Promotion Alert! – David Rajendran
We are delighted to share that David Rajendran [P.Eng., CEng (UK), MIStructE] has been promoted to Associate in our Vancouver office!
An integral member of Aspect since 2018, David has made a significant impact to the growth of our firm, and of our team. David’s diverse background encompasses a wide range of institutional, commercial and residential projects, in both North America and Europe. He is skilled in designing with all major building materials and has particular expertise in renovation and preservation projects. Having spent over 9 years working in London, David also brings a wealth of international experience and a unique perspective to our team.
He is methodical and meticulous, and is known for his calm, cool demeanor. He's been described as “The James Bond of the engineering world” and “A straight-up good human”. As a leader, he is dedicated to knowledge sharing and mentoring our next generation of engineers and project managers, and will no doubt continue to be a role model in leadership.
Prior to joining Aspect, David was actively involved in the field of temporary works and demolition, where he tackled specialized contractor-specific design challenges. Additionally, he has made a significant impact through philanthropic work with his church, contributing to the construction of numerous churches across Africa.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, David’s passion for craftsmanship extends to his life outside the office. He is an avid DIY enthusiast and can often be found tinkering with various projects, with a particular fondness for carpentry. David’s expertise and dedication make him a huge asset to our team, and we love witnessing the positive impact he has on our projects and our firm.
RECENT PROJECTS
550 East Broadway
Vancouver, BC
This mixed-use development comprises 3 storeys of residential above 2 commercial units at ground. The upper storeys are framed using point-supported CLT, with the lateral forces resisted by CLT shear walls. The level 2 transfer slab and structure below is constructed using reinforced concrete. Learn more
Architect: Gair Williamson / MGA
Kin Collection Townhomes
Burnaby, BC
A mixture of stacked townhomes and 3-storey ground-oriented townhomes of light wood frame construction, this project will provide 124 units totalling approximately 163,700 sq. ft., with a single-level underground parkade. The development includes indoor and outdoor amenities including landscaped courtyards, gardens, and a playground connected to green public spaces. Learn more
Architect: Integra Architecture
Capilano University Student Residence
North Vancouver, BC
This new Student Housing Facility will provide 362 beds of student accommodation and related facilities. The project is comprised of a 6-storey student residence of 87,000 sq.ft. (light wood frame on concrete transfer slab), and a 1-storey dining hall of 7,000 sq.ft. (mass timber on shallow concrete foundation). Learn more…
Architect: IBI Group/HDR
VAHA McHardy
Vancouver, BC
This development includes approximately 100 units of affordable housing, arranged over 6 storeys above grade with a single below-grade parkade. The design incorporates light wood framing in conjunction with nailed shear walls, and also uses pre-panelized construction to shorten the construction period.
The project is targeting Passive House certification. Learn more
Architect: ZGF
Okanagan College Student Residence – Vernon Campus
Vernon, BC
This 4-storey Student Housing Facility will provide 101 beds of student accommodation, a child care facility and other related programming. The structure is comprised of light wood frame construction with some feature elements incorporating mass timber. The project will meet the requirements of BC Energy Step Code Level 4. Learn more
Architect: Faction Projects
Please join us in congratulating David on this much-deserved promotion!
Learn more about our stellar team here.
Meet the Associates – Paul Paquet
We are thrilled to announce that Paul Paquet (P.Eng., M.A.Sc.) has joined the ASPECT team as an Associate in our Toronto office. Paul graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering, and in 2009 with a Master’s of Applied Science, Structural Engineering. He began his career working on Transportation, Infrastructure and Sport Facilities, then added Education and other sectors to the mix. He has extensive experience across North America, Asia, the UK, and the Middle East, and has been a key player in shaping the businesses he has been a part of.
Paul has worked on several high-profile and award-winning projects, including the Toronto Pearson Airport Pier G Expansion, York University Subway Station in Toronto, PanAm Games Athletics Stadium in Toronto, York University, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence in Toronto, and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Paul strives to create avenues that promote innovation, and through his leadership drives streamlined communications between disciplines. He has a passion for sophisticated methods of working, and with advanced skills in parametric design and the implementation of digital workflows, he delivers high quality, tailored design solutions that add value to projects and communities.
