels and meshing the KRC Values with those of its clients. He is also an Engineering New Zealand Practice Area Assessor and mentor in the Mentor-Me Programme.

Taking in all New Zealand has to offer, from Tracks to Vineyards, fills Michael’s time away from the Office.

Nadine is a Chartered Fire Engineer with more than 14 years of experience in the field of fire and safety engineering. She’s worked in a diverse range of sectors including industrial, commercial, residential, educational and community developments.

Nathan’s expertise and friendly nature, provides clients with peace of mind and structural design excellence. He is skilled at developing practical solutions for complex problems, and enjoys achieving architectural aspirations through well-thought-out design. He works on a range of projects from bespoke residential to industrial and commercial buildings.

Nathan likes fishing, surfing, and everything DIY – whether it be building, repurposing, or homebrewing.

“Working in the Tauranga region there is always an exciting project to work on, and they are usually situated on some interesting and stunning sites around the region. The Tauranga team has lots of practical experience, which allows us to find better ways and think about the bigger picture which comes through in our value to clients”.

Based in Queenstown, Ollie services the Central Otago region. He is an experienced Engineering Geologist with a wide range of experience in the Queenstown Lakes District providing specialist geotechnical investigations and assessments.

An excellent communicator, Ollie forges strong relationships with clients, contractors, stakeholders, and the wider community. His ability to deliver cost-effective solutions for clients is second to none.

Ollie enjoys getting outdoors, running or mountain biking the trails around Queenstown or spending time with his family.

With 12-plus years of experience, Parthiban is an expert in the structural design and supervision of residential, industrial, and commercial projects.

Parthiban and his team provide valuable engineering design input on projects and ensure that this high level of design is followed in construction through to completion. Parthiban takes a personable approach to his work and enjoys developing long-term relationships with clients.

Parthiban enjoys socializing with friends and family, living an active lifestyle, keeping fit, doing sports, and traveling around New Zealand with my wife and two daughters.

Rui provides trusted technical support and leadership to his Christchurch-based team. His technical expertise means he is often called upon to provide input into nationwide technical development and standards within Kirk Roberts.

Rui’s valuable engineering design and excellence have seen him work across a variety of complex projects in a range of sectors. He has also been involved in numerous assessments of existing buildings and the subsequent strengthening and retrofit design works. Rui understands that consistent communication is crucial in creating the best outcome for project stakeholders, and collaborates with the various parties across all project phases to ensure this.

Outside of work, you’ll find Rui spending time with his young family, on his bike, or tinkering in the garage.

Ruth is based in our Christchurch Office and also works as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. With over twenty years of administration experience, in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, she is well-positioned to lead our team of administrators.

Ruth believes the admin team is an integral part of the company, supporting the smooth running of the offices and departments. She enjoys working with the team to initiate and coordinate goals to maximise efficiency across the business. She collaborates with other departments and Support Services to ensure admin are best placed to achieve the overall goals of the company.

Outside of work, she loves walking, reading, and traveling.

Saxon is responsible for the day-to-day technical and managerial operations of the commercial structural department.  He is highly skilled in all aspects of structural design and analysis and has broad experience displayed primarily in the design and assessment of commercial, low to medium rise construction.

Shanti is excited to expand the Kirk Roberts offering and support the Wellington Region with innovative engineering solutions. She enjoys working closely with clients and advocating for their needs to ensure the best possible outcomes. Experienced in providing practical engineering and planning advice, Shanti finds satisfaction in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions and supporting clients to make informed decisions.

Outside of work, Shanti can be found adventuring with her two dogs, spending time with family and friends, or honing in on her engineering skillset with DIY projects.

“I like that we have the ability to have a positive impact on people and also communities in the way that we design and deliver engineering solutions. Kirk Roberts definitely honours their ‘one team one waka’ value in recognising that we work better together, we work better when we uplift each other and encourage diverse perspectives in approaching engineering challenges.”

Stephanie is a Registered Architect with more than 20 years experience working on a broad range of projects from commercial, retail, healthcare and education.

Stephanie places a particular focus on the sustainable aspects of any given project and has developed knowledge in the integration of these into projects. Her skills and experience, particularly through the later developed design and documentation stages make her an essential part of our proposed design team.

Outside of work Stephanie loves trail running up in the Port Hills and around the country when travelling with family and friends.

“To me Architecture is a team effort, working together to create amazing spaces for everyone to enjoy.”