Residential
Engineering

Two identical lime green rounded rectangular shapes side by side with a diagonal cut on their top-right corners, against a black background.

Straightforward from the start

“Consistency, practicality and being easy to work with. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to on every project. We’re proud that our clients see us as an extension of their own team rather than just a consultant, and that collaborative approach is something we’ll never stop investing in.”

Alyx Hodgson
Director, Residential Engineer

Two construction workers wearing white hard hats and orange reflective safety vests reviewing blueprints inside a wooden framed building under construction.

Residential Expertise

Practical engineering for homes and developments, designed to deliver more value.

  • Townhouses & duplexes
  • Multi-units including apartments
  • Spec homes
  • Architectural homes
  • Extensions and renovations to existing dwellings
  • Retirement villages
  • Retaining walls
  • Swimming pools

Sectors and
Capabilities

From early ideas and feasibility through to consent, tender and construction, we bring the right engineering thinking at the right time.

AREAS WE WORK IN

  • CommercialRetail & Shopping Centres, Office Buildings, Hotels, High-Rise, Medical Facilities, Carparking Buildings, Modular & Prefab Construction
  • EducationSchools, Daycare & Early Learning Facilities
  • Health & Aged CareRetirement Villages, Care Facilities, Hospitals
  • ResidentialTownhouses & Duplexes, Multi-Unit Developments, Apartments, Spec Homes, Architectural Homes, Extensions & Renovations, Retaining Walls, Swimming Pools
  • IndustrialWarehouses, Production Facilities, Powerplants, Water Retaining Structures, Tanks & Aquifers, Chimneys & Stacks, Warehouse Racking & Storage
  • Specialist Seismic ServicesSeismic Assessments (ISAs & DSAs), Seismic Strengthening, Seismic Restraint of Services, Structural Support of Internal Fit-Outs
  • ConstructionTemporary Works, Staged Construction Analysis, Plant & Equipment Support
  • InfrastructureBridges, Retaining Walls, Water Tanks and Pump Stations
Row of modern white brick townhouses with rectangular windows and dark gray doors, partially obscured by a tree with yellow-green leaves in the foreground.

Our Residential
Leadership Team

Alyx Hodgson
Alyx Hodgson
Director
Structural Engineer
Residential
All
Alyx Hodgson
Director
—
Structural Engineer
Director
—
Structural Engineer
Auckland
Alyx Hodgson
Director
—
Structural Engineer
Auckland

With many years of experience across a variety of structural engineering sectors—including residential, commercial, educational and aged care—Alyx has dedicated his craft to the residential sector. Alyx enjoys the collaborative nature of residential engineering, working closely with architects, clients, developers, and other consultants to bring solutions to life. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he uses his technical skills to deliver buildable, cost-effective structural designs. As a Director of DHC, Alyx is passionate about providing support to his staff and encouraging them to further their careers. He always makes himself available for questions and training, as he is proud of his team and driven to continue to raise the most highly skilled residential engineers. His vision is for DHC to be recognised as the “go to” engineering company in the New Zealand residential market. In the weekends you can find Alyx coaching or supporting his kids on the side of sports fields. In his downtime, he is most often swinging a golf club at Waitemata Golf Club or enjoying one of the many beaches north of Auckland.

Dominic Hurley
Dominic Hurley
Director
Structural Engineer
Residential
All
Dominic Hurley
Director
—
Structural Engineer
Director
—
Structural Engineer
Auckland
Dominic Hurley
Director
—
Structural Engineer
Auckland

With extensive experience across Auckland and regional New Zealand, Dominic is a highly skilled Structural Engineer specialising in a diverse range of projects. As a Director of DHC and Senior Engineer in the Residential team, Dominic focuses on delivering practical and cost-effective engineering solutions for high-end residential properties, medium-density developments, educational facilities, and light commercial projects. With a deep understanding of structural principles and a commitment to quality, he ensures that each project is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and compliant with industry standards. His expertise in engineering design and problem-solving makes him invaluable in any development initiative. Outside of work, you can find Dominic spending time with his young kids and hitting up the golf course.

Harpo Wang
Harpo Wang
Associate
Structural Engineer
Residential
All
Harpo Wang
Associate
—
Structural Engineer
Associate
—
Structural Engineer
Auckland
Harpo Wang
Associate
—
Structural Engineer
Auckland

Harpo is a highly accomplished Senior Structural Engineer with over 18 years of experience in design consultancy, contributing to a wide range of high-profile commercial and residential projects. His portfolio spans everything from luxury architectural homes and retirement villages to multi-level apartment buildings, terrace houses, and educational facilities. Known for a practical and economical approach to design, he is passionate about creating solutions tailored to each client's vision. He also works closely with clients and consultant teams to add genuine value to every project. His work includes multiple award-winning designs, showcasing a strong ability to deliver innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

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

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

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

Be the reason
‍projects happen.

Two construction workers wearing orange safety vests and helmets stand on a construction site near wooden framing; one points ahead while the other holds blueprints, with an ocean in the background.