SELECTED PROJECTS
TORONTO PEARSON AIRPORT PIER G EXPANSION*
The Pier G Expansion is a project designed to meet the continued growth of Toronto Pearson Airport. The first phase involved 3 temporary gates to facilitate the remainder of the construction. The second phase will involve a north connection and south expansion, and the last phase is a west expansion. Learn More…
Gensler | Toronto, ON
YORK UNIVERSITY SUBWAY STATION*
With its distinctive boomerang shape, the York University station serves Toronto’s second-largest university with a vital link to downtown. It features a station box of 160 meters, platform length of 150 meters and depth of 18.5 meters; the station box was efficiently ‘shoe-horned’ into the very tightly constrained site between existing settlement-sensitive buildings. Environmental features include cool roof and green roofs, increased daylight levels, and landscaping with native and drought-tolerant species. Learn more…
Foster+Partners, Adamson Associates Architects | Toronto, ON
PAN AM GAMES ATHLETICS STADIUM*
This stadium, now known as the York Lions Stadium, was designed to TO2015, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) specifications. The stadium includes 3,160 fixed-seating for spectators (7500 seats during games), Class 1, 400m track and infield, broadcast facilities, athlete change rooms, equipment storage, office and classroom space. The stadium has achieved LEED Silver certification. Learn More…
Cannon Design | Toronto, ON
YORK UNIVERSITY BERGERON CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE*
This building is home to York University’s civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs. The five-storey structure looks weightless, with a cloud-like design intended to represent the principles that define the engineering program’s goals. The building contains a variety of teaching and research labs, workshops, collaborative classrooms, studio spaces and social areas for students and faculty, and is LEED Gold Certified. Learn more…
ZAS Architects | Toronto, ON
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Aside from engineering many state-of-the-art buildings, Paul has also engaged with the engineering community through the publication below:
| Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Volume 138, Issue 4 | Under-determined Blind Identification of Structures Using Modified Cross-Correlation Method | 2012 |
ASPECT couldn’t be happier to have Paul as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business - learn more about our Associates.
Meet the Associates – Thomas Brotschi
We are thrilled to announce that Thomas Brotschi (B.Sc.BFH) has been promoted to Associate in our Bern office! As a specialist timber engineer, Thomas has a unique skill set, along with valuable knowledge of the supply chain, and the timber industry as a whole. He began his career as an on-site licensed carpenter, then went on to study timber engineering at Bern University of Applied Science, graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Wood Engineering. He spent his internship in Canada, and during this time gained experience in steel and concrete design, rounding off his skill set.
His portfolio of delivered mass timber structures ranges from high-end single-family homes, to sports and multi-purpose halls, to large-scale educational and multi-storey residential buildings. As part of his leadership role, he is spearheading our shop drawing and specialty timber engineering services.
Thomas has worked on several high-profile and award-winning projects including the Shaare Zedek Cancer Center in Jerusalem, Israel; B&B Guimarães in Guimarães, Portugal; Brunel Center in Bristol, UK; Northstowe Education Campus in Cambridge, UK; and Press House in London, UK.
Thomas is passionate about Mass Timber, and his thesis focused on NLT design and implementation in Canada, part of which formed the basis for the US and Canadian NLT Design & Construction Guides.
SELECTED PROJECTS
SHAARE ZEDEK CANCER CENTRE
Shaare Zedek Medical Centre is one of Israel’s most prominent health sciences organizations. Aspect is engaged to help develop the roof / lobby area of the new expansion, which is a mass timber structure with a large atrium skylight resembling a “butterfly”. Along with concept development, Aspect facilitated the RFQ and RFP process to help find the right partner for execution of the timber structure. Learn more…
Farrow Partners | Jerusalem, Israel
B&B GUIMARAES
A new B&B facility comprised of two base levels of reinforced concrete and two 4-storey CREE buildings overtop, with a total floor area of 77,500 sq.ft. Aspect provided complete structural engineering for the system, the complete shop drawing package for the prefabricated timber-concrete-hybrid slabs and prefabricated light wood frame panels, as well installation drawings. Learn more…
Grupo Casais | Guimarães, Portugal
NORTHSTOWE EDUCATION CAMPUS*
Part of a larger masterplan development, this project involved a number of buildings including a secondary school, special needs school, and sports facilities. The entire structural frame above ground for the buildings is formed from CLT and glulam comprising over 3000m3 timber. A special challenge was the requirement for a future extension of the sports hall, solved with a state-of-the-art glulam truss connected with glued in rods. Learn more…
Frank Shaw Associates | Cambridge, UK
PRESS HOUSE*
An affordable mixed-use residential development in Neasden, London, comprised of four blocks of varying heights, between 2 to 8 storeys. The CLT and glulam frame sits on top of a concrete podium, which forms the parking space and an elevated courtyard. CLT shear walls and floor plates create an efficient structure featuring hanging steel balconies attached to the main frame. Learn More…
Eurban | London, UK
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
ASPECT couldn’t be happier to have Thomas as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business, learn more about our Associates.
Meet the Associates – Eva Chau
We are thrilled to announce that Eva Chau (P.Eng., M.Eng.) has been promoted to Associate in our Toronto office! Eva has a wealth of experience in designing with all major building materials on projects ranging from small house renovations to large institutional, commercial, and civic projects. In her leadership role, Eva provides mentorship to our younger engineers and supports business development in Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Masters degree in Structural and Earthquake Engineering from the University of British Columbia.
