We've worked with DHC across multiple residential developments in Auckland, and the reason we keep going back is consistency. They understand how we build and design accordingly — practical, buildable solutions rather than the most conservative option on the shelf. On repetitive terraced housing that discipline makes a real difference to the project. We also value their responsiveness. Development runs on programme, and when we need a decision mid-consent or on site, DHC come back quickly with a clear position.
Gerard Costello
Director and General Manager
Neilston Homes
What we value most is DHC’s practical and collaborative approach. We mainly deal with Alyx and Jitarth, who are both a pleasure to work with. Alyx is our main DHC representative, and we deal with him and his team on an almost daily basis. They are always responsive, approachable, and willing to work alongside us to develop practical structural solutions that suit both the design intent and the realities of construction on site.
Jon Malcolm
General Manager
Signature Homes
DHC has been working with Gemscott for approximately six years and, over that time, has completed structural design work across more than 600 homes for us. We have always found the DHC team professional, responsive and reliable. Designs are consistently delivered within the required timeframes and to the standards and project requirements we expect. One of the key things we value is DHC’s practical approach to design.
Jasem Saleh
Development Director
Gemscott
I've had the pleasure of working with Alyx for over 10 years. As DHC has grown to what it is today, they are always the constant in our project team. We know what to expect, they are willing to listen and very respectful of the design intent. We have always felt that Alyx maintains active engagement in all our projects, which is rare and the wider team is highly responsive and aware of deadlines or critical timeframes when projects are on site.
Oli Booth
Director
Elmore Booth
Bastien at DHC Fire has prepared fire reports for us on a several commercial projects and also helped with passive fire assistance. The reports were clear and practical, and he was easy to work with when we needed further advice or came across challenges on site. We look forward to working with Bastien again in the future and have no reservations in recommending them to colleagues.
Shaun Anderson
Architect (ANZIA)
AND. Architecture
Bastien is our go-to fire engineer and a trusted part of our wider consultant team. He has a real talent for finding solutions outside the square, balancing innovation with practical, project-focused advice. Responsive, approachable, and great to work with, Bastien communicates clearly and always keeps the project moving forward. We regularly rely on his expertise for some of our most important clients, knowing he’ll deliver thoughtful, well-considered fire engineering solutions every time.
Gregory Shadbolt
Director, Registered Architect
Tilt Architecture
CMP worked with Nathan Watson and his DHC Team on the Risland Albany Project. The project was a great success and DHC were a fundamental part of this. Nathan and his team were extremely accommodating and innovative, thinking outside the box and delivering smart engineering solutions. They worked with CMP onsite to change details and aide buildability, making things easier and quicker for the CMP site team, resulting in a significant reduction in overall construction programme.
Matt Prumm
Senior Project Manager
CMP Construction
When we work with Alyx and the DHC team, we value their ability to hone in on the critical areas of the design and develop their structural design to complement or even enhance these. DHC have flexibility when working through design options. There are often a number of factors contributing to design decisions. DHC are able to look at a several different options before we settle on the preferred solution DHC are collaborative and responsive when working through a design process.
Sam Atcheson
Director
Dorrington Atcheson Architects Ltd
What we value about DHC is that cost and buildability are central to their thinking from the outset. They understand the commercial realities of development and use their expertise to challenge unnecessary complexity and find practical, efficient solutions. They have become valuable partners and we trust their judgement on where to spend and where we can simplify!
Ido Drent
Director
Elaman
Over several projects Bespoke and DHC have built a strong working relationship based on trust. We trust that no project is perfect, and that despite of this DHC will always remain positive. They have a proactive attitude, are willing to innovate and find solutions that are not necessarily the norm. This is why we seek opportunities to work with DHC where possible.
Leigh Wilson
Associate Principle Landscape Architect
Bespoke Landscape Architects
Just as importantly, DHC are simply a pleasure to work with. Nigel has built a team that is approachable, responsive and invested in the success of the project rather than just the completion of their scope. They communicate openly, provide pragmatic advice, and consistently go above and beyond when challenges arise. That combination of technical capability, commercial awareness and strong relationships is what has made DHC our go-to civil engineers for many years.
Peter Donovan
Head of Delivery
Auckland Airport
DHC has become that partner for us — we solely use DHC for all our civil engineering needs, across every project we undertake. Their track record of performance speaks for itself, but what sets them apart is their ability to carry learnings from one project to the next, putting systems in place that genuinely benefit the client over time. They're good people — knowledgeable, experienced, and with the right attitude — who are just as easy to work with on site as they are in the design phase.
Dean Van Deventer
Elaman
We’ve had a great experience working with DHC over the years and have always been very pleased with the level of support, professionalism and commitment from the team. Damian, in particular, has been doing an excellent job managing several of our current projects. He has a strong understanding of our needs and priorities, is proactive in dealing with issues, and we really appreciate the level of care and commitment he brings to our projects.
Jason Wong
Founder & Director
Park Homes