Eva has worked on several high-profile and award-winning projects including St. Luke’s United Church Redevelopment in Toronto; Oakville Fire Station No.8; Humber River Regional Hospital in North York, ON; Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineering School in Borden, ON; and Pioneer Village Subway Station in Toronto.
Eva is passionate about structural engineering and always strives to help clients realize their unique visions. She believes that expressive and ambitious architecture does not have to come at the expense of rational and efficient structural systems.
SELECTED PROJECTS
ST. LUKE’S UNITED CHURCH
A new 12 storey residential building that will be constructed directly adjacent to the heritage St. Luke’s United Church. A portion of the new building will project overtop of the existing church. The project also includes demolition of some of the more recent additions around the main Sanctuary, and repurposing the existing main sanctuary building for new programming. Learn more…
KPMB Architects | Toronto, ON
OAKVILLE FIRE STATION NO.8
Oakville Fire Station No. 8 is a hybrid structure – a combination of mass timber and structural steel. Aspect was the specialty mass timber engineer working under Element 5 who was responsible for the supply of the mass timber package. The building is designed with a high performing building enclosure resulting in better thermal performance and reduced energy costs. Learn More…
Lett Architects, Element5 | Oakville, ON
ROYAL CANADIAN ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCHOOL*
This 140,000 sq.ft building serves as the central training facility for all Canadian Armed Forces mechanical and electrical engineers. Built to accommodate modern military vehicles and specialized training equipment, the building includes storage areas, administration and office spaces, classrooms, and six high-bay shop spaces for equipment maintenance training.
RDHA Architects | Borden, ON
PIONEER VILLAGE SUBWAY STATION*
One of the 6 new subway stations on the TTC’s York-Spadina subway extension, this 175,000 sq.ft. station is a distinct, whimsical architectural landmark incorporating a unique subway entrance hall clad in weathered steel and red porcelain enamel. The adjacent bus terminal features a cantilevered Corten canopy.
IBI Group, aLL Design | Toronto, ON
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
ASPECT couldn’t be happier to have Eva as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business, learn more about our Associates.
Meet the Associates – Shawn Kennedy
We are thrilled to announce that Shawn Kennedy (P.Eng., PE, M.A.Sc.) has joined the ASPECT team as an Associate in our Toronto office. Shawn graduated from the University of Sherbrooke in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering, and began his career in Vancouver working mainly on Institutional, Commercial, Residential and Mass Timber projects. He completed his Master’s in Civil Engineering in 2014 from the University of Laval in Quebec City, where his research focused on connections for Mass Timber products.
Shawn has worked on several high-profile and award-winning projects in Canada and Internationally, including the Ashram Temple of Light in Kootenay Bay, BC; NLC Heavy Mechanical Trade Building in Dawson Creek, BC; Terrace House in Vancouver, BC; OSU Forest Science Complex in Corvallis, OR; and Créteil Office Building in Paris, France.
Shawn is passionate about Mass Timber, and his Master’s research focused on fastener capacity in timber engineered products, which served as the basis for the development of design equations on the latest CSA 086 standard.
SELECTED PROJECTS
ASHRAM TEMPLE OF LIGHT*
This remote temple for the Yasodhara Ashram is on the forest’s edge overlooking Kootenay Lake. The structure consists of 8 large glulam arches connected by an innovative ring moment connection. Prefab light frame panels are laid across the arches to create the 3D flower shape of the temple. Learn more…
Patkau Architects | Kootenay Bay, BC
NLC TRADE CENTRE*
This building at the Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek provides workshops for carpentry, welding, plumbing, millwright, wind turbine technology, as well as student commons, classrooms, and offices. The building includes several skylights and long perimeter clerestories. The efficient mass timber structure includes prefabricated edge laminated veneer lumber (LVL) roof panels, LVL posts & beams, and cross laminated timber (CLT) walls. Learn More…
McFarland Marceau Architects | Dawson Creek, BC
COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA HMTF TRADE CENTRE*
A training facility for the students of heavy machinery, this building includes a large multifunctional workshop and several dedicated technology laboratories. Designed to offer much natural light, this two storey facility aims for an industrial yet elegant look, with structure including concrete, steel, masonry, and mass timber. Learn more…
OMB Architects | Dawson Creek, BC
HILLCREST RESIDENCE*
An exceptional private home in Whistler, perched above Alta Lake. The finished product demonstrates a distinct attention to detail. Steel framing was utilized to achieve impressive cantilevers and wood construction was opted for at the upper levels. The residence is Passivhaus intent using specialized connectors to minimize the effect of heat bridges.
Gort Scott Architect | Whistler, BC
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Aside from engineering many state-of-the-art buildings, Shawn is also engaged with the engineering community through publications and talks such as:
| ISM & SCGC Montreal & Quebec City | Oregon State University Peavy Hall Project | 2020 |
| Cecobois (Montreal & Quebec City) | Innovations in Mass Timber Design | 2018 |
| Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) | Mass Timber Structural Innovations | 2017 |
| WCTE Quebec City | Design Equations for Dowel Embedment Strength and Withdrawal Resistance for Threaded Fasteners in CLT | 2014 |
| Publication (WCTE) | Design Equations for Embedment Strength of Wood for Threaded Fasteners in the Canadian Timber Design Code | 2014 |
| Publication (WCTE) | Design Equation for Withdrawal Resistance of Threaded Fasteners in the Canadian Timber Design Code | 2014 |
| Publication (WCTE) | Design Equations for Dowel Embedment Strength and Withdrawal Resistance for Threaded Fasteners in CLT | 2014 |
ASPECT couldn’t be happier to have Shawn as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business, learn more about our Associates.
Meet the Associates – Ilana Danzig
We are proud to announce that Ilana Danzig (P.Eng., M.Eng., PE, SE) has joined the ASPECT team as an associate in our Vancouver office. Ilana graduated from the University of Alberta in 2008 with a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering, and began her career in Vancouver, BC working mainly on institutional projects, recreation facilities, and seismic retrofits. In 2012, Ilana attended the University of British Columbia for a Master's in Structural Engineering studying dynamics, seismic design, and mass timber structures. Her research focused on mass timber engineering in high-seismic zones, particularly connections for CLT diaphragms and shearwalls.
With over a decade of structural engineering experience, Ilana has worked on a wide range of projects in Canada and the US including the UBC Aquatic Centre, the Audain Art Museum, and the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
Experienced in all materials, she is passionate in structural mass timber design and seismic engineering. In her role as Associate at ASPECT, Ilana contributes to the continual improvement of the firm's technical and quality standards, and enthusiastically provides mentorship to our up-and-coming engineers.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Langford
The design of two mass timber buildings located in Langford, BC is currently underway: Terminus (5 stories, office) and Tallwood (12 stories, residential). The structural systems have been carefully chosen for each building to balance cost, functionality, and performance. Learn more…
Jack James Architect | Langford, BC
UBC Aquatic Centre*
A sectional split brings light deep into the center of the natatorium plan, where it is reflected or diffused to provide required natural lighting condition. Fully accessible and inclusive, while visually symbolizing the eminent venue of international competition. Designed to LEED Gold standards, the project focuses on daylighting, innovative water re-use and air quality strategies that are precedent-setting for North American aquatic facilities. Learn More…
Acton Ostry Architects / MJMA | Vancouver, BC
Radium Hot Springs Community Centre*
The Radium Hot Springs Community Hall and Library was built using an innovative DLT roof structure supported by glue laminated timber (glulam) beams and columns. Local sourcing was integrally important to the project. This project as featured on naturally:wood
Urban Arts Architecture | Radium, BC
OSU Advanced Wood Products Center*
The Oregon Forest Science Complex uses advanced wood products including cross-laminated timber made in Oregon. The complex showcases Oregon State’s premier forestry and wood science initiatives and devotion to improving our forest landscapes and ecosystems. Learn More.
Michael Green Architecture | Corvallis, OR
Audain Art Museum*
A beautiful, dynamic project that literally wraps users around nature, blurring the boundaries between man-made and natural. It creates a cultural magnet to help educate not only art, but eco-friendly design. Featured in Architect Magazine.
Patkau Architects | Whistler, BC
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Ilana not only has engineered many state of the art building she also gives back to the engineering community through her publications and talks such as:
| Tallwood Cost Comparison Study | Canadian Wood Council | Not Yet Published |
| Technical Guide for the Design and Construction of Tall Wood Buildings in Canada. Contributor and Peer Reviewer | Published by FPInnovations | 2013 and second edition in 2022 |
| Terminus, Vancouver Island: Solving a Mass Timber Challenge in a Seismic Region | The Structural Engineer (IStructE publication) | April 2022 |
| Terminus: Innovative Seismic Design For Mass Timber | Published in New Zealand Timber Design Journal, Volume 29, Issue 4 | November 2021 |
| Speaker | Future of Prefabrication Symposium, UBC | March 2022 |
| Mass Timber in High Seismic | Structural Engineering Podcast, Episode 59 | May 2021 |
| Terminus: Innovative Seismic Design | Published in Construction Business | April/May 2021 |
| Speaker | Future of Prefabrication Symposium, UBC | March 2021 |
| Demystifying Tall Wood Buildings | Published in Construction Business | September/October 2020 |
| Tall Wood Buildings | Conferences in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Edmonton with WoodWORKS! BC | 2019 |
| Mass Timber + Prefab Housing | Mass Timber Meetup | September 2021 |
ASPECT couldn't be happier to have Ilana as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business, learn more about our Associates.